Blown Away: How Aurea's Balloon Arches Are Elevating Every Celebration
For Aurea Casarez, being a Patient Access Representative at Erie Family Health Centers is more than just a job—it’s a reflection of her dedication to her community and her ability to balance multiple responsibilities with grace. Aurea grew up understanding the importance of hard work and perseverance. She now uses those same values in both her career at Erie and her entrepreneurial venture in balloon decorating.
Aurea and her best friend Jaz are turning balloons into bold, breathtaking centerpieces — transforming ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences. What began as a creative hobby has blossomed into a growing balloon arch business that brings joy, beauty, and community together, one event at a time.
A Creative Journey Fueled by Friendship
For Aurea, the heart of her business is more than just balloons — it’s the joy of learning, growing, and creating alongside her best friend. “It allows me to stay creative, meet new people, and spend time learning,” she shares. Together, the two bring their individual strengths to each project: Aurea is a visual learner who thrives when she sees designs come to life, while Jaz gathers inspiration from clients and crafts the blueprint for each display.
The Art and Effort Behind the Arches
Each balloon arch is a labor of love, typically requiring about four hours to set up — sometimes even longer for more complex pieces. Their creations often feature a mix of large, mid-size, and small balloons in carefully chosen colors, sourced from places like Amazon or their trusted local store, Anayeli’s Decorations.
Anayeli’s doesn’t just sell balloons — they’re part of the learning process too. The shop offers all-day classes where balloon artists can learn how to set up, anchor, and structure arches to be both visually striking and structurally sound — whether indoors or outdoors. This is where Aurea and Jaz learned their craft and began to set the foundation for their own business, BallonsbyJaz.
Events with Heart
From baby showers to birthday parties and baptisms, Aurea’s balloon arches have become the highlight of a wide variety of events. Some of her biggest designs have used nearly 1,000 balloons, with reactions that are always the same: awe. “People are shocked when they see the final result,” she says. “They can’t believe balloons could look that good!”
Aurea's favorite part? Watching people connect through her work. “It brings people together,” she explains. That sentiment was especially true during Erie Humboldt Park’s One Erie Festive Celebration last December. Aurea was honored to be asked to create a balloon arch photo backdrop that became a central space for laughter, pictures, and memories. “It was a nice way to welcome new employees and feel supported by the community,” she adds.
Design Meets Strategy
Each design starts with the client — who often shares inspiration photos — and Jaz translates that into a detailed setup plan. This includes budget considerations, time needed at the venue, and design themes. To capture the final product, Jaz uses a special phone lens that enhances scale and depth, helping clients see just how stunning their setup will be.
More Than Balloons
At the core of this business is something bigger: creativity, collaboration, and celebration. For Aurea and Jaz, it's about turning everyday moments into something magical — and reminding people that even balloons can be art when they’re handled with heart.
A Career Built on Connection
At Erie, Aurea plays a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the care they need and thrives in an environment where teamwork and communication are essential. Aurea takes pride in being a vital part of a system that helps people navigate their healthcare journeys.
Even on her days off, she understands the necessity of medical visits: “Nobody wants to go to the clinic on their day off—you go because you need to feel better.” This perspective deepens her empathy for the patients she serves, reinforcing the importance of her role at Erie.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Forward
One of her most rewarding skills? “Taking a space and making it beautiful.” Whether it’s transforming a venue for a celebration or helping patients feel comfortable at Erie, Aurea continues to make a difference in every aspect of her life.
As she continues to grow in her career and business, one thing remains certain: Aurea Casarez is committed to making the world around her a little brighter, one patient and one celebration at a time.