This Spotlight originally appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of the 503. Magazine. Click here to read the entire edition online.
Rose City Balloons Owner Betsy Vega in front of one of her balloon arch creations
Driven by passionate energy and built by a creative spirit, Rose City Balloons is truly one of its kind in our business community, specializing in custom balloon displays, structures, garlands, arches, and more for any and all types of celebrations.
That creative spirit at the center is founder and owner Betsy Vega, whose vision and natural talent for design led to an original business idea.
“I have always been a creative person,” Vega said. “My forte was sewing and knitting my own clothes when I was a teenager. When I became a mom, I began decorating my kids’ parties and then my coworker’s cubicles and church events, until one day, a coworker said, ‘Hey, you could make money doing this.’”
With encouragement and support from friends and family, Vega started B.R. Konexion LLC in 2015 from her home with a mission to “create smiles one balloon at a time by enhancing the parties of those we touch.” While Vega rebranded the business to Rose City Balloons in 2021 to develop a more linear association with the business’s services, that mission has remained the same over Vega’s nine years in business in Salem.
Although Vega acknowledges there are others in the area creating do-it-yourself balloon displays, she says her business sets itself apart with its commitment to using sustainable products and its specific attention to the client’s needs. But what makes Rose City Balloons all the more special is Vega’s artistic ability to create any custom design a client can dream up.
“I love the impact balloons have on people and I love to see them smile when they see a beautiful creation,” Vega said about what she enjoys most. “I feel responsible when I deliver an installation, as I feel it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event because those pictures last forever. Therefore, I make sure that it is the best possible display.”
Shortly after rebranding the business, Vega opened a brick-and-mortar store inside the 45th Parallel building in Northeast Salem and has since relocated her shop to 160 Chemawa Road in Keizer, where she will continue to make dream celebrations a reality for customers in the area.
“I am looking forward to continuing serving our community as a unique international balloon artist and by providing professional-grade biodegradable products to anyone who loves to decorate with balloons!” Vega said.
Learn more about Rose City Balloons, see more of its incredible creations, and place online orders by visiting rosecityballoonsusa.com.