When Lynda and Jim assumed ownership of their Bethany flower shop, Ann's Secret Garden, Lynda was immediately drawn to balloon bouquets. The previous owner hadn't seen the profit potential in them, but Lynda could see how they could make their sales rise.

After attending a few floral conventions and learning more about balloon companies and products, Lynda stopped at one balloon vendor's booth for a demonstration.

"They taught me how to make a baby's pacifier out of balloons and I was hooked," she recalled witha merry laugh. "All of a sudden, I could see all kinds of ways we could market balloons right along with flowers. they are a perfect partnership."

Lynda went all out and soared to the top of the balloon world, becoming one of only a handful of florists who is also a certified balloon artist. She proudly calls herself a "ballooniac." As she suspected, the balloons have lifted their sales in practically every category. The couple has fulfilled requests to decorate for weddings, parties, proms, conventions, and seminars. They have created special balloon bouquets for birthday parties, anniversaries, baby showers, grand openings, and graduation ceremonies.

They are especially glad that balloon bouquets are big hits with men. Lynda said they work better than flowers only for "the masculine events like birthdays, football parties, and Father's Day." Their selection of Father's Day "bokays" are big sellers, sporting crowns and stars (King of the Day, All Star Dad), kites (Flying High Dad), and sailboats (Ahoy!).

"When you couple flowers with balloons, it just works for men's gifts," Lynda said. "And our balloons last as long as or longer than the flowers. Some of our helium-filled balloons last for a month."

Their red, white, and blue patriotic bokays have welcomed home military men and women returning from active duty overseas. Their balloon canopies, chandeliers, and ceiling fans (that actually work!) have graced small and large parties and events.

"Just like with the florist trade, balloon artists learn all the time," Lynda said. "Whatever I'm asked to do, I try my best to do it. I've designed 14-feet cowboy hats and 60-inch round wedding cakes out of balloons. The products keep improving and there is always something new to try."

Find other creative Bethany florists or Oklahoma City florists on Findaflorist.com.