Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Nash.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative at heart. Growing up, I was the kid throwing Valentine’s Day parties, Halloween parties, birthday parties — if there was an excuse to celebrate, I was all in. I was lucky to have parents who embraced that creative side of me, driving me to the store to pick out decorations and cheering me on as I filled the house with friends and fun.
As I got older, that love for planning events followed me — first with my friends in college, and then, more meaningfully, when I became a mom. Planning celebrations for my own little one made me realize just how much I loved making people feel special. At the same time, I was juggling the reality of how busy life gets, especially for parents. I found myself thinking, “Why not do what I love — and help others do the same?”
That’s how Party & POP! was born. Originally known as Poppin’ Picnics Events, it started as a small balloon and luxury picnic business that I ran as a stay-at-home mom, looking for a creative outlet and a way to bring in a little extra income. What began in my living room has now grown into a full family-owned business with a growing inventory of rentals — from chairs and backdrops to marquee letters, bounce houses, disco balls, and more. Our balloon designs have expanded beyond simple garlands into fully custom, creative installs that transform spaces.
While I still love creating beautiful picnic setups, we’ve shifted our focus to balloon décor and rentals because that’s where we’ve seen the biggest need — helping people who are juggling busy schedules and just want to make their loved ones feel celebrated without all the stress.
What started as a one-woman operation has turned into something so much bigger — a creative business I’m incredibly proud of, built with the support of my family, and driven by a passion to help others make their moments POP.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been far from easy. Juggling life as a full-time mom, a soon-to-be wife supporting my fiancé’s businesses, a full-time career and growing my own business can feel like a lot — because it is. Behind the scenes, I’m managing everything from branding and marketing to client communication, the detailed planning that goes into even the simplest balloon installs or rentals, and of course, making sure every event is executed beautifully.
Finding the time to give my business the attention it deserves hasn’t always been smooth, but it has been worth it. Every late night, every bit of stress, and every moment of self-doubt fades away when I get to see the finished product and the joy it brings to my clients. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of love — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Party & POP! is a locally owned, family-run business specializing in custom balloon décor and creative party rentals — from bounce houses and backdrops to fun party props that help bring any celebration to life.
What I’m most proud of is the growth this business has seen. What started as a creative idea has grown into a full-scale event service with a strong focus on quality, creativity, and customer experience.
What sets us apart is not only the personal care we put into every event, but also our vision for the future. The goal isn’t just to stay small — it’s to grow into something bigger: a full-scale party boutique and event venue where clients can find everything they need to celebrate, all in one place. We’re building something exciting, and this is just the beginning.
How do you define success?
For me, success is all about growth — not just in business, but as a person. It’s about constantly learning, pushing myself, and evolving, while also truly enjoying what I’m doing. I believe success isn’t just about reaching a certain milestone — it’s about making sure you’re happy along the way. It may not always be easy, but if you lose that sense of joy and start dreading the hard work, what’s the point?
One of the biggest measures of success for me is having my family see the work I’m putting in and feeling inspired by it. Whether they choose to follow in my footsteps or chase something entirely their own, I want them to know that with passion, consistency, and hard work, they can build something meaningful too.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partyandpopstl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/partyandpop
Image Credits
Photography by Tanisha Watkins LLC
Turn the Paige Photography
