Gerardo

My name is Gerardo, but everyone calls me "G". I'm the owner and creator of Destin0 Balloons, and more importantly, a proud father, artist, and dreamer. I'm a first- generation Mexican- American, one of six siblings (including a fraternal twin), and now a dad to two amazing girls and a wonderful stepson who is autistic.

The idea for Destin0 Balloons came to me during one of the most difficult moments of my life. When my daughter was just one year old, she suffered a febrile seizure that took us to the Arkansas Children's Hospital. As I watched her in her bed, and looking to cheer her up. I walked through the lobby, and I noticed so many children without smiles- quiet, anxious, and afraid. I asked myself, what could bring a smile to a child's face? Not clowns- they can be scary. Not magicians- I can't do magic. But balloons.. balloons can make anyone smile.

Our slogan, "Here to Make a Smile!", was born from that hospital experience. During the pandemic, we proudly donated balloon buddies to The Meadows in Bentonville, bringing smiles to seniors who were isolated during quarantine.

My children remind me daily why I do what I do. My 8-year-old step-son, whom I have raised and consider my son, has also grown my heart. He is a level 3 ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) and loves it when I create his balloon animals for him. Especially when it comes to his routine changes, or when he becomes overstimulated. His go-to toy is one he created himself by tying 30 string balloons to a Hot Wheels race track. For me, this isn't just a business-it's a way to share art, hope, and smiles with the world.