Episode 6

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Published on:

8th Oct 2020

Keeping Busy While Semi-Retired in Paradise, Ep. 6

Ken Shute is a semi-retired hobby entrepreneur who is currently based on the big island in Hawaii. He has been part of the balloon entertainment industry for 15 years; but, now that he has moved his business from California to Hawaii, he exclusively focuses on designing, sewing, and customizing specialty gear used by balloon artists around the world. In this interview, we talk about how the Covid-19 pandemic has “grounded” many of his entertainer colleagues which has, in turn, affected the demand for Ken’s products. During his busy times prior to the shutdown, Ken was often in his spare-bedroom workshop, putting 60 to 80 hours a week into creating and shipping his balloon aprons, bags, and other gear. However, he’s had a lot more down time recently and has changed his focus toward raising chickens and adding even more tropical plants to his one-acre Hawaiian farm in paradise. 

In the past, Ken worked on some large scale and high-profile projects at places such as Universal Studios Hollywood and was able to connect with some big names in the balloon world over the years. We talk about how a lot of those in the “business of fun” are generally good at collaborating and are currently engaging in more virtual balloon jams in order to continue to practice their skills and discuss business strategies. During the pandemic, many are temporarily switching gears from parties and festivals to work-from-home alternatives such as lawn decor and deliveries or focusing more on developing and learning new designs in order to retain their skills during this slow season. Ken has been invited to speak with entertainers at conventions, and he currently runs a Facebook group specifically for those in the balloon industry who are working on their business and marketing strategies.

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Ken Shute of Air Born Creations, can be found in the following ways:

SuperK@AirBornCreations.com

https://www.airborncreations.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AirBornCreations

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About the Podcast

Yes, I Work From Home
April Malone interviews people who work from home
Yes, I Work From Home is a community where people share stories about their work-from-home journey. April Malone is the host and interviews a wide variety of people who work from home in different capacities. Guests include entrepreneurs, freelancers, teleworking employees, and those managing a home-based business or remote team. April and her guests discuss how they started working from a home office, some of the challenges they've faced, benefits, and tips and tricks that might help others. Interview guests will talk about why and how they work from home, what they do, who they help, and how they balance work with household responsibilities. They'll also talk about how they manage staying connected with colleagues, clients, and work to maintain healthy habits and a social life. Listeners will be informed about upcoming WFH community events and hear about helpful physical products, digital tools, and services that April and her guests feel are worth recommending.

This podcast has a typical run time of 45 minutes, published twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Learn more about April Malone and the community at Yes, I Work From Home: https://www.yesiworkfromhome.com/

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April Malone

April Malone is the founder of Yes, I Work From Home and the host of this podcast. She is an adult educator who helps people improve their work-from-home situation by cultivating a community of sharing and accountability for people who work from home. April has worked from home for 12 years in a variety of roles including as an employee of a major health organization, running an online store selling physical product, and she spent two years as a full-time online ESL teacher. April is in the USA and is originally from the northern state of Minnesota known for its lakes, mosquitos, and brutal winters; but she now lives with her husband and three children in Arizona, where the desert summers are incredibly hot but the winters are lovely.