Q&A with Angelica Castro Cuineme of Rainbow Balloons by Angelica
Take a moment to learn about Angelica Castro Cuineme and her business, Rainbow Balloons by Angelica!
Q: What brought you to Rochester and what motivates you to stay in the area?
A: I’m originally from Colombia, and I first came to Minnesota 15 years ago through a student exchange program. I studied Animal Science back home, and when I arrived, I fell in love with the kindness and warmth of the people here—especially in Rochester. I initially moved to Rochester for work at Mayo Clinic, where I was part of a research team studying ovarian cancer as a lab technician. But what truly brought me to live here was the birth of my first child. I didn’t want to drive 40 minutes from Altura, MN when he arrived, and I was drawn to Rochester’s diversity and welcoming community.
Q: What is your background in work and/or education?
A: I’m a trained animal scientist with a specialization in nutrition and animal feeding. But beyond that, I’ve always been passionate about creating art and decorative pieces—especially with balloons. That passion led me to become a certified Professional Balloon Designer here in the U.S. I also work in digital business with international companies, which allows me to connect globally while staying rooted in my creative mission.
Q: What initially sparked your interest in balloon art? What inspired you to turn it into a business?
A: I’ve always had a love for balloon art, but growing up in Colombia, I didn’t see it as a real profession. I remember taking a balloon figure class as a child, but I didn’t give it much attention—20 years ago, it wasn’t considered a viable career path.
During the COVID pandemic, I was working at a dairy farm, and with so much time at home and nowhere to go, I started experimenting with balloon designs, even though I had no formal training. My husband—my biggest supporter—saw the talent in me and constantly encouraged me, praising my work and motivating me to keep learning through social media.
The turning point came when I realized I wanted to enroll my son in a private Catholic school, and I needed to start saving for his education. I was six months pregnant at the time—haha! That’s when I decided to take a course to better understand the business and learn how to make balloon flowers, which I absolutely love. It wasn’t easy, but with practice, technique, and persistence, I can now proudly say I’m an expert. My son is three years old today.
Later, during my second pregnancy, I made the decision to officially launch Rainbow Balloon by Angelica LLC. Balloon art began as a creative outlet for me—a way to express joy, color, and celebration. Over time, I realized how powerful it could be as a branding tool and a way to bring people together. That’s when Rainbow Balloons by Angelica was born. The name “Rainbow Balloons” holds deep personal meaning: both of my children are Rainbow Babies, and this business is a tribute to the hope and beauty they brought into my life. It’s not just about balloons—it’s about storytelling, healing, and creating unforgettable moments. And one of my biggest dreams is I wanted more time with my children and less time working at the clinic. Three months ago, I transitioned to working full-time on Rainbow Balloons, and now I’m preparing to teach—I'm launching my first basic balloon course in both English and Spanish.
To make it happen, I got certified. A funny detail: I presented my final project to graduate while nine months pregnant! It was a wild adventure, but every day I fall more in love with this art. Rochester has been a great place to grow this dream. I’ve found amazing resources like Collider and the SBDC that have helped me build my business and turn this vision into reality.
Q: What are some of your favorite balloon creations to make?
A: I absolutely love making flowers using the distortion technique—they create a powerful visual impact and make each balloon composition truly unique. I also enjoy making mascot-style balloon costumes for fairs and parades. It’s something very few people do, and it sparks so much emotion, especially in children. Balloon bouquets are another favorite, usually made for kids. The memories, emotions, and smiles they create mean so much more to me than money. That joy is what keeps me inspired.
Q: In your experience, has Rochester been a supportive community for your business?
A: Yes, absolutely. Rochester has given me a community where I can grow without labels or limitations. The Chamber of Commerce, Collider, and the SBDC have all provided incredible tools and support to help me learn and thrive—always walking alongside me as I lead Rainbow Balloons by Angelica LLC. What I love most is the way women come together to create and support one another. As a Latina woman, I’ve always felt welcomed and embraced by this community, and that means everything to me.
Q: What is a piece of advice that you would give to an aspiring entrepreneur or someone just getting their business started?
A: Don’t be afraid to dream big and start. Nothing worthwhile is easy—and if it were, it’d be boring! Don’t set mental barriers or ceilings for yourself. Instead, plan, visualize, and build community with others who share your passion and never give up. One crucial piece of advice: don’t improvise. Seek help—there are resources out there—and keep an open mind to reach your goals. Give that extra mile every day to make your business the best and most recognized, because visibility is key. In this digital era, with AI and constant evolution, the most powerful thing we can do is be as authentic and visible as possible.
And to my fellow Latinas: don’t be afraid to express yourselves, but fill your hearts with the courage to learn how to communicate—because that makes all the difference. We must be excellent and competitive, but never segregate ourselves. We belong, and we thrive when we show up with confidence and unity.
Q: What are some activities and hobbies you enjoy in your spare time? Do you have any favorite local businesses you like to go to?
A: Honestly, with two little ones at home, there’s not much free time! But I love going to church—I’m Catholic—and I enjoy reading, listening to entrepreneur podcasts, visiting the dairy farm, and spending time with my family. I also love going to Wine and Canvas. I don’t go often, but every time I do, I absolutely enjoy it. As a proud Colombian, I’m a coffee lover, so Mezza 9 and Caribou Coffee are some of my favorite spots to think, read, and meet with others.
