We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Backus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have wanted to be an event planner for the last ten years of my life. It was not until having my son in 2019 that I truly decided to put that dream into motion. I started thinking of things I did not see much of, and that was balloons. I love creating things, and balloons seemed like a fun way to do it. It truly was not until I decided I just needed to take the leap and start it, where Ruby and Roy Events truly took off.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I primarily focus on balloon decorations. I am down for practically anything- You want a balloon garland on your five story building? let’s do it! You are looking for some action figures to add for your child’s birthday? I’ve got you covered. I am willing to learn anything for my customer so that we can create the best possible balloon decor for your event. Doing all of this is not easy. I work a full time job, am a mom to three boys, and do as much balloon work as I can in between all of this. Every day you can catch me watching educational balloon videos to improve my skills. I have found that when you get complacent, so does your business. I don’t want that. Running a business (the numbers, the writing, marketing, etc) can be really difficult when you are creative minded. I have had to find my balance and write down a lot of things. I keep track of everything in a planner and also my phone. I hope to get a software system where I can house all of this. I also hope to build a website where each customer can create their design straight from the site. Ruby and Roy are the names of my late grandparents. They were creative minded people who loved people and gave all they had back to their community. I used their names as my business name to always keep that my focus- love others, support your community, and give it your all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Places I really love to go for hiking and the views is Superstition Mountains, Canyon Lake, and Papago Park. If a friend is here on the weekend, we would hit up First friday on Roosevelt St. downtown to people watch but also look at the cool art everywhere. The Mongollan Rim and Payson are some great spots as well for being out in nature. As for food, Old Ellsworth Brewery (their poutine is to die for!), Rehab Burger, Republica Empanada, and Sushi Creek are some of my favorites!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Breanna Edwards with Forget-Me-Knot Weddings has been my biggest supporter. When my business was only a mere thought in my head, she was there encouraging me to just start. She has provided me a ton of support along the way. My husband, Ryan, and his push and continual support in this whole venture is what keeps me going. Jennie Allen and her book “Get Out of Your Head” has been amazing in helping me keep my head up throughout the start of my business. It is incredibly easy to get stuck in your thought of self-doubt; that you are not good enough to do this, and her book has taught me to overcome that thought.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyandroyevents/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubyandRoyEvents/

Image Credits
Tialyn John Photography

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