We know you single folks are busy. iList Paducah's Mary Thorsby goes on that first date so you don't have to!February 5, 2010
Melissa Vinson
Who makes Lourdes Mardi Gras and All That Jazz look so festive and Mardi Gras-y? It’s the festive and fabulously beautiful Melissa Vinson of MelRhea Balloon Creations. Meet her at the Fat Tuesday fundraiser, Feb. 16!
Melissa Vinson, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! Here we go!
- I am a professional, Certified Balloon Artist…no, really! Check out melrheaballoons.com if you don’t believe me. In addition to my local work, I am the only balloon artist to receive the national designation of Designer of the Year twice in the same year (at two separate conventions).
- I have an amazing 4-year-old son who is totally into cars and sparkling water. He makes me laugh a lot — he is quite witty for his age. He also amazes people with how well he behaves (people constantly comment about that). Nothing is sweeter than when he says, “Hey! (insert long pause) I love you!” I am so proud to be his mommy!
- I really love to travel. Some of the cool countries I’ve visited include the Netherlands, Hungary, Albania, China and Israel. I must visit all 50 states before I leave this life. I think I am up to 26 or so. Being a nationally recognized balloon instructor has increased this number substantially.
The name of my business, MelRhea Balloon Creations, is a combination of my first and middle name (Melissa + Rhea = MelRhea). It’s actually a nickname an old high school boyfriend came up with.- I can clog. No, this does not mean that I plug up the kitchen sink drain. It’s a type of American folk dance that requires a quick step and lots of stamina. Ironically, I am not a country music fan.
- I used to be really good at the alto saxophone. I definitely need to pick it up more (Dad reminds me periodically, and he is right).
- I could eat Chinese food everyday and not get tired of it. I was in utter bliss in Shanghai — breakfast, lunch AND dinner!
- I have some mad culinary skills (thank you, Mom). I can cook or bake most anything. For a period of time, I was a junkie about entering the competitions at the McCracken County Fair. It paid off though. I won lots of ribbons (and some money) in baking, crafts and photography. I am proudest of the purple grand champion ribbons for the black & white photo of my son and oatmeal cookies.
- There are 12 and a half years between me and my only sibling. He is a senior this year. I remember saying, “Man, I’ll be so old when he graduates high school!” I’ll be 31 when that happens, and I have changed my mind about that being old.
- The most famous person I have ever shook hands with is Jared Fogle, the Subway sandwich guy. That was interesting, but if he’s the most famous person I’ve met, then maybe I need to get out more.
- I like condiments, all kinds of them. Mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Patti’s sauce in the bottle, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Chong’s sweet & sour sauce (more so the one for the egg rolls instead of the red stuff), etc., etc.
- I love the challenge of decorating for themed events like the festive feel of Lourdes Mardi Gras & All That Jazz. Corporate décor and proms are favorites, too. But, who am I kidding? I love decorating for ALL events! What’s not to love about balloons (besides the occasional pop, which can actually be used as a benefit sometimes)?
- I adore fall! My favorite thing to do is to bundle up my little guy and take him for a pumpkin patch ride at Schmidt Farms, let him pick out his favorite pumpkin and then warm up with some hot apple cider.
Event décor is not my only passion. I love hanging out with my family, friends and little man; researching things on Google; doing outdoorsy stuff like camping, canoeing, running and hiking; participating in cultural activities; becoming the best person I can be; messing around with Quark and Photoshop; cooking yummy things and planning interior design (just bought a house).
- My absolute, most favorite movie is Office Space. However, I have lots of favorites and am open to many genres, except for really gross horror films. Yuck.
- I do not read fiction (unless you consider the occasional Hollywood online gossip in the fiction category). It’s only non-fiction how-tos or life stories for me.
- Jesus Christ holds a special place in my life. I was raised in the Baptist faith. Through my world travels, I have been learning more about other religions and their beliefs. I like to be open-minded and not judgmental. It upsets me when a few members in the church are so critical and judgmental that it turns away someone who is truly searching for answers.
- I have a bachelor’s degree from Murray State University in Advertising and Graphic Design. Both areas come in handy in my day-to-day life. I also received an associate’s degree from Paducah Community College (now WKCTC) and served among their first group of student ambassadors. Oh, and I went to UT Martin for a semester.
- My favorite quote is “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” from the song “Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon.
- I’m focusing on making new friends right now — not looking for anything too serious at the moment.
- The next big event I’ll be decorating for is the Lourdes Foundation Mardi Gras and All That Jazz. I’ve been working with the fabulous ladies of Lourdes for six years now and wouldn’t miss this amazingly fun night. I personally think it’s better than going down to New Orleans…awesome eats (and drinks), fantastic fun and sweet music abound! See you there!
