In July 2000 at the age of 21, Melissa Vinson was introduced to the world of balloons and started her own décor business, MelRhea Balloons. Over the years, Melissa has become recognized as a leader in the balloon industry. Her stylish and elegant event designs have been recognized world wide, and her use of mixed media with balloons has drawn critical acclaim from both industry icons and day to day decorators alike.
Melissa is a multi-award winning artist. She was named “Designer of the Year” at both Summer Balloon Camp (August 2008) and FLOAT the convention (November 2008). Her work has been featured in Images Magazine, on Betallic.com and BalloonHQ.com. She has gained the reputation as a globetrotter, designing at various events across the United States and in China, Israel, Russia and Australia. She is also a successful instructor both in the classroom and with her popular instructional videos. Melissa loves to share her knowledge of balloons in a fun and creative setting – using all different shapes and sizes of latex and foils, rounds and non-rounds, to create memorable, long lasting designs.
Awards & Honors
2008
• FLOAT the Convention – Designer of the Year
• FLOAT the Convention – 1st Place Large Sculpture
• FLOAT the Convention – 1st Place Centerpiece
• FLOAT the Convention – 1st Place Entrance Decor
• FLOAT the Convention – Delegate Choice for Large Sculpture
• FLOAT the Convention – Delegate Choice for Centerpiece
• FLOAT the Convention – Delegate Choice for Entrance Décor
• Summer Balloon Camp – Designer of the Year
• Summer Balloon Camp – 1st Place Portfolio
• Summer Balloon Camp – 1st Place Centerpiece
• Summer Balloon Camp – 1st Place Small Non-Round Sculpture
• Summer Balloon Camp – 2nd Place Large Sculpture
• AEMI Fashion Show Designer – Shanghai, China
• BalloonHQ.com Featured Artist – October 2009
• Balloon Camp Las Vegas – Instructor & Final Night Lead Designer
• Twist & Shout – Instructor 2010
• FLOAT the Convention – Designer Awards Gala Lead Designer
• BLOW Convention Instructor – Israel
• Betallatex Artistic Achievement Award for Wearable Balloon Art
• Twist & Shout – Instructor 2011
• Twist & Shout – 2nd Place Small Sculpture
• Twist & Shout – 2nd Place Medium Sculpture
• Twist & Shout – 3rd Place Uninflated Sculpture
• AEMI Event Balloon Artist & Instructor – Wuhan, China
2012
• World Balloon Convention – Gold Achievement Delivery Bouquet
• World Balloon Convention – Silver Achievement Balloon Hat
• AEMI Event Balloon Artist & Instructor – Suzhou & Zhengzhou, China
• BRAVO International Instructor – Yekaterinburg, Russia
• Twist & Shout – Instructor
2013
• FLOAT the Convention – 1st Place Freestyle Centerpiece
• FLOAT the Convention – 3rd Place Entrance Decor
• FLOAT the Convention – Delegate’s Choice, Entrance Decor
• FLOAT the Convention – 3rd Place Table Centerpiece
• Australian Balloon Convention International Presenter – Surfer’s Paradise, Australia
• Conwin Spotlight Artist
• Twist & Shout – 1st Place Small Sculpture
• Twist & Shout – 2nd Place Medium Sculpture
• Twist & Shout – 2nd Place Uninflated Sculpture
2014
• Twist & Shout – 1st Place Small Sculpture
• Twist & Shout – 2nd Medium Small Sculpture
• Twist & Shout – 2nd Place Uninflated Sculpture
2015
• FLOAT the Convention – Instructor
• FLOAT the Convention – Awards Gala Lead Designer
• West Coast Event & Balloon Convention – 2nd Place Entrance
• West Coast Event & Balloon Convention – 3rd Place Large Sculpture
• Sempertex Europe – International Instructor
• Betallic INSPIRE Award
2016
• Balloon Academy – Instructor
• burton + BURTON – Educational Balloon Specialist
2016
• Airigami Doha Festival Installation Artist, Qatar
• Guinness World Record Team Area Designer, Largest Balloon Zoo, China
2018
• Twist & Shout – People’s Choice, Balloon Couture Dress Design
• Twist & Shout – 2nd Place Balloon Couture Dress Design
• RVA Enchanted Balloon Garden for Deb Fellman – Team Member
• Australian Balloon Wedding Installation – Stage Designer
2019
• FLOAT the Convention – Instructor
• FLOAT the Convention – Awards Gala Stage Designer
• BASA Victoria Balloon Camp – International Instructor, Australia
• Promotions and Profits Retreat Orlando – Instructor