By Connor Robertson
Just three years ago, Aaron O’Loughlin from Galway City picked up a few balloons and started crafting simple event decorations. Today, he’s the proud owner of O’Loughlin Elegant Events Galway, a flourishing décor
business that spans across Ireland and soon, the UK.
First Steps
“I started off with some small balloons and small setups”, Aaron recalls. “And then I got really good at this, and I started adding flowers to the balloon setups”. From there, demand for Aaron’s designs grew quickly, growing into a full-time profession. “People started wanting just flowers with no balloons, and then it went bigger and bigger… then they asked me could I do weddings”. And he did. One setup turned into another. Weddings led to tribute wreaths for funerals, and that’s when Aaron’s name truly began to take off. “To be honest, I think I got most of my business when I started doing the funerals…that’s when my business began to be known all over”. Today, Aaron employs four staff and is preparing to launch his first UK store in Birmingham this January. “I’m covering Ireland and England now”, he says proudly. “My plan for the future is to cover all of Ireland and England…just keep growing and growing”.
A Leap of Faith
Like many entrepreneurs, Aaron’s journey wasn’t one he had planned. “Three years ago…I never had pictured this”, he says. “I had no experience…I learned just by watching YouTube and just practice really. Loads of practice”. The learning curve was steep. Aaron still remembers one job that nearly pushed him to the edge. His first big funeral order, “to this day, it was the biggest order I ever did”, he shares. “We had to work through the night for three nights and three days. The skin fell off our hands, our fingers, but we did it”. Despite the long hours and stress, Aaron never let go of the belief that he was building something meaningful. “When I look back, I smile to see how far I’ve come”, he says. “If you’d asked me three years ago, would I ever be where I am today, I would’ve laughed and said no way”.
Motivation, Family and Heart
Running a business isn’t just about talent; it’s about stamina, teamwork, and heart. Aaron admits there were moments when he felt like giving up. “There’s loads of times I think, you know what, I’m not fit for this anymore”, Aaron tells me. “My family was telling me to slow down…because there’s a lot of pressure”. But what kept Aaron going was a genuine love for what he does and the people he does it for. “It’s not just business with me; it’s not just about the money. I like to get to know the people, I like to hear their stories”. That human connection is especially important when dealing with bereavement, “I like to support the families with what they’re going through. Even afterwards, if I ever go back to the area, I’ll always go and visit that person’s grave. Two years later, I still go to show my respect”.
The Team Behind the Vision
Aaron credits a lot of his success to the team he’s built. Friends who became staff, and now, family. “My team isn’t just a team. We are a family”, he says. “Even when we’re not working, we’re on the phone with each other or meeting up for food”. Each member brings a different skill to the table, and everyone supports each other. “If one finishes sooner than the rest, we’ll go help out the one that’s struggling… Nobody is getting left behind”. Even when Aaron announced he was opening the new shop in Birmingham, their bond was clear. “They were joking and saying, ‘I hope you have enough bedrooms because we’re all moving over with you’. And I don’t know if it was a joke”!
Recognition
In 2023 and 2024, Aaron received two awards from the Galway Traveller Movement for enterprise. “That was one of my proudest moments”, he says. “It made me feel like people are watching and supporting behind the scenes”. The recognition was a reminder of how far he’d come and how important visibility is for young people. “People who know me, they know I started at the bottom, and I think that’s why they gave me the award. They see how much hard work and dedication I put into this”.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has also played a vital role in Aaron’s business growth. With a strong following on TikTok and Facebook, Aaron has built a platform that showcases his work and builds trust with new clients. “Social media has been everything…without it, I wouldn’t be where I am…If you do a beautiful display, they can see pictures and videos of what it looks like. That’s why it’s so important”.
Looking Ahead
With a new shop in the UK on the horizon and a team he trusts, Aaron is setting his sights high. But it’s not about ego, it’s about purpose, “this is the business I want to be in for the rest of my life”, he says. “There’s always going to be someone getting married, and sadly, there’s always someone passing away”. He’s especially moved by the impact his work can have during times of tragedy. “Some stories hit home; there are some situations that are very hard”. He always makes a special effort when it comes to children’s funerals. “I try to make that a little bit more special”, he says quietly.
A Message to the Next Generation
When asked what advice he’d give to young Travellers with a dream of starting their own business, Aaron doesn’t hesitate. “If they have any thoughts at all about starting their own business, just do it”, he says. “All you need
is one good supporter to start off with. Even if people don’t agree with it, just go and do it”. He adds, “You’ve got nothing to lose. Better to give it a try and for it to not work out, than to sit and think ‘what could I have achieved?’ Life is all about learning lessons. It’ll either make you or break you”. And if it doesn’t work out the first time? “There’s always option B, option C, option D,” Aaron says, “especially when you’re young, the world is your oyster”. O’Loughlins Elegant Events Galway is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. Success can start with a single balloon and the courage to chase your vision.
