MOTHER of two, Rebecca Phelps used to work as a nail technician in Southampton before launching her balloon decorating business, Blow it with Bex. 

Rebecca started her business during the lockdown and within a few months she gained a big following on online platforms such as Instagram and Tik-Tok. 

She said: "During the COVID-19 lockdown, I had to stop working as a nail technician. It was a very difficult time for everyone. 

"One day, I was browsing on Pinterest and came across a balloon setup post. I clicked on it, then every time I went on Pinterest, more balloons kept showing up on the news feed. So I was like "I'm just going to give this a shot. I've got nothing else to do in lockdown."

"I took it up as a hobby and gradually started to enjoy it a lot more. I realised I could do this for a living. "

After many trials and errors, Rebecca launched her business in October last year. 

She added: "I've been doing it for a year now, and I am now teaching master classes. I've got my first masterclass on Saturday where I am teaching 12 balloon artists and beginners how to do balloons. It's really exciting.

Mrs. Phelps met her husband in Cornwall while he was in the Navy. The couple now has a 3-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. 

She said: "My daughter loves being surrounded by balloons; it makes her very happy. I have also received so much support from my friends and family, and the customers have been very loyal too.

Rebecca's business has been featured in OK Magazine, The Sun, and The Mirror. Recently, she also decorated for celebrity star Gemma Collins for her Easter party. 

Rebecca said: "It was the best and biggest day of my career. I've literally had the best day and can't get over how lovely Gemma is. She was so nice and down to earth. 

I can't believe I stood there having a conversation with Gemma Collins. It was just mind-blowing. I can't even imagine it!"

Rebecca hopes that her business continues to grow and bring happiness and joy to her customers. 

She said: "I absolutely love this buisness, it is my passion I know that sounds sad but it's my actual passion like I love it."