Meet Our team

Bringing Joy, One Balloon at a Time – Meet OWNER, Jennifer Nyikos!

At Fun By The Yard, we believe every event should be filled with joy, color, and unforgettable memories. That’s where Jenn comes in! As the proud owner and creative force behind Fun By The Yard, Jennifer has been transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary celebrations with her stunning balloon designs since 2011.

From intimate birthday parties to large corporate events, Jennifer specializes in high-quality, budget-friendly balloon décor that adds that wow factor. Whether it’s a whimsical balloon arch, a larger-than-life backdrop, or a custom installation to match your theme, she brings passion, creativity, and a touch of magic to every project.

An Award-Winning Balloon Artist with a Heart for Community

Jennifer isn’t just a local balloon artist—she’s an internationally recognized designer! In 2022, she was honored to be on the team that won Designer of the Year. Her talent has taken her across the country and around the world, creating breathtaking balloon installations for major events. In 2024, she was even part of the prestigious team that pulled off the grand balloon drop at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago!

But her passion goes beyond just balloons. Jennifer is deeply committed to giving back. She hosted The Big Balloon Build in northern Indiana, an international event that raised thousands of dollars for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Locally, she volunteers with Junior Achievement, mentors budding entrepreneurs, serves as a Rotary member, and even on the board for the west side Memorial day Parade!

Bringing the Balloon Industry to the Big Stage

Jennifer’s talent and business acumen caught the attention of producers, and in 2024, she was selected from thousands of applicants to compete in a reality show about entrepreneurship! This national exposure led to numerous podcast invitations, where she shared her expertise in the balloon industry, small business success, and the power of bringing joy through creative event décor.

Let’s Make Your Next Event Unforgettable!

Jennifer’s mission is simple: decorate memories, promote business, and deliver joy. Whether you're planning a birthday party, wedding, grand opening, school event, or corporate celebration, she’s here to bring your vision to life—affordably, beautifully, and with a whole lot of love.

Let’s make magic together!

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Our Crazy Cast of Characters

freeform organic balloon arch in pearl colors at blackthorn golf course

balloon Christmas wreathe and presents and Double Tree Hotel in South Bend

A man is standing in front of a bunch of balloons

A woman is standing in front of a bunch of yellow balloons.

A woman sits behind a large letters for Pitt surrounded by yellow and blue balloons

Woman with short brown hair smiles, red wall background.

Woman with blonde hair wearing a gray sweater with black lace detail, smiling in a room with a wooden door.

Notre Dame Balloon backdrop by lead design team Fun By The Yard

Woman amid clear balloons, reaching up to touch one, indoors.

Jenn introduces Team Behind the Balloons

We are a team of balloon professionals who turn ideas into show stopping balloon décor and flawless installations. Every role matters. Every detail counts.
I'm blessed to have a team that "gets me"

Stephanie
Inflation specialist with speed and precision. A multitasking pro who keeps production flowing and always brings humor from life as a busy mom of four.

Brittany
Creative sounding board and technical reality checker. She balances big ideas with grounded advice, brings nonstop energy, and keeps everyone laughing. Heart on her sleeve and life of the party.

Chris
Production manager and structural engineer. If it needs to be built, rigged, or magically made to work, Chris handles it. Known around the shop as McGyver, he is the backbone behind our large scale balloon installations. Also yes, my husband.

Andrea
My right hand and organizational hero. She started inflating balloons and quickly became essential to production, workflow, and sanity. Calm, efficient, and always has a story to tell.

Megan
Admin and social media support. She keeps communication, scheduling, and online presence moving while jumping in wherever needed behind the scenes.

Allison
Bookkeeper and business guide. She keeps finances organized, offers clarity and direction, and makes sure creativity and numbers work together.

Nicole
Technical advisor and systems expert. She manages our CRM, Google business profile, and tech setup so everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Alexis
Installation muscle and creative problem solver. She thrives on complex balloon installs and behind the scenes rigging challenges. Quiet, focused, and highly effective.

Abby
Seasonal shop and installation support. Dependable, intuitive, and hardworking, she helps power us through graduation season and high volume events.

Together, we create custom balloon décor, professional balloon installations, and unforgettable event experiences.

Serving South Bend, IN and the surrounding areas including South West Michigan.

Taking the stress out of decorating for your special events with balloon décor and surprise yard cards is our wish for you. Birthdays, Graduations, Anniversaries, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Retirement, Congratulations, Weddings, Birth announcements, and our favorite…JUST BECAUSE!

The owner, Jennifer, has always loved planning surprises, working behind the scenes, and letting others shine. When the opportunity came to create a company that did just that, FBTY was born. Let her show you how her passion for helping others can take the stress out of decorating your next corporate event or planning that perfect surprise.