CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS!
Making every celebration POP!
Sherteres Lofton is growing a balloon business based in creativity, passion and community support
BY JENNIFER GENTILE
W hen Sherteres Lofton signed up for a balloon class with a local decorator, she couldn’t have known where that decision would lead. “I ended up being the only person who paid for the class,” Lofton recalls, “so it turned into a one-on-one session, and the rest is history!” That was in May of 2022, and Lofton leveraged what she learned to start her own business: Pop It Balloons and More. The company, which specializes in creating vibrant balloon designs and providing unique party essentials, was voted the winner of Gulf Coast Woman’s Women-Owned Best Small Business Contest 2026. As a proud Moss Point native, Lofton says that the Best Small Business accolade feels especially personal and proves that all the long days, late nights, learning, practicing and investing in herself have been worth it. “To have the community recognize the work I’ve poured into my business is truly an honor, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way,” she says. “Winning this recognition motivates me to keep growing, creating and making the Coast proud.”
OVERALL WINNER
Sherteres Lofton
I became …,” she says. “It’s not necessarily something I always planned to do, but it has become something I truly believe I was meant to do.” Lofton has celebrated many milestones since founding Pop It: Booking her first corporate event with Brick & Spoon, launching DIY balloon kits, creating a large setup for Regions Bank, expanding into larger luxury installations, working with businesses and community organizations and cultivating a strong social media following. Since the start, the entrepreneur has continued investing in classes, practicing her craft and expanding her services — excited to realize Pop
It’s potential. The company serves families, individuals, small businesses, corporations, schools and anyone wanting to make their event stand out. “I think Pop It appeals to them because I offer more than balloons; I offer creativity, quality, and a personal experience,” Lofton says. “I listen to what my clients envision and work hard to bring it to life while making sure every detail feels intentional.” ‘THAT’S POP IT!’ Success for any small business, according to Lofton, begins with consistency, great customer service and a willingness to learn. She
MORE THAN BALLOONS A self-described creative, Lofton loves turning an idea into a something special that people can see and experience. She’s always enjoyed decorating, but she never dreamed that balloons would become such a big part of her life. “When I took my first class, something just clicked for me; I realized I had found something I genuinely enjoyed, and the more I learned, the more passionate
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