Hello folks, I am Richard Hessler, I go by Rick. I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. Moved to Lafayette, LA in 1976. I attended USL and received a General Studies degree in 1991. I worked odd jobs for a while, and then helped with the family business for a few years. I became a firefighter in December of 1996, and still currently am a firefighter in Opelousas, LA. I started twisting balloons in April of 1999. After getting experienced in balloon art, I have been to many conventions in the art of ballooning. What a wild ride it has been. A few months after my initial twisting began, I started to study clowning and painting my face as a clown character. Well that did not last too long. I realized that some folks are scared of clowns, thanks to movies and such. I still do some shows as a clown, but only upon request. After this, I studied a little magic. Then stilt walking came along. I enjoy balloon twisting. The smile on a child’s face when they receive a balloon is wonderful. I wish I could do it full time. I have regular establishments that I twist and entertain. Many of my balloon-twisting jobs are located in Lafayette, LA.
Here is a list of current businesses I perform balloon twisting in, and of course, I have to work around my fire dept. schedule. Which means I usually miss every third week.
Piccadilly - 838 Coolidge St. Laf. 6pm- 8pm. Thurs. evenings
Honda Of Lafayette - 1708 N. University 10am-1pm Sat. Morn
Deano's - 305 Bertrand DR. 6pm -9pm Sat. evenings
O'Charley's - 4301 Ambassador Caff. 12pm-3pm Sun Afternoon
Golden Corral Friday evenings 6-8pm Lafayette On Ambassodor Caffery.
I may miss a performance or two due to attending conventions to learning more.I'm still looking for more establishments to twist in.
I twist balloons at restaurants, birthday parties (which I also do a little magic show ), grand openings, company gatherings, trade-shows, and other special occasions.
I also do, school shows (promote reading), Christian shows.
Thank you so much for visiting the web page. God Bless.
