When Dearborn high school student Amira Abuhmoud couldn’t find décor for events that matched her vision, she decided to create it herself. At 17, she launched Dearborn Balloon Decor, transforming a hobby into a small business serving schools, neighborhoods and citywide events.
Today, at 19, Amira balances a full college course load with running a fast-growing company that now offers coordinated balloon décor, floral design and custom desserts for events.
“Running a growing business while balancing a full college course load pushed me to develop strong time management, leadership and problem-solving skills and taught me to stay calm when things don’t go as planned,” said Abuhmoud.
After early word-of-mouth projects for teachers at her school went viral, her social media following quickly grew into regular bookings. She now completes about 15 events a month, plus pop-ups, with most business coming through Instagram and referrals.
Deeply rooted in her community, Amira began by creating graduation arches, prom and homecoming décor for Dearborn Public Schools and offering discounted rates and donated work for school-based events and food drives. Her reputation for high-impact designs led to city partnerships, including décor for the City of Dearborn’s inauguration and the mayor’s campaign after-party. She continues to run the business with support from her mother, emphasizing giving back as central to her brand.
Abuhmoud continued, “Dearborn Balloon Decor represents more than a business to me. It reflects my ability to turn ideas into something that makes a lasting impact in my community.”
In 2025, that commitment paid off. Amira was honored with the Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC) Community Impact Award during the organization’s Small Business Evolution pitch competition. AAWBC, a grantee of NEI, connects Arab American women-owned businesses to vital resources and support that foster growth and visibility.
That same year, Amira also received a Dedicated Service Award from the Dearborn PTA Council, recognizing her ongoing donations of décor, discounted school rates and support for student-centered events across the district.
“Winning the Community Impact Award showed me that people really see and appreciate what I’m doing and it motivates me to keep growing my business so I can give even more back to the community,” said Abuhmoud.
A sophomore honors biology major at University of Detroit Mercy and pre-dental student, Amira manages scheduling events Friday through Sunday, reserving Mondays for breakdowns and preparation. Looking ahead, her goal is to open a storefront within the next year that offers retail balloons and decor services, while continuing custom events and eventually hiring staff from the community she’s determined to uplift.
Learn more about Amira’s business at dearbornballoondecor.com.