Brand Story

“Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.” – Winnie the Pooh

In 2019, co-founder Divya Chawla received a call from her cousin in the US, lamenting her inability to find balloons for her son’s birthday party. Earlier that year, numerous party stores around the country had shut down, amidst an ongoing global helium supply shortage (aka Helium Shortage 4.0). Like many other children, her nephew didn’t get to celebrate with balloons that year. Moved by her nephew’s disappointment, Divya was struck by an idea that she hoped would ensure that no one would be deprived of the delight that balloons bring. She promptly reached out to her close friend, Neal Mehra, with a business proposal that immediately piqued his interest.

At this point, she had been working for her father’s business in India for a couple of years. Helious Specialty Gases Pvt Ltd had been established in 2017 in a joint venture with major Japanese gas company Iwatani Corporation and soon became the first specialty gas company to have three helium transfill facilities in India.

While Divya’s background granted her access to the procurement and distribution of helium, Neal had extensive marketing and sales experience, and had helped start up two small businesses. His deep familiarity with the American market and his strong business acumen made him the perfect candidate to embark upon this new business venture manufacturing and selling DIY balloon party kits.

Although their plans were slightly delayed due to the pandemic, earlier this year AND Enterprise was born. Neal is responsible for sales, marketing, and everything on the customer end, while Divya is in charge of manufacturing, back office management, and takes care of the business finances. Together they have built the brand from the ground up and are now bringing Airloons party kits to the global market to spread joy and keep traditions alive.