Great Yarmouth Ukrainian launches party balloon business

Inne Vasyeenko arrived in the town on April 6, 2022, with her husband, son, two daughters and two grandmothers.

Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, business owner Rikki Christensen and his wife Tatian hosted Mrs Vasyeenko and her family. 

Launching on April 6, 2023, Mrs Vasyeenko and Mr and Mrs Christensen opened Norfolk Balloon Designs at The Priory Centre, providing bespoke decorations for weddings, birthdays and other occasions.

Inna Vasyeenko inside her workshop at The Priory Centre. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Mrs Vasyeenko said before she left Kyiv, she and her husband had run a successful balloon business for 15 years.

"We served supermarket openings, anniversaries and big weddings," she said.

"We had 25 employees, but after the invasion, it all came to an end.

"So we are starting all over. It is smaller, but we hope it will be just as successful."

A hippopotamus and a football design to be used at upcoming birthday parties. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Mrs Vasyeenko said during the early days of the Russian invasion, she and her family had to evacuate their home hourly due to bombing campaigns.

One day, debris from a nearby shell hit her home and she knew she needed to leave for the safety of her family.

At this time, Mr and Mrs Christensen - who previously worked in Ukraine - called friends in the country to see if they could help those seeking refuge.

Damage to property in Kyiv, Ukraine, caused by an explosion during Russia's invasion of Ukraine - Friday February 25, 2022. Picture - PA Media (Image: PA Media)Two weeks later, Mrs Vasyeenko, her husband, children and grandmothers arrived at Mr Christensen's home.

"We believe Inne and her family were the first Ukrainians in Norfolk," Mr Christensen said.

"We had to get them all registered and nobody knew quite what to do."

Mr and Mrs Christensen helped the Ukrainian couple find work in casinos before banding together to create Norfolk Balloon Designs.

Rikki Christensen by a balloon giraffe made by Inna and Tatiana. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)The company specialises in unique displays for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and gender reveal parties. Norfolk Balloon Designs will also be providing decorations for an Oktoberfest party and will be at an upcoming wedding fayre in Sprowston.

Tatiana Christensen inside the Norfolk Balloon Designs workshop. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Mrs Vasyeenko added: "Life is good now.

"Step by step, things are getting better."