By Leigh C. Merrifield
For some people, making others happy is what also makes them happy – and that perfectly describes Rachel DeMarco. Originally from Fayette County, PA, Rachel moved to Shinnston after marrying Adam DeMarco and has called Shinnston “home” for the past eight years. She worked in a dental office for several years, but still managed to feed her creative hunger in her spare time.
“I have always loved art and creating things, and I guess this all originated when I used balloons in imaginative ways to make my son’s birthdays really special celebrations,” she commented. And because she ‘goes that extra mile’ in everything she does, her family calls her “EXTRA”. Her family will also tell you that she doesn’t settle for ‘modest’; she tends to shoot for ‘grand’!
She humorously recalls that when this all began, her first thought was ‘how difficult can it be to blow up and arrange balloons’? Now, however, she admits to being surprised that there truly is skill involved – even in how you cluster balloons and what size to use for the effect you want. But she experimented and learned by trial and error until her skills were perfected. Family members then requested her expertise, and then friends asked for her help, and then she did a baby shower and was encouraged to seriously market her talents!
She loves what she does so much that she grasped their encouragement and quit her job to set up a business, which incidentally, is much more than merely arranging balloons. She also does handmade backdrops, thanks to help from her husband and grandfather who cut the wood or foam from her drawings; but the artistic painting involved is strictly done by her own hand.
“The possibilities are endless,” she added. “I love trying new things that can add a whole new dimension and make something really unique and customized. I like to be busy, and many times I spend HOURS on intricate details. I am very critical of myself and always strive to deliver my ultimate ‘BEST!”
She shares information about her business on Facebook and Instagram as well as on her website www.inflationcreationsbyrae.com.
Recently, she has become affiliated with Angela Holt at Almost Heaven Barn Rentals in Shinnston, where Rachel will manage and fully operate the rental side of Almost Heaven Barn.
“We are really excited about this; it is one more way, for example, to help those who often become overwhelmed with details when planning a wedding or other significant event. We can help them make their vision come to life without so much stress, and that gives me as much satisfaction and happiness as it does them,” she concluded.
If you’re interested in taking your celebrations to the next level, visit Rachel’s website listed above, and you’ll find a submission page where you can fill out your name and contact information, specify the date of your event and what you’re looking for, and she will respond. OR you can call her directly at 681-495-4966.
