Paper Party Place Celebrating Every Occasion

On a recent Friday afternoon, a party atmosphere was beginning to take shape at a local Easley business.

Customers bought things for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, a crown for an over-the-hill party and a pink-and-black balloon bouquet was being readied for birthday party.

The two sales associate, Sara Hubber and Mallory Burr, critiqued each other's work, adding a bit of color here, suggesting how the ballons should be grouped together for the bouquet and greeting each customer who came through the door.

A helium tank hissed, breathing life into each of the balloons. Quickly tied with coordinating ribbon, the bouquet was ready in less than 15 minutes and the customer was out the door. 

has been helping put the "P" in party for the last 12 years. It's a tradition that new owners Beverly and Brine Hawkins hope will continue.

Whether Grandma is turning 80 or little Johnny is turning 1, the staff is there to help every celebration be a success.

"Everyone who walks through that door is celebrating something," said Beverly Hawkins. "It's our job to help them find a way to be creative."

The Hawkins' are both graduates of and have been married for 25 years. Each successful business owners in their own right, the Hawkins' started looking to open their own retail shop.

Beverly Hawkins, who started in 1981 and who currently serves as the company's vice president, said she was intrigued by what the party store could become. Brine Hawkins, who had run a construction business, will be spearheading all of the efforts at the store, while Beverly continues to work full-time at CSI.

The Hawkins' daughter, Kristyn, began working in the store four years ago. It was her knowledge and experience that helped her parents to make the decision to buy the store.

"It's a family atmosphere," Beverly Hawkins said. "There's a lot of potential here."

Lisa Darnell, who serves as the store's manager, brings a wealth of knowledge to the business having worked for the two previous owners.

But Darnell said that it's the people that make her want to come to work each day.

"I enjoy coming to work," Darnell said. "It's fun. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't love my job. We get to help our customers plan their party and that's pretty special."

Darnell said some people come with an idea in mind, while others may need a little help with the planning. Darnell said each of the sales associates is comfortable suggesting a theme, designing a custom centerpiece and in selecting tableware, once they have a better idea of what the customer envisions.

"The biggest thing is listening to your customer," Darnell said. "This is their celebration and you want to help make that special. We just try to make sure they have everything they need to pull it off."

Darnell said they have put together balloon archways for school functions, balloon totem poles for luaus and made balloon babies and rattles for baby showers.

"Part of the fun in this job is being able to come in and play," Darnell said. "We put things together, we try things out and we come up with our own designs."

In addition to balloons and centerpieces, the store carries an array of invitations, treat bags, plates, cups and napkins. Catering supplies to include cake boxes, tablecloth rolls, bulk paper products, serving platters and cake boards are always in stock.

The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.