With humble beginnings working out of her garage, Karen Harrison has significantly grown her business over the past seven years.
So much so that Kazza’s Helium Connection has been awarded the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for the month of July.
Karen moved to a new home and shop at OneStop Shopping Centre five years ago and business has thrived ever since.
Besides her friendly smile and charismatic personality that could coerce you to purchase any item from the shop, Karen has also coordinated two Zombie Walk events which has welcomed hundreds of traders into the OneStop Plaza.
Whyalla Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ron Hay said he felt honoured to present the award to Karen.
“We received a nomination from members of the public to who they want to vote for because something special has happened to them while in your premises,” he said.
“This particular nominee said Karen was helpful in selection of the product, design as well as offering out of hours support to the customer.”
Karen said out of hours support was a regular practice within her business as she was willing to go above and beyond for a customer.
“At the end of the day, it’s about the service you provide to the community,” she said. “It is truly amazing that someone out there would nominate me – I am truly thankful.”
Karen said her business motto was all about providing friendly, quality service.
“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card and how you leave others feeling after an interaction becomes your trademark,” she said. “I love what I do, this just makes it even better.”
Karen also recently hosted some balloon training at Whyalla’s Trend Party Palace, as well as a business in Port Augusta.
She has also attended several balloon conventions in Adelaide and is a part of the Balloon Artists and Suppliers Association (BASA).
“I just love balloon craft,” she said.
