Having a dad who is a balloon artist and owner of Brooklyn Balloon Company is one cool thing. Just ask Robert’s six-year-old son. "My son, Ochan, helps me with my balloon designs and gives advice on what kids really like," says Robert, who lives in Williamsburg with Ochan and his wife, Tomoko, a designer. Robert, who used to design jewelry and textiles, began twisting balloons two ago after hiring someone for Ochan’s birthday party and realizing he could create balloon art, too. "I thought this was a perfect way to combine my design background and it fits my schedule since I mainly work weekends," he says. "I'm lucky to be able to spend so much time with my son."
Biggest personal accomplishment: "Spending time with Ochan. I love drawing and painting with him the most. We also play chess, build Lego structures and talk about all kinds of things. I love that we’re close."
Biggest professional accomplishment: "I have the opportunity to make birthdays a day that kids and parents will remember for the rest of their lives. It’s so cool when parents tell me that their kids request me for birthday parties year after year."