5 ADHD Traits that Help Me Run My Balloon Business

Owning a small business while managing ADHD can feel like a rollercoaster at times, but I've found that some ADHD traits actually give me an edge. While these traits aren't exclusive to ADHD (you don’t have to have it to share these characteristics), they make an impact on how I operate day-to-day.

Five ways my ADHD has helped me thrive (at times) as a business owner.

1. Hyper-focus When Needed
ADHD often gets a bad rap for causing distractions, but when I need to focus, I can tune out everything else and dive deep into tasks. For example, I’ve put together large $2000-$3000 orders with just a couple of days’ notice. It’s an ability that can be both a blessing and a curse, but when the pressure’s on, I can get into a zone and get things done fast.

2. Creativity
One of the biggest benefits of ADHD is the creative side it brings. My brain is constantly multitasking—thinking about dinner, gifts, events—while simultaneously working on a balloon design or business problem. That constant mental motion fuels my creativity and helps me come up with fresh ideas for my clients, keeping my work exciting and unique.

3. Intuition
ADHD has made me more attuned to people's needs and emotions, even before they’ve fully expressed them. Whether it’s understanding what a client wants before they say it or anticipating challenges they may not have considered, I’ve developed a strong intuition that helps me deliver exceptional service.

4. Entrepreneurial Spirit
Since childhood, I’ve been filled with ideas and entrepreneurial drive. While ADHD sometimes made it hard to follow through in the past, my business has been a turning point. It allows me to channel my energy into something I’m truly passionate about. I’ve learned to embrace my impulsiveness in the right way, using it to seize opportunities quickly and pivot when necessary.

5. Flexibility & Problem Solving
Owning a business with ADHD requires constant adaptability. I’m used to problem-solving on the fly, whether it’s dealing with last-minute changes or unexpected challenges. I’ve learned to roll with the punches and keep my business running smoothly, even when things don’t go according to plan.

Building a Business with ADHD

Navigating life as a small business owner with ADHD and anxiety is not always easy, but it’s doable. I’ve learned a lot over the years about how my brain works and how to use those traits to my advantage. I could have saved myself a lot of time, energy, and frustration if I’d understood why I work the way I do, but I’ve grown and adapted. If you’re a business owner facing similar challenges, know that you’re not alone. ADHD may bring its own set of obstacles, but it also offers unique strengths that can make you excel.

When I started my balloon business in 2017, it wasn’t my first “idea” — I’ve had many over the years, from selling homemade muffins to starting an applique business. While I often struggled to follow through, the freedom of owning my own business finally allowed me to embrace the things that come naturally to me: creativity, flexibility, and drive. ADHD has been a double-edged sword, but it's also been an asset in ways I didn't expect.

If you have ADHD and are thinking about starting your own business, know that it won’t always be easy, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can make it work. Embrace your strengths and learn how to manage the challenges, and you might just find that your "traits" are the very things that help you succeed.