Nine-year-old Journee Durbin has turned a bright pink playhouse into her very own traveling business — and she’s quickly drawing attention with her balloon twisting skills and knack for sales.
Her new venture, Journee’s Surprise Shack, launched July 5 at a local festival. Since then, she and her mom Julie have set up at several events, offering everything from stickers and charms to LED earrings and Funko Pops.
“She was learning how to do math, and I was trying to teach her that sometimes it’s better to work for yourself than to work for others,” Julie said. “To do that, you need to know math, and you need to learn how to count money and give back change. This little business helps her do all that.”
Journee’s shack is built onto a trailer, with the playhouse up front and a “garage sale” setup in the back. The two sections give her space for customers to browse toys, trinkets, and even a small vending machine filled with mini collectible animals.
“I have kids’ toys, stickers, pop charms, comic books, and Funko Pops,” Journee said. “I also do balloon twisting. People say they love it, and they always give me compliments like, ‘I love your shack.’”
Balloon twisting is where Journee really shines. She’s been practicing since she was about 4 years old and has already won three talent contests. Her favorites to make are roses, balloon dogs, and swords — though she’s even attempted full dragons.
“It’s very rare to find a twister of her ability for her age,” Julie said. “She won her first talent contest at 6 years old, and she’s grown every year since then.”
Julie, who works in event planning, helps her daughter run the shack. She also sometimes brings along some of her 22 character costumes — from Spider-Man and Ninja Turtles to Barney and Elmo — for extra fun at parties and festivals. That’s opened the door for birthday party bookings, where Journee can bring her shack, twist balloons, and even have a superhero stop by.
The Durbins live in Tell City, Indiana, but Journee has been setting up in Owensboro most Saturdays at Owensboro Street Eats and Treats, which is located in the vacant lot next to Dollar Tree at 1761 West Parrish Avenue. The shack’s hours usually run from 2-9 p.m., depending on the weather.
For Julie, the venture is about more than just business. It’s a way for kids, including her daughter, to learn about money.
“She has items that start at 25 cents, so she’s super affordable,” Julie said. “The balloon animals are only $1. We often ask that the adults not pay, but that the children pay, so they can learn how to count money, too.”
Journee said she enjoys the attention from her customers, especially when they take photos with her shack or stop to chat.
“It makes me happy when they visit,” she said.
Those interested in booking Journee’s Surprise Shack for events or parties can contact the family through the Facebook page or by phone at 812-719-7144.
