Opening on the first floor of the historic Arcade building this summer, Sweet Balloon Party, 376 Broadway, creates beautifully crafted confectionary flowers, wrappings, and more - nice gifts for that special person in your life who has everything. 

Like little kisses of fluffy sweetness, these charming edible flowers are made from organic apple or cherry puree, egg whites, and natural gelatin. Fun and fanciful, these tasty delights have the consistency of marshmallows and the flavor of fruit. Decorated with natural vegetable dye and a sprinkling of sugar, edible novelties like these are popular in their home country of Ukraine, said shop owners, Yuliia Lantsedova and Lieniie Cherniak. 

Lieniie and her husband ran similar shops for years and arrived in America with their two boys in April. Yuliia was a Criminal Law Professor in Ukraine. In New York since October 2022, along with her 17-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter, Yuliia now works across the street from the new shop at Saratoga’s Frivolous Boutique. 

“In Ukraine we just learn about America from movies and books. America is a country where you can become your dream and the people in Saratoga have been so helpful. Many people here support us Ukrainian people. I’m so happy we stayed in this area, I feel the people are so kind, and the economy is good here,” said Yuliia. 

Starting the store with their savings and support from locals willing to help with the complicated process involved in opening your own business, Yuliia said she appreciates the opportunity she’s been given. 

“It’s not like we forget what’s happening in Ukraine. I talk with my family there every day. How we can help them is by doing this. Our independence and success here will give us the opportunity to help even more. We can work hard to enjoy people here by sharing a little piece of our heart with them,” said Yuliia. 

For updates, find Sweet Balloon Party on Facebook and Instagram @edible.fruit.flowers.