Belle Balloon-a-Twister puts the finishing touches on a dog balloon. The Ramos Family | Contributed  Lots of kids pursue artistic and creative hobbies. They draw, paint, build or grow. Some will keep their hobby for a lifetime. Others will move on to a new interest as they grow up.

There are a few, however, who choose a hobby that becomes a passion. If they are lucky enough, that passion can become a business. For 12-yearold Isabel Ramos of Mariposa, that is exactly what happened.

The pursuit of her hobby has literally twisted itself into a lucrative business for the young entrepeneur. Ramos makes balloon animals. Her creations, however, are far from ordinary.

“I always liked balloons and really like stuffed animals,” she said in an interview at her home last week. Then she saw Becky the balloon twister at the Mariposa County Fair last year. She watched, and Becky offered some help with basic twists. Isabel was hooked. Becky continues to support her efforts.

Her mom, Lisa Ramos, said her oldest daughter has always had artistic talent, coupled with mathematic ability. “She has always been a problem solver,” Lisa said. “She can see something, deconstruct it and do it herself. It’s a great combination - the mechanical ability with the artistic talent.”

So, young Isabel went to the library, found some books and videos, and became “Belle Balloon a-Twister.” She creates the happy products at the Mariposa Farmers’ Market, the Kiwanis Fourth of July celebration, and is now branching out to parties.

Her balloons fetch between $1 and $5 for animals. Centerpieces like the bride and flowers are a little more. Some animals she can do in just minutes. Something as elaborate as the bride balloon took about an hour.

It isn’t just Isabel’s artistic talent that is growing. She is learning some business sense, too. The money she earns isn’t just for fun. Fifty-percent of whatever she makes goes directly back into her business. Another 20 percent goes into her savings, and she gives 10 percent to the charity of her choice. What’s left is hers to spend.

“It’s not just a hobby,” Isabel said, as she sat surrounded by stuffed animals and balloons. The bright-eyed youngster seems to have a keen sense of what she is doing, but that doesn’t take the fun out of it.

“I really like doing something fun and being able to make money,” Isabel said. “I like making people happy.”

Lisa said Isabel started out handing her balloons to people at the store or gas staion. She visits the Ewing Wing and Manna House to share the joy. Then it just kind of “blew up.”

Isabel’s mom is glad her daughter found something that is lucrative and is a passion. “She found a profession she loves,” Lisa said.

Now she is in demand for parties and festivals, like the Tomato Fest this fall. Customers who want centerpieces or who have a theme party in mind can let her know what they want before the party.

Sometimes a line forms as children wait at the farmers’ market for balloons. Isabel doesn’t stress. “She’s cool under pressure,” her mother said. “She always has been. We’re stressing, and she is flawless. She nails it.”

The balloon industry is much bigger than the Ramos family ever thought. There are conventions,

Web sites and forums.

Isabel has a custom-made apron that can hold thousands of balloons. She has a set up she uses when she isn’t “strolling” that has an umbrella and price list.

Anyone interested in contacting “Belle” can call Kirk or Lisa Ramos at 966-4982.