C.J. Nelson is an award winning balloon artist with more than 15 years of experience! His introduction into balloon art came while attending a lecture sponsored by a local magic shop in the suburbs of Chicago. On that fateful day, the special guest's flight was canceled and the host offered to teach the attendees balloon animals instead. CJ left that day with a bag of assorted balloons, hand pump, VHS cassette, and a new life long passion.

Magical Twists was founded in 2009 in Louisville KY where CJ would entertain thousands of children over the next four years. In 2013, CJ returned to Illinois and started entertaining the very next day! Soon after balloon decorating services were added and CJ received his Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) industry designation in 2015.

Since moving to the region, Magical Twists has appeared in the news media multiple times and has lost count of the balloons used to entertain and decorate events.

Industry Awards
Balloon Tour St. Louis 2013: 1st Place
Certified Balloon Artist 2015
Twist and Shout Convention 2020
- 12 Minute Sculpture: 1st Place
- 15 Minute Hairband Sculpture: 2nd Place
- Balloon Costume: 3rd Place
Florida Super Jam 2022 Instructor
Florida Super Jam 2024 Instructor
Bling Bling Jam 2024 Instructor
Bling Bling Jam 2024
- 10 Minute Sculpture: 1st Place
- Hairband Sculpture: 1st Place & People's Choice
- Medium Sculpture: 1st Place & People's Choice