For many, the life of a surgical resident is a whirlwind of long hours, stressful days, and mounting student loan debt. But for 27-year-old Brandon Axelrod, his rare moments of downtime are filled with creativity, balloon twisting and a mission to find both entertainment and financial relief in an otherwise demanding career.
Axelrod, who is currently completing his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency in Manhattan, is no exception to the difficulty. With nearly $400,000 in student loans and three and a half years of residency remaining, she knew the financial road ahead would be difficult. But rather than succumb to the stress, Axelrod turned to his childhood talent to create a new path to income and relief. Her passion for magic, balloon art and creativity has always been a part of her, and now it’s time to harness it in a whole new way.
“Why don’t I connect my passion with my situation?” Axelrod says, reflecting on how he first began transforming balloons into intricate designs as a teenager. A childhood hobby of performing magic tricks eventually evolved into balloon art, which mesmerized crowds at parties and events across Long Island. By the time he entered dental school, Axelrod had built a solid reputation in his community, but residence in one of the most expensive cities in the world presented a new challenge – finding the time and resources to continue his balloon artistry.
But Axelrod found a way to adapt. Instead of traditional party bookings, they turned to social media to showcase their balloon art, hoping the viral video could lead to brand deals and sponsorships. The gamble soon paid off. In just three weeks, he earned $700 and gained 75,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, with his creations gaining attention from a wide audience.
Despite the success, Axelrod is conscious of the costs involved. “The materials are expensive,” he explains, noting the high-quality balloons required for his more elaborate designs. Yet, despite the pressure of a low budget, Axelrod’s passion for his art keeps him going. From life-size sculptures of pirates and pop stars to a five-foot syringe he created for his attending surgeon, Axelrod’s balloon art has become a creative outlet and a unique way to cope with the stress of medical training.
The response from his community, including fellow health care professionals, has been overwhelmingly positive. “I get a lot of support from other residents and doctors who appreciate me staying true to my passion,” Axelrod shares. His story has inspired many people to find happiness in their hobbies and passions, even amidst the tough demands of residency.
Looking to the future, Axelrod is cautiously optimistic about his financial goals. “I don’t know how long it will take to pay off my loan, but I hope that with continued growth and the right brand deals, I can speed up the process,” he says.
While his balloon artistry has opened a new chapter in his life, Axelrod’s message to fellow residents is clear: “Live below your means. Start working with money managers early and try to maintain hobbies or passions outside of work. This is important for your well-being, both financially and emotionally.”
Axelrod’s journey is a reminder that even with massive debt and an intense workload, creativity, perseverance and a little fun can go a long way to brightening the path ahead.