Children's Party Entertainment

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Birthday parties...most definitely. First Communion parties have become big also. We have some corporate clients, but a lot of parents are doing parties at home. So we provide the favorite costumed character with some great activities to keep the kids entertained! Our most popular services have turned out to be face painting and balloon animals. It's a great alternative for children who may be afraid of a 6 foot cartoon character walking into their house! : ) Second in the running would be our music-themed parties. Kids love to play with instruments to familiar songs. No matter which job it is, we always have a lot of fun!

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Do your research! I have talked to many potential customers who were still shopping around when I spoke to them. Does the company have references? Can they provide pictures of the costume? Examples of their work? A truly great service provider is also willing to take time to talk to and work with the customer. Answer all questions and try to work within their budget. A website is an invaluable tool for the customer to look at. Check to see if the company has one that is user-friendly, with all information available.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. I would have to say the most important information to start would be: what kind of entertainment are they looking for? A character, a face painter, etc. How long do they want the entertainer to perform? The approximate number of children attending the party. There is nothing worse than not having enough supplies for everyone! We recommend including all children invited for an initial head count. Also, what kind of budget are they working with? Parents want to give their child the best possible party. Knowing the budget they are working with eliminates any disappointment later on. Travel distance can be a factor, only because most entertainment companies charge some sort of a travel fee. This is important information for the customer to know.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. We work with the customer. Budget, timing, and cultural background is sometimes a factor we are respectful of. Our packages are customizable. We also try to be attentive to their budget, and give them the most entertainment for their dollar. And we travel everywhere! Quality...very important! Our entertainers are trained to perform their absolute best. Whether it be in costume, face painting, directing a party, etc.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The children! Most definitely! I have 11 years of teaching experience behind me and I love seeing the smiles! You have to appreciate a job that let's you play!

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. "When should I start the entertainment?" We get asked this one a lot! Our recommendation is no earlier than a half hour after the start time of your party. An hour after start time is actually the best. You want to make sure most, if not all of your guests have arrived. The other factor to consider, is when you are going to eat. Many parents have opted to feed the kids first, then let us perform. This way, the kids have full bellies and the adults can sit, eat and talk while their little ones are occupied and having fun!

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. It was a long time coming...lol! I loved putting together parties for my own kids...still do! Make my own decorations, design the cake, plan special games and activities, etc. Friends and family were constantly telling me I should be doing this for a living. But my first love was teaching. So for 11 years, I taught preschool. Still, the idea of starting a party company was sitting on the back burner. After cutbacks in the last school left me unemployed, I decided to finally give it a go and see where it led. I'm happy to say it was the best choice! We're doing well, and I still get the pleasure of working with children!

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I wish their was an actual campus class you could take for this industry! But we do look for workshops to attend. There are also conventions where you can preview the latest supplies, listen to seasoned professionals. Webinars are also a great tool for keeping up with today's market and trends. We do take opportunity to attend classes on marketing and expanding the business. Lastly, we love to keep tabs on the competition! Sometimes it helps to spark an idea, or give you a new perspective on an existing idea!