Life & Work with Tania Cuthbertson of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Cuthbertson.

Hi Tania, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got started with face painting in a way that felt very natural —I didn’t initially set out to turn it into a business. I’ve always loved being creative, and face painting first became part of my life through my own children’s birthday parties. I would paint for them and their friends, just as a fun way to make their celebrations feel extra special.

From there, I began volunteering at different types of events, offering face painting wherever I could—community gatherings, school functions, and local celebrations. It gave me the chance to practice, experiment, and really fall in love with the art form while also giving back.

What stood out to me most during that time was the reaction. Seeing kids light up when they looked in the mirror, watching their excitement and confidence grow—it was more than just paint. It was about creating a moment of joy and transformation, and that feeling stuck with me.

As I continued saying yes to more opportunities, what started as something fun and casual began to grow. I invested in improving my skills, learning new techniques, and building a professional kit. Over time, I started booking private parties and larger events, and demand steadily increased.

That’s when I realized this could be something more. I officially launched Painted Expressions Face Paint & Henna in 2012 so we could serve a wider range of events—from birthday parties to corporate activations and large-scale community events.

What I love most is that no two events are the same. Every face I paint is an opportunity to create something unique and bring a little extra joy into someone’s day. It’s been an unexpected journey, but one I’m incredibly grateful for.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—but it’s been a rewarding one.

Like many small business journeys, there have been challenges along the way. In the beginning, it took time to build confidence in my skills and put myself out there. I was balancing family life while trying to grow something from the ground up, often saying yes to opportunities just to gain experience and exposure.

There were also the typical hurdles that come with running a business—figuring out pricing, managing bookings, handling last-minute changes, and learning how to market myself effectively.

As the business grew, new challenges came with it. I learned how to manage and grow my business while working full time, staying consistent until the income became strong enough for me to leave my job.

Event-based work also comes with its own unpredictability—weather issues, fluctuating demand, and long, physically demanding days.

That said, every challenge has helped me grow—not just as a business owner, but as a person. So while it hasn’t been “easy,” it’s absolutely been worth it. The joy this work brings to others—and the connections I’ve made along the way—make all the hard work meaningful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the owner of Painted Expressions Face Paint & Henna, where we provide professional face painting and henna services for a wide range of events—from birthday parties and school functions to corporate activations and large-scale community events.

I specialize in high-quality, artistic designs while also being able to adapt to high-volume settings where speed and efficiency are key. Whether it’s creating detailed, custom looks or offering quick, crowd-pleasing designs, my focus is always on delivering a fun, memorable experience for each guest.

I’m known for being reliable, easy to work with, and intentional about the overall client experience—from communication and planning to execution on the day of the event.

What I’m most proud of is turning something that started so simple—painting at my children’s parties and volunteering in the community—into a thriving business that brings immense joy to countless individuals. I’ve also been invited to become an instructor in this industry, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. It means a lot to be able to share my knowledge and help others grow their skills in face painting.

What sets me apart is the balance between artistry and professionalism. I truly care about both the creative side and the business side—making sure clients feel confident, events run smoothly, and every guest walks away with something they love. I also take pride in building genuine relationships with my clients.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I would describe myself as creative, observant, and naturally drawn to anything artistic. I enjoyed expressing myself through hands-on activities and was always interested in making things, whether it was crafts, drawing, or finding ways to bring ideas to life visually.

I was also someone who paid attention to detail and cared a lot about how things made other people feel. I enjoyed being involved in group activities and often found myself in roles where I could help or contribute creatively.

For a long time, I actually wanted to become a veterinarian because of my deep love for animals. I’ve always felt a strong connection to them, and that interest came from a genuine desire to care for and help them. At the time, I didn’t really see a clear path where I could pursue my love for art and also build a sustainable career.

At the same time, I was responsible and hardworking. I learned early on how to balance different priorities and stay committed to the things I cared about. That combination of creativity, compassion, and discipline has really shaped who I am today and naturally carried over into how I built my business.

Pricing:

• $150/hour for most events and services

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paintedexpressionsfacepaint.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedexpressionsfacepaint?igsh=dzhuYWozMWtzMXMw&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Eo1NdqCm4/?mibextid=wwXIfr