Today we’d like to introduce you to Betina Bailey.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Betina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was introduced to face painting by my paternal grandmother who went to clowning school in Florida. My daughter was about 5 years old and we were visiting my Dad. My grandmother came over with face painting supplies and a book and told me to try to paint my daughter. It was raining out and we had nothing else to do. I am certain my first tiger face took 1 hour! Now I can do it in a few minutes! I only painted for my kids and their friends and I loved it.
For a long time, I looked for a career and was always miserably disappointed by every job I took. I was not being creative and I wanted so much to be me. I found a Facebook group for face painters and then a post to a face painting jam in my area. I thought why not? So I asked if I could join the group and sooooo many doors opened up for me. One of the girls I met is now a good friend and has sent me out on her jobs.
I finally found my career and passion for life again. I never would sign an exclusivity clause because I always knew one day I would get my own company going. This year I finally got the push I needed and went out on my own. I got my name registered, licenses, insurances, website designed and my accountant in place. I even added a state of the art photo booth to the entertainment choices along with airbrushing tattoos and body painting art!
My other side job keeps me busy at home. I hand paint pet portraits with acrylics on canvas. I guess I really don’t have downtime! But that is ok! I love to “Art all day”
My first year on my own was pleasantly great and I look forward to making more families, companies, and individuals happy in the years to come!
Has it been a smooth road?
No, this has not been a smooth road. My “push” this year was ugly. I was broke most of last year. I tried everything to stay in my artist field. My friend (who sent me a lot of work in the past) was going through an ugly divorce and was not able to keep her business running smoothly. Long story short I did not have much work from a once reliable source. I decided to never let that happen again. I would only be upset with myself in the future if there was not enough work.
I also struggle with not feeling like I am good enough to be hired. So, I have learned to make that ugly thought go away when it. Tries to rear its ugly head. For example, I worked with an amazing “World Championship Body Paint” team in the Keys last year for “Fantasy Fest 2016” I was out of my element and away from my family. I was my own worst enemy. Some of us butted heads and I lost my confidence.
Unfortunately for me, I didn’t gain it back until the last day of the 7-day festival. I LOST so much and had to find it again. I really did not paint or create for a few months. I would say this is also a push that made me decide to go after my dream. I have something to prove to myself. I am not a failure and I can do anything!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bling It On Parties – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a face and body painter 1st and foremost. My 15-year-old son does the balloon twisting. I added a photo booth to my services this year. We also offer Glitter tattoos, airbrush tattoos & body painting, henna, and hand painted pet portraits (which is on my bling it on parties website under My Buddy Portraits).
I am proud at how far my art has reached across the world. I have contacts in just about every corner of the globe and cherish all of them. I treat every client like my first job! They get the best of me every single time! I cherish the fact that they hired me to make their event amazing.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love all the activities happening all around the city all the time! I especially like the Botanical Gardens. It is so nice to wander through them and forget time while looking at nature and beauty! I dislike the traffic!! Haha
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blingitonparties.net
- Phone: 6784685183
- Email: Info@blingitonparties.net
- Instagram: BetinaBailey
- Facebook: Bling It On Parties
- Yelp: Bling It On Parties
Image Credit:
Angela Reign and Houston Smith
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