Today we’d like to introduce you to Kester Chau.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kester. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I started Dream Friends Entertainment in 2001, I was working as an actress and a model. I was so impressed with the level of talent I was meeting in the Atlanta industry. It made it so much fun and easy to grow the company and our entertainment options. Our list of costumed characters, stage shows, themes and entertainment has gone from 15 to over 250!
We truly love what we do and I’m so lucky to have this group. Many of my actors stay pretty busy in TV and Film, on stage and in the cosplay community when they aren’t making memories at events. I take such pride in all my current and former employees. Their accomplishments as professional actors and entertainers are impressive in the industry now known as Hollywood South.
I stopped performing six years ago to focus solely on providing my clients with the best variety of entertainment Atlanta has to offer. I also took on a second full-time job as a mom and I love it. Of course, I still like to get dressed up for fun with my family.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you
I worked as a model and actress for 20 years in Miami, the Southeast, Europe, and New York. I have a degree in Media Communications from the College of Charleston and a degree in Web and Interactive Media from the Art Institute of Atlanta. I was meeting actors, models and entertainers over the years who were perfect for the various roles. I had the knowledge of how to package what we had to offer, but I had ZERO business experience.
Getting a license, forming the LLC, consulting with lawyers, accountants, taxes, contracts, etc. It was so overwhelming for me at the time. I truly had no idea what to do and it was a lot of trial and error and just figuring it out on my own. I definitely had something to prove to myself.
In 2001, most of my business was still done over the phone. I noticed over the years as my business transitioned to being done online and through email that I didn’t experience as many challenges and push back dealing with some people. I think it’s because a lot of them thought I was a man as Kester is traditionally a male name. It frustrated me, but I used it to my advantage for over ten years.
Something started to change in me after I became a mom. I wanted my son to see that I was publicly proud of my accomplishments. I’m currently pregnant with a daughter and I absolutely want to set an example for her. So, recently I did something pretty simple and I added a photo to my email signature. So many clients were shocked to find out I was a woman. I hoped it was because of the name and not because I’m a business owner. Sadly I feel it’s both, but that just keeps me motivated!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are known for having the largest variety of entertainment in town. From corporate events and festivals to stage shows and birthdays parties – we have something for everyone. We had a record-breaking year last year with over 750 events.
Our circus and fire divisions are incredible. Jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, over 70 themed stilt walkers, a trick dog and much more. This team rises to any challenge.
The family division is really special. We can send a favorite princess, cartoon character, superhero and more to a birthday party. Or put on a show for a corporate event with an ensemble cast like Alice in Wonderland or the Wizard of Oz.
You may see one of our “celebrities” such as Prince put on a fantastic concert or mingle at an old Hollywood party with Elvis or Marilyn Monroe.
Theme parties are our favorite. Such as a pirate invasion led by Captain Jack, an Intergalactic battle of Light versus Dark, disco or the roaring 20s. Our actors can really bring your event to life and get the guests excited and involved..
Dance has been our fastest growing division and the variety is something we are really proud of. African, showgirls, jazz, belly, fire, a Thriller flash mob – you name it and we can deliver.
We have the most fun with our seasonal division, especially in October. The special FX make-up artists in Atlanta are incredible. We LOVE to scare and haunt adult events or just get silly for the kids. We also have a large variety of options for December. The Grinch is incredibly popular, but we also have amazing holiday singers and dancers. Adorable elves to help Santa and a lot more. We’ve also got entertainment for NYE, Easter, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day and the 4th of July.
With over 15 divisions we very rarely have to say no to client requests. We like the challenge of new themes, characters and entertainment.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Augusta and finished high school in Aiken. Most of my family is in the horse business in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. I grew up riding horses and was quite the tomboy. I think it was expected that I would also go into the horse business and it was shocking, even to me, when I decided to run off to Miami to ‘be a model’ at 18.
I laugh now at my boldness and naivete’ of that world or even life in a city. I was a clueless, small town girl with big dreams. I just knew there was more I needed to experience. I loved the pulse and energy of South, FL and all the major cities I would visit or live in working in that field. Meeting people from all over the world really opened my mind and my heart and shaped who I would become.
I’ve also had a life long love of music that got even stronger living in South, FL and having access to so many major concerts for the first time in my life. I started working as a music journalist while attending the College of Charleston. I almost moved to NY after graduating to pursue a career with a music publication. I don’t do well in cold weather and decided on a life in Atlanta instead.
Atlanta is so full of opportunity and I’m very happy this is where I put down my roots and started my business. It’s an incredible place to see a show, fuel my love of music, get out in nature or hop on a plane to anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dreamfriendsentertainment.com
- Phone: 404-319-0180
- Email: dreamfriendevents@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dream_friends_entertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamfriendsentertainment
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