Meet Samantha Allen of Starwalk Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Allen.

Hi Samantha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In the 1980’s, my parents bought an early version of an inflatable moonwalk. They started renting it to birthday parties and taking it to arts and crafts festivals. Through the 1990’s, they grew…especially as companies were starting to have company picnics and employee appreciation events. They also bought their first trailer mounted carnival ride. In 2019, after spending 11 years as a high school math teacher and working for Starwalk on the weekends, I purchased the company from my parents. We rebranded and continued to move forward. We offer mechanical rides for both children and families, inflatables, concessions including fair foods, entertainers such as face painters or stilt walkers as well as generators for power. We also offer specialty subcontracting services that coordinate the rental of food trucks, midway rides and many other unique items including hot air balloons. Since I purchased the business, I have also had the pleasure of working on carnival sets for the film industry. I love the challenge of working on specific sets, especially time period specific sets, such as a 1968 state fair. This means making sure any midway rides or concession stands (food joints) are historically accurate. I love the challenge of planning for the unique sets and working with art departments as well as show owners to make sure that the sets are fabulous. I love this industry and feel blessed that I grew up in it. I am also grateful for the amazing crew that continues to work alongside me. Our warehouse manager has been full time with my family since 2002.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road. The hardest struggle was the pandemic. I purchased the company less than a year before we were shut down. Sales were great, and we were growing and then all of a sudden we had to shut down. Amusement rides were actually one of the last things allowed to operate again, so we were not able to generate revenue again until August 1, 2020, and of course it was extremely slow to get large events going again.
I think that any self employed mom would also agree that balancing a small business and raising a child (children) is also a challenge, but maybe one day we will be a 3rd generation company.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in family events such as city festivals, church and school carnivals as well as company picnics. We are a full service company that offers mechanical rides, inflatables, concessions, and entertainers as well as subcontracting needed unique items or food trucks. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and our commitment to our customers. Most of our customers have been using our services for 5+ years while some have been with us for 10+ and even 20+ years.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Always be flexible.
Things always happen. Things break. Weather can turn quickly. You can never plan for everything and things will inevitably happen, but how you handle them is what really matters. Always take care of the people that work for you in order to grow a great, loyal team and always take care of the customer so that they always feel supported.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.starwalkevents.com
• Other: https://www.samanthaashleyproductions.com