Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney “Squinkles” Gutierrez
Hi Whitney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started out balloon twisting in 2019 as a Halloween gag. I was a clown that year and like to consider myself a “method actor” and felt I had to do something clown-y to go along with the fit, so I picked balloon twisting. I ended up falling in love with it and really enjoyed learning different animals and toys. I didn’t start my business right away though because I’ve always been a bit afraid of putting myself out there and investing in a business. In 2023 for Halloween again I decided I wanted to be a clown and thought it would be fun to make balloons and hand them out on the Covington Square, and it was! I really loved seeing the smiles and excitement on the faces of children and adults alike. After that, I met a face painter named Christy Walker who became my friend and mentor and has guided me through my big balloon adventure ever since. I also joined the Peachtree Clown Association shortly after launching my business and I promote joy, laughter, clowning, and the importance of loving your community through my volunteer work with them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve been blessed in meeting my mentor because without Christy it would have been so much harder! She’s helped me figure out what competitive rates I should charge, introduced me to the local face painting and balloon twisting community, and overall embraced me with support that I really needed and still rely on to this day!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, and clowning. I’m known best as Squinkles when I’m in clown, but have been known to parade around as Whitney out of clown ;).
I’m most proud of my volunteer work through the Peachtree Clown Association and providing entertainment to children and adults who may need a little sunshine sprinkled into their life and learn that you can always make your own joy and share that with others! I specialize in working with disadvantaged and disabled children and adults which is a very special mission for me personally as someone with an older brother who has Cerebral Palsy and had a tough upbringing.
What sets me apart is I don’t want to just twist balloons, I want to make personal connections in my community and have people leave with a sense of joy and wonderful long lasting memories. I want to provide smiles for all ages!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I like to think that I’m an open book, there’s not much I’m private about if you know the right questions to ask!
I think what tends to surprise people is how much I work. I have 4 different jobs that I work throughout the year and usually only take off Sundays if that. I find it fulfilling to stay busy because otherwise I just get bored. I’m an Inventory Specialist, Balloon Twister/Clown, and I also help out at Town Square Olive Oil and Curvy Market Resale which are great local businesses in Covington.
Pricing:
- Balloon Twisting, $100 per hr
- Glitter Tattoos, $100 per hr
- Combination, $100 per hr
- Clowning, no extra cost, but must be bundled with another service
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whitneysbigballoonadventure.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wbbaga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553028104673
