When I look back on my career, it’s clear that everything I’ve accomplished in the world of character entertainment and experiential marketing has been shaped by a combination of heartache, lessons learned, and moments of joy. I started in the industry working for a princess party company in Orange County, California. Little did I know that this job would spark a passion for storytelling and creating magical experiences that would shape the rest of my entrepreneurial journey.
The Leap to Hawaii
In 2013, I made a bold move to Hawaii with the dream of building something of my own. The transition from working for a company to launching my own character entertainment agency was no easy feat. In fact, it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. There were nights filled with doubt, frustration, and confusion. I had to learn quickly how to run a business, deal with rejection, and stay focused on my long-term vision.
But it wasn’t all struggle. There were moments of pure magic — watching children’s faces light up when they saw their favorite princess or superhero in person. These experiences fueled my drive to keep going, despite the challenges I faced.
Scaling to Nationwide Success
As my business grew, I started to think bigger. I expanded my character entertainment agency nationwide, offering services to clients across the country. Along the way, I had the privilege of working with incredible brands like Ivanka Trump, Macy’s, and Disney. These were some of the most fulfilling moments of my career. The partnerships and events we created together were nothing short of spectacular, and the feedback we received from clients reinforced that we were doing something truly special.
The Portland Today News Interview
One of the most humbling experiences of my career occurred during a live news interview with Portland Today. I was excited, but when the host asked me the first question, I was completely stumped. I had no idea how to respond, and the live show came to a halt. We ended up re-recording the interview, and while I was initially embarrassed, I now see it as one of the most valuable lessons I learned in my career. It taught me how to handle pressure, how to think on my feet, and how to be true to myself in challenging situations.
The Hardest Lesson and Letting Go
In 2021, after years of building and scaling my character entertainment agency, I made the difficult decision to sell the business. It wasn’t an easy choice, and there were moments of heartache. Letting go of something I had poured so much into was challenging, but it was also necessary for my personal and professional growth.
Selling the business didn’t mean the end of my journey; it was simply the next step. The lessons I learned, both the triumphs and the struggles, continue to guide me as I work on new ventures. The joy I experienced working with children and families and the hard lessons learned along the way have shaped who I am today.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for everything that character entertainment has taught me. From the clients I worked with to the challenges I overcame, it all contributed to the person I am today. The journey wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.
As I move into the next phase of my career, I know the lessons from my character entertainment days will continue to guide me. And to anyone just starting out, remember that it’s okay to stumble. What matters is how you pick yourself up and keep moving forward.
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