Today we’d like to introduce you to Denice Kelly.
Denice, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved art and have a background as a cosmetologist and makeup artist. When a friend asked if I’d ever tried face painting I figured it was worth a try and here I am 17 years later. It’s been a fun road, and while my skills have improved to some degree, I still have quite a ways to go. Besides face painting and makeup, I also do henna and temporary tattoos and I’ve just started to learn balloon twisting.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. There have been many bumps and hurdles along the way to where I am today. Things like getting consistent work, getting my name out, and building up my kit have all been hurdles. They are still hurdles I work on to this day.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I offer makeup, face/body paint, henna, and temporary tattoos (both glitter & ink). Makeup can be anything from beauty makeup for a wedding to specialized makeup for photo shoots. I do face painting, henna, and temporary tattoos at lots of festivals and private parties. I am also learning to twist balloons and added that to my birthday party offerings recently, making sure to let those wishing for that service know that I am still a beginner.
I am most proud of the fact that for the past year and a half I have been self-sufficient and my business is finally growing in a way that makes it possible for me to not need to have a full time day job. This has been my dream, and while it has taken much longer than I expected for it to happen, it is finally happening. I think that what sets me apart from others is my personality – I’m more laid back, especially with the kids, than some. With the little ones who are shy, I’ll take extra time and I’m not a “super bubbly” person to begin with, so I think this helps some of them relax. I actually had a mother of a birthday girl I worked for recently comment that she was happy I was so calm around the kids.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Boston and the greater Boston area are ok places for my type of business. I wish people would understand the costs associated with what we do as professionals though. Too many think “oh, face painting, it’s quick and simple stuff”, when what I and many other professionals do is actually works of art on faces. Yes, we make it look easy, but it takes time and practice, as well as having professional insurance, taking classes, and purchasing professional quality products that are intended to be used on skin safely.
For those just starting out I recommend getting on facebook and finding the groups dedicated to the body art they wish to do. There are groups for henna, face painting, glitter tattoos, and many many more. Learning as much about what you want to do, the proper tools/equipment to use, and the safety methods to use are all extremely important factors. For henna, the biggest issue lately is the use of unsafe products that claim to be safe.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.squirrelcatdesigns.com
- Phone: (603) 793-9408
- Email: info@squirrelcatdesigns.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/squirrelcatdesigns
- Facebook: facebook.com/squirrelcatdesigns
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