Sponge Stories

🇨🇦 NEW EPISODE! And Sponge Stories has officially gone international! 🎙️

This week I’m joined by Mackenzie from MJC Artistry in Vancouver, Canada, for my first proper international recording, complete with time zones and a VERY early start for Mackenzie!

Mackenzie only started face painting three years ago after a conversation at her local rock and gem club sparked an idea for rock themed face painting. Fast forward to now and she’s gone full time, built a network of artists, worked huge corporate events and even painted at the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver!

And we cover SO much in this episode.

We chat about the reality of entrepreneurship and why actually sitting down and painting faces can sometimes feel like the break from running the business.

We get into pricing, putting your prices on your website, knowing your actual costs and profit margins, finding your ideal client, networking outside of the face painting world and making the move from seeing other painters as competition to seeing them as your community.

We also talk about something I’ve personally been enjoying recently, Mackenzie’s Face Paint Colouring Book and her new Face Painter Planner, both of which she very kindly sent over to me. We chat about how they came about, why she created them and the importance of actually taking action when you have an idea rather than waiting for everything to be perfect.

AND Mackenzie gives us a little exclusive preview of the business book she’s currently working on 👀

There are so many brilliant business conversations packed into this one.

🎧 Mackenzie from MJC Artistry is OUT NOW on Sponge Stories.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

And apparently Sponge Stories can now officially say it has crossed the Atlantic! 🇬🇧🇨🇦

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What does it really take to organise one of the biggest face and body art conventions in the UK?

In this episode of Sponge Stories, I'm joined by Bex from BAPIA and UK FABAC for a behind the scenes look at everything that goes into planning a convention. From months of preparation and juggling countless moving parts, to creating an event where everyone feels welcome, Bex shares the reality of bringing the face painting community together.

We also chat about building confidence, making connections in the industry, why conventions can feel intimidating for first timers, and why taking that first step through the door might be one of the best things you ever do for your business.

Whether you're a convention regular or you've always wondered if it's worth going, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical advice, and plenty of encouragement.

If you've been thinking about attending UK FABAC this year, this episode might just give you the push you need.

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What does it take to turn a face painting business into a complete party experience?

This week I'm joined by Jade from Party with Jelly Jade, whose business has evolved from painting faces into entertaining thousands of children at birthday parties across the UK.

We chat about how it all began, from painting Batman designs straight from a face paint book while hosting McDonald's birthday parties, to building a brand that parents trust to take the stress out of party day. Jade shares why she's never been afraid to try new ideas, why adapting your business is so important, and how years of experience have shaped the way she works with children and families.

We also dive into the changing world of children's parties, whether bigger budgets really create better memories, and why the experience children have will always matter more than expensive decorations.

If you've ever wondered how to stand out, build a memorable brand, or simply create magical moments for children, this episode is packed with honest stories, practical insights and plenty of laughs along the way.

So grab a cuppa and come and join us for another episode of Sponge Stories.

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What starts with a 13-year-old charging 50p for face painting in her front garden somehow leads to architecture, nightclub face painting, a laser cutter in the living room and a physical face paint shop in Glasgow.

In this episode of Sponge Stories, I’m joined by Lisa, the face painter and business owner behind POP Stencils and Face Paint Pro.

Lisa shares how her early career took plenty of twists and turns before the skills she picked up along the way eventually came together to help her build multiple businesses within the face painting industry.

We chat about the reality of going full time, why buying cheap can mean buying twice, learning to trust your gut, pricing yourself appropriately and why we shouldn’t make ourselves small just to appear more affordable.

Lisa also takes us behind the scenes of POP Stencils, from designing and testing each stencil to the surprisingly complex process of laser cutting them herself in Glasgow. We talk about supporting independent suppliers, the impact of cheap copied products, the realities of retail, Brexit, stock, tiny profit margins and the pressure of balancing several businesses at once.

And just when I thought we were safely into the quick fire round, Lisa casually revealed the biggest face painting disaster I have ever heard on this podcast…

This episode is packed with business lessons, industry insight, unexpected career turns and a very strong reminder that you genuinely never know where face painting might take you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

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As one half of the legendary Wolfe twins, Nick helped shape modern face and body painting as we know it. From creating the iconic Wolfe FX paints and winning World Bodypainting Championships to teaching artists across the globe, his influence can be found in almost every face painter's kit and technique today.

We chat about how he and his twin brother Brian transformed the industry, what it was really like building Wolfe FX, and the incredible journey from working in special effects makeup to becoming one of the world's most respected educators.

Nick also shares his memories of Brian, reflects on the legacy they created together, and talks about the next chapter of his career with his wife Jade as The Witch and the Wolfe.

Whether you've been painting for twenty years or you've only just picked up your first brush, this episode is packed with stories, history, inspiration and advice from someone who has witnessed – and helped create – the evolution of our industry.

If you've ever painted with Wolfe White, learned from one of Nick's books, or simply wondered where so many of today's techniques began, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

If you enjoy the episode, please follow Sponge Stories, leave a review, and share it with another face painter. It really helps more artists discover the podcast.

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This week on Sponge Stories, I'm joined by Michelle from ABC Parties.

Michelle has had a remarkable year. After stepping away from the industry during a difficult period in her life, she returned determined to rebuild her confidence, reignite her creativity and throw herself back into face painting.

Since then, she has won Face Painter of the Year, entered an international face painting competition in the Netherlands, signed up to multiple training programmes and competitions, and embraced every opportunity to learn and grow.

We talk about pushing through self-doubt, navigating anxiety at industry events, dealing with comparison, investing in your skills and why sometimes the best thing you can do is simply put yourself forward.

Michelle also shares her experience of being diagnosed with Tourette's and how that has impacted both her personal life and her work as a face painter.

This is an honest conversation about resilience, confidence, creativity and finding your place in the industry again.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Sponge Stories, I’m joined by Bethany from Brushed Beauties, a face painter based in Northampton with a background in branding, design and marketing.

We chat about how Beth turned a weekend hobby into a thriving face painting business, the lessons she learned from those nerve-racking first jobs, and some of the most memorable events she's worked on, including the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Beth shares practical advice on branding, marketing and sponsorships, including how she secured sponsorship for her branded gazebo, why LinkedIn is an untapped opportunity for face painters, and the marketing mistakes she sees small businesses making time and time again.

We also discuss the importance of community, building a recognisable brand, attracting repeat customers, and why focusing on your own business is often the best thing you can do.

Plus, Beth joins me for a quick-fire round where we find out her least favourite design to paint, her dream booking, and the one marketing hill she's prepared to die on.

Whether you're a face painter looking to grow your business or simply curious about what goes on behind the sponge, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest conversation.

Follow Beth and Brushed Beauties for more face painting and business inspiration.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushedbeautiesfacepaint?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Website - https://www.brushedbeautiesfacepaint.co.uk/

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This week on Sponge Stories, I'm joined by Jane from Daisy Jane Face Painting.

With nearly 10 years in the industry, Jane has built an instantly recognisable brand, a thriving business and a reputation as one of the most loved painters in our community.

In this episode, Jane very generously shares her ongoing experience with grief and the realities of running a business built around joy when life behind the scenes is incredibly difficult. We talk about resilience, finding a way forward and the support that can be found within our industry.

Alongside these more personal conversations, Jane also shares some of her favourite face painting memories, lessons learned from a decade in business and advice for painters at every stage of their journey.

It's an honest, thoughtful and uplifting conversation that reminds us there is a real person behind every paintbrush.

Find more from Jane here: https://www.instagram.com/daisyjanesfacepainting?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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Rachel Connolly discusses the importance of networking for business growth, the challenges of operating a rural business, and the significance of inclusivity in face painting, providing valuable insights and practical tips for each topic. The conversation delves into the importance of inclusion in the face painting industry and the challenges and opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. It also explores the standout qualities of a face painter and discusses proudest moments and business success in the industry.

Takeaways

• Networking for business growth
• Diversifying services for rural business
• Inclusivity in face painting Inclusion in the face painting industry
• Challenges and opportunities for neurodiverse individuals

Chapters

• 00:00 Networking for Business Growth
• 09:10 Challenges of Rural Business Operations
• 26:35 Inclusivity in Face Painting
• 47:55 Advocacy for Inclusion and Empowerment
• 55:56 Standout Qualities of a Face Painter
• 01:06:56 Proudest Moments and Business Success

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Millie Rose, founder of Fantastic Faces, transformed her passion into a flourishing business after winning the Prince's Trust Enterprise Award in 2019.

From facing challenges as a single parent to building a creative team, Millie's story is a true testament to resilience.

She started out with just a dream and a scabby old box of paints, and now she’s redefining face painting across Yorkshire. It’s not just about art; it’s about connection, joy, and the magic of seeing a child’s face light up.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.