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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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Saknas det avsnitt?
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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.
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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 growthDiversifying services for rural businessInclusivity in face painting Inclusion in the face painting industryChallenges and opportunities for neurodiverse individualsChapters
00:00 Networking for Business Growth09:10 Challenges of Rural Business Operations26:35 Inclusivity in Face Painting47:55 Advocacy for Inclusion and Empowerment55:56 Standout Qualities of a Face Painter01:06:56 Proudest Moments and Business Success -
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.
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The conversation explores the power of social media for creatives, the journey from imposter syndrome to authentic content, the balance between content creation and face painting gigs, the evolution of content and face painting, and a discussion on a favorite face painting gig. The conversation covers a range of topics including the world of events and corporate gigs, the transition to adult clientele, the impact of location and community, working with other face painters, subcontracting work and business ethics, dealing with nightmare clients, challenges faced as a woman in business, navigating professionalism and gender bias, the impact of social media on business, community and mental health, and content creation and planning.
Takeaways
Social media as a tool for creative entrepreneurshipThe journey from imposter syndrome to authentic content Diversifying ContentBuilding a Personal BrandChapters
00:00 The Power of Social Media for Creatives19:26 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Authentic Content25:00 The Evolution of Content and Face Painting30:36 Location and Community Impact35:48 Challenges Faced as a Woman in Business53:49 Community and Mental Health01:10:13 Content Creation and PlanningFind all of Daze's links here! https://linktr.ee/moonlightbodyart?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnE2u7vt0FeB_-4ws5VZijHcnnYk6Q__r2uNNdcKkHsspVhVifUH9AX5hUCUc_aem_RmwEO-UTkfI69Vyd6X5O4g
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The podcast episode features a conversation between Siobhan Chudleigh and Donna Godfrey, discussing the challenges and experiences of face painting as a career. They cover topics such as the early days of face painting, the transition to full-time work, and the unexpected aspects of the job. Donna shares insights on the admin side of the business, the physical toll on her back, and the rewarding moments of teaching and empowering others through face painting. Donna Godfrey shares her journey into teaching face painting and the challenges of perimenopause. She discusses the development of her training courses and the creation of a menopausal support group for face painters. The conversation also explores the impact of perimenopause on her work and the success of her training courses. Donna reflects on her journey as a leader in the face painting industry, discussing the challenges of visibility, industry stereotypes, and the importance of relatability. She also shares insights on dealing with differing opinions and the need for respectful debate within the industry. Additionally, she highlights the significance of networking, the value of beginner-focused training, and her aspirations to expand her courses internationally.
Takeaways
Transitioning to full-time face painting is a challenging but rewarding journey.The physical toll on the body and the administrative aspects of the business are often overlooked challenges in the face painting industry. Teaching JourneyPerimenopause ChallengesTraining Course DevelopmentMenopausal Support GroupImpact of Perimenopause on WorkSuccess of Training Courses Visibility and LeadershipRespectful Debate and Differing OpinionsNetworking and Beginner-Focused TrainingExpanding Courses InternationallyChapters
00:00 Introduction to Sponge Stories05:22 The Early Days of Face Painting14:47 The Challenges of Face Painting26:12 The Rewards and Takeaways36:35 Journey into Teaching and Training53:08 Challenges of Perimenopause01:06:52 Development of Training Courses01:13:11 Visibility and Leadership01:19:01 Networking and Beginner-Focused Training01:39:36 Expanding Courses Internationally -
Georgiana shares her journey into the world of face painting, from her beginnings in Romania to establishing herself as a successful face painter in the UK. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of investing in herself, and the evolution of her business. The conversation covers her experiences, challenges, and successes in the face painting industry. From pricing strategies to seasonal fluctuations and the importance of self-promotion, Georgiana provides valuable insights for aspiring face painters and entrepreneurs. She also discusses her upcoming international competition and her passion for teaching face painting techniques.
Takeaways
Passion and talent can lead to a successful career, but investing in training and business management is crucial for sustainability.Saying no to events and collaborations that don't align with your values is essential for business growth and personal fulfilment.Seasonal FluctuationsSelf-PromotionTeaching Face Painting TechniquesChapters
00:00 The Journey Begins06:06 Transition to the UK18:32 Investing in Training23:42 Business Management and Boundaries30:36 Choosing the Right Events36:22 Debates on Pay Per Face vs. Pay Per Hour41:35 The Importance of Collaboration and Support51:15 Planning for Low Seasons and Business ManagementGeorgiana's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lizzieland.facepainting?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
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The conversation covers the journey of starting and growing a face painting business, discovering the art of face painting, building an online presence, the challenges of social media, and the development of artistic style and technique. The conversation delves into the art of intentional painting, the value of precision and placement, and the struggle with self-comparison in the face painting industry. It also explores the challenges of imposter syndrome, managing burnout, and work-life balance. Additionally, it discusses the importance of building a face painting community, the joy of face painting, and the teaching and learning aspects of face painting. The conversation concludes with encouragement for aspiring face painters and the belief in a future project.
Takeaways
Starting a business requires intention and a willingness to learn and adapt.Artistic style and technique evolve through practice and intentional planning. The importance of intentional paintingChallenges of imposter syndrome and self-comparisonBuilding a supportive face painting communityChapters
00:00 Starting a Face Painting Business11:14 Building an Online Presence31:27 Artistic Style and Technique40:22 The Art of Intentional Painting46:20 Navigating the Face Painting Industry59:47 Managing Burnout and Work-Life Balance01:05:21 Building a Face Painting Community01:21:09 The Joy of Face Painting01:29:23 Future Plans and Belief in a Project -
Episode 3 brings a really honest and refreshing conversation.
I’m joined by Sara from The Artful Dabber and we talk about what it actually looks like to change direction in your career and back yourself while doing it. Because let’s be honest, that can feel pretty daunting.
We get into the importance of branding in your business too. Not just logos and colours, but how you show up, how people remember you, and why it matters more than you might think.
And then we talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime in our industry. Managing the menopause while running a business. The impact it can have, the challenges that come with it, and how Sara is navigating it all alongside her work.
It’s a proper mix of practical, personal and real life.
If you’re thinking about making a change, trying to stand out, or juggling business with things going on behind the scenes, this one’s for you.
Follow Sara on Instagram @the.artful.dabber for updates, and make sure to grab her new book The Professional Face Painter here: https://amzn.eu/d/08wZP3xn
Real conversations. From real face painters working in the industry.
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Episode 2 is one that’s going to hit home for a lot of painters.
I’m joined by Heather from Rainbow Tiger Face Painting and we get properly honest about the stuff that doesn’t always get said out loud. Imposter syndrome. Burnout. And the honest mistakes made on social media in the heat of the moment.
We talk about that feeling of “am I actually good enough?” even when you’re fully booked. The exhaustion that creeps in when you’re saying yes to everything. And the polished online world that can make you question what you’re doing, even when you’re doing just fine.
This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about real experiences, real doubts, and the reality of working in this industry.
If you’ve ever compared yourself, felt like a fraud, or wondered if you’re the only one struggling behind the scenes… you’re not.
Follow Heather on Instagram: @rainbowtigerfacepainting and order her new ebook here https://www.etsy.com/shop/rainbowtigersupplies/?etsrc=sdt&dd_referrer=
Real conversations. From real face painters working in the industry.
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Ever caught yourself scrolling and thinking everyone else is better than you?
Episode one kicks things off with Juliet Eve.
We chat about comparison in the face painting industry and how easy it is to get pulled into what everyone else is doing. Juliet shares why focusing on your own style matters and how leaning into what makes you different can actually be the thing that helps you stand out.
It is an honest conversation about confidence, creativity, and learning to trust your own way of doing things.
If you have ever doubted yourself after seeing someone else’s work, this one is for you.
Find more from Juliet here:
https://julieteve.co.uk/
Or join the Facade Academy here:
https://facadeacademy.co.uk/
