Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Wilding.
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Something people don’t actually know is when I was little and even while I growing up it was always my mom’s dream to have a party company and do little girl princess parties and she unfortunately never got to do it. Me personally I’ve always been a big Princess /Disney girl. Just ask anybody I know. My wedding was even Cinderella themed and my ring is a tiara lol
When I moved to Utah, I thought a princess party company would be so fun, before starting my own company I worked for another that lacked so many things that I felt were important to a party company.
My husband pushed me to start my own company. I already knew what I wanted to bring with my company and what Utah was lacking.
Affordable character entertainment with high-quality costumes and wigs- not just people in Halloween costumes but actual performers that sing and act, remain in character, and can facepaint and give the client a sense of magic.
Childhood is a fleeting thing. One day we’re bringing our newborn home, then next we’re sending them off to high school. We only get so many years of childhood and that innocence is so precious. The aim of my company is to preserve that as long as we can. Witnessing a child’s face light up the first time Belle says her name, or immersing themselves in familiar songs with their favorite princess allows us to create an experience the child will remember the rest of their lives. Keeping the magic of childhood alive is something nearly every parent wants for their kids. When a parent brings their child meet one of our characters, they become the real heroes.
I still remember the first time I met my favorite princess and how beautiful she was. How her eyes were bright blue just like in the movie, and her hair was just the right shade of red. I was in awe with her shells covered in sparkles and her majestic tail! When she talked to me, I knew she was 100 % the real deal and that’s the feeling I wanted with my company… I want children, no matter the age, to experience that same feeling I had. We pride ourselves on the quality of our costumes and performers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I launched in January 2020; it was slow at first but by February we had 1 party booked every weekend.
Then Covid happened and I had to find a way to still stay connected to customers and still bring that magic.
We did nightly bedtime stories on our social media, sent out birthday cards from the characters that were handwritten and autographed, did zoom calls and even zoom birthdays as well as parades. I built up a clientele that way and when things started open back up and no events were going on I started holding my own monthly events where I could schedule small groups to do activities with the princesses and still social distance and it gave everyone something to do and a reason to get out. It kept the magic alive when we were all feeling so trapped.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Characters and Crowns?
· We try and do at least one event a month. It’s fun for the kids and parents to get out and do something together.
· We also do birthday parties and private events.
· Our packages include face painting, sing-alongs, princess makeovers which include our own special branded hair glitter that we sell and use at parties.
· The quality of costumes and talented performers are a big part of what makes the experience so memorable.
· Each of my performers are more than just a person with a pretty costume, they also act the part and are trained to stay in character the entire time.
We want every child to walk away from our events believing a little more in magic and the parents to feel like they’ve made their child’s day that much more special.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the most important thing I’ve learned during this journey is you are never too old to believe in magic. This is more than a job.
Sometimes I doubt myself but nothing is more rewarding than hearing how wonderful each client’s experience was and how special the performer made the child feel and that’s magic all in itself.
Pricing:
- $120 for a 1-hour party package
- $200 for a two-character party package
Contact Info:
- Email: characters.crowns@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.charactersandcrowns.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/charactersandcrowns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/charactersandcrowns
