Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbie Locke.
Hi Bobbie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My mother is an artist and roller skater of over 50 years. As a child, I would either be at her art studio until she finished teaching, or skating with her and my family at the local rollerskating rink. I have always had dreams of putting my drawing and rollerskating abilities to use, but I never knew how. During Covid, I quit my job delivering packages at Amazon because I felt overworked and like I wasn’t fulfilling my purpose. I had some money saved up but no back up plan, and was unsure what I would do next. I began thinking of where I could apply to that would be related to my passions. After a while of brainstorming and scrolling LinkedIn, I put in only one application: at the nearest rollerskating rink, Moonlight Rollerway.
Shortly after, I was hired there and began religiously practicing and developing my rollerskating skills. Around the same time as I got hired at the rink, my close friend referred me to a party entertainment company that she worked for where I got hired as a contracted face painter. I loved both jobs, and after a few years of refining my skills in both areas, I decided it was time to start my own businesses.
I became a Certified Teaching Member of the Roller Skating Association (RSA) and the Society of Roller Skating Teachers of America (SRSTA) and began coaching private and group lessons. I was also blessed with the opportunity to star alongside my boyfriend, Devin, in the Altons’ music video for their hit song ‘Love You Like That’ as their rollerskating talent. Additionally, I started my own face painting business called ‘Bobbie’s Face Painting’ and have been diligently seeking and working opportunities at community events such as the LA Rollerskating Lesson’s seasonal showcases. I am incredibly blessed and grateful to be working towards fulfilling my dreams of being an artist and business owner, and to be able to help others by utilizing my skills and childhood passions in adulthood.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road! Lots of ups and downs as I struggled with imposter syndrome, insecurity, fear, and doubt. Before I began these two businesses, I started one once before which ended up “failing” and leading me to a lot of debt. I jumped the gun back then without having a concrete idea of what the business would be. I was stubborn and knew I did not want to work 9-5’s anymore, so I quit my job back then too, tried to rush the process, and began practicing advice that I did not fully understand too soon. With that “failure” behind me, I was weary of beginning again as I did not want to end up in more debt. And besides, I needed to make money NOW in order to pay it all back and pay my bills! I had to humble myself, find another job, and move back in with my parents at 28 — which was an additional internal struggle of believing I was a “failure.” But thank God that I have such loving and supporting parents who welcomed me back. It has gotten much easier to calm my worries and anxieties the longer I work towards my goals, trust in God, understand where I fell short in the previous “failure” and see how things are different now, and break down larger goals into smaller steps.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a self-employed artist and rollerskating coach, and I own a small business named Bobbie’s Face Painting. As an artist, I have sold original drawings, paintings, and made other commissions like artwork on shoes, roller skates, and clothing. As a rollerskating coach, I specialize in the basics and fundamentals as well as some advanced jam-skating moves and partner skating. As for Bobbie’s Face Painting, I travel to private and public events such as birthday parties, school events, and festivals to provide some extra fun and creativity through face painting. My clients say they love my professionalism, artistic and teaching ability, and my ability to bring joy and fun to my work.
I think what I am most proud of is my dedication to never giving up. Thanks to rollerskating and my struggles of being a business owner and a regular person going through life, I have learned to get back up and try again after a fall (even if it hurt).
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very active. I loved having fun, but I was also very serious and competitive at the same time. I loved sports and games! I was always playing handball, tetherball, four square, etc. at recess. I also played basketball from second grade all the way through high school. As I mentioned previously, I spent a lot of time at the rollerskating rink and my mom’s art studio, as well as my dad’s shows where he sang alongside his brother. Which led me to love rollerskating, drawing and painting, listening to and making songs with my sister-in-law, and singing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/pikabhu_
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbiesfacepainting
