May 8, 2017

Meet Lucy Smith of Colorful Kingdom Entertainment in Northridge

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Smith.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally, Colorful Kingdom started as a dream: I loved to sing and act and always dreamt about portraying a princess in theme parks. But being a big girl, I was told by peers that I wouldn’t be a good princess because I didn’t have the “right body type.” Now, I have always endured bullying due to my size, but this was the last straw. No one was going to tell me how I should live my life based on whether or not they liked my appearance. To this day, I have been entertaining families and young children since I started my party business in 2014. Today, Colorful Kingdom Entertainment offers live professional acting, singing & improv, princesses, face painting, children’s games, glitter tattoos, balloons, temporary tattoos, mini manicures, mini makeovers, and customized kid’s portrait artwork in Los Angeles County, CA. Packages start at $80.

Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a small business definitely has its obstacles. My biggest one was finding new customers and getting the word out; I had no experience with marketing and had to make things up as I went!

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Colorful Kingdom Entertainment story. Tell us more about the business.
Colorful Kingdom is more than just a party business. Through my work, I hope to inspire creativity in little ones who are interested in the arts. I’m the Creative Director and I have a background as a professional musical theatre actress and art teacher. I love to work with kids! I graduated from Moore College of Art & Design in 2016 with a B.F.A. in Illustration, adding to my A.F.A. in Illustration from Delaware College of Art & Design and my B.A. in Theatre from West Chester University (cum laude).

I’m most proud of making the kids so fascinated in what I’m doing that they come to watch me as I paint the other kids’ faces. I make everything into a game. Recently, I’ve been using theatre improv skills to do a synchronized face painting activity: A group of kids decides on one design and I paint them all at once, step by step.

I also take pride in treating every guest, especially the guest of honor, like they are the ruler of their own personal kingdom. I give them special attention and put them in the spotlight during every activity I provide. It’s very easy to do as a princess. I have evidence that it works: the birthday child at a snow queen-themed party asked me if I could come over to her house the day after the party because I was her “best sister” and she wanted me to “wish her happy birthday and go play in her room with her dolls.” I consider that a success.

Finally, I offer personalized illustrations of the kids with their favorite character! I have two degrees in Illustration and I love to show off my skills. My artwork can be seen here: lucymariesmith.com

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Being involved in pop culture of the target market is essential for businesses like mine. It all has to do with whatever the kids love. I can definitely see the character library being expanded.

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