May 1, 2017

Meet Tracy Kiggen of ARTovator in Orange County

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Kiggen.

Tracy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been an artist my whole life and dabbled in many aspects of art from a young age. When I was fifteen, in South Africa, I saw a body art show and decided then and there that that would be my passion. Two years later, we immigrated to the US where I met my ex-husband on Melrose Avenue. We started working as DJs and ran the underground club scene in LA for many years to follow. Our adventures took us to Las Vegas and eventually San Diego in 2006 where we received the best news – we were pregnant. When my daughter arrived in 2007 I wanted nothing more than to just be her mommy so I quit the club scene and spent 99% of my time with Sasha.

In 2009, due to irreconcilable differences I left my husband and moved to Orange County to be closer with my parents. It was there that my mother gave me the idea of starting a professional face painting business. I created ARTovator and came up with the name by combining 2 words (art and innovator) to form the portmanteau.

Today ARTovator is a successful entertainment company that serves all party people from San Diego to Los Angeles. We have over 15 face painters, 10 balloon twisters, 5 caricaturists, 5 airbrush tattoo artists, a couple of contortionists and a few magicians. It is the highest rated entertainment company on Yelp and is thriving.

I am very proud of myself for growing my business into a reputable company while at the same time home schooling my daughter. I really enjoy entertaining for children’s birthday parties and look forward to every weekend.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been very difficult raising a child on my own while running my own business. I have found that the best way to manage my hectic lifestyle is to eat healthy and take time for myself. I like to read a lot and choose to live a spiritual life in order to increase positive results.

ARTovator – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
ARTovator is a successful entertainment company catering to any type of event from birthday parties to grand openings. We have an extensive client list, such as Whole Foods and Paramount Pictures, and perform for many different celebrities. Our entertainers are the best of the best and are highly skilled performers. We offer face painting, balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos, Henna art, magic shows, stilt walkers, clowns, caricatures, contortionists, and juggling.

I am primarily a face painter and am well known for my detailed neat work. I often hear guests commenting behind me when I am painting “I have never seen face painting like this before!” My attention to detail and love of children sets me apart from other face painters and has helped me grow into a professional artist. I love that I am appreciated and enjoyed.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is being able to do what you love and do it well. It goes hand in hand with happiness and can only be achieved by outstanding performance.

I aim to produce the finest quality work. My goal is to be a creatively respected artist in my field and so far, I feel that I have successfully done that.

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