Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Sponge Stories

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 Journey
• Perimenopause Challenges
• Training Course Development
• Menopausal Support Group
• Impact of Perimenopause on Work
• Success of Training Courses Visibility and Leadership
• Respectful Debate and Differing Opinions
• Networking and Beginner-Focused Training
• Expanding Courses Internationally

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Sponge Stories
• 05:22 The Early Days of Face Painting
• 14:47 The Challenges of Face Painting
• 26:12 The Rewards and Takeaways
• 36:35 Journey into Teaching and Training
• 53:08 Challenges of Perimenopause
• 01:06:52 Development of Training Courses
• 01:13:11 Visibility and Leadership
• 01:19:01 Networking and Beginner-Focused Training
• 01:39:36 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 Fluctuations
• Self-Promotion
• Teaching Face Painting Techniques

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey Begins
• 06:06 Transition to the UK
• 18:32 Investing in Training
• 23:42 Business Management and Boundaries
• 30:36 Choosing the Right Events
• 36:22 Debates on Pay Per Face vs. Pay Per Hour
• 41:35 The Importance of Collaboration and Support
• 51:15 Planning for Low Seasons and Business Management

Georgiana's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lizzieland.facepainting?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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 painting
• Challenges of imposter syndrome and self-comparison
• Building a supportive face painting community

Chapters

• 00:00 Starting a Face Painting Business
• 11:14 Building an Online Presence
• 31:27 Artistic Style and Technique
• 40:22 The Art of Intentional Painting
• 46:20 Navigating the Face Painting Industry
• 59:47 Managing Burnout and Work-Life Balance
• 01:05:21 Building a Face Painting Community
• 01:21:09 The Joy of Face Painting
• 01:29:23 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.

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.

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/