Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Palmisano
Sonia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began 25 years ago when I worked at a pediatric dentist office here in town. I was introduced to face painting makeup by a clown. She asked if I would help her with a job for the Anheuser-Busch family. I had so much fun! The smiles on the kids faces when they would see themselves in the mirror, that filled my bucket so much so I’ve been creating smiles ever since.
I use only the top makeup and glitter on the market. Everything I use is hypoallergenic.. I also bring my OSHA skills of 30 years to the table as well as a dental assistant. My brushes are wiped after every use. My sponges are used only once. Everything I use is sterilized to OSHA requirements.
You can find me at birthday parties, company picnics, adoption parties, St. Patrick’s Day at Helen Fitzgeralds in Sunset Hills, Stuckmeyers’s Pumpkin Patch in fenton every weekend in October. School functions, holiday and end of year events.
I did Mr. America for a commercial shooting. and Sexyyred’s son’s birthday party.
I do book quickly. Usually 2 to 3 months in advance. But you never know, don’t hesitate to call me (314- 306- 3637)
I just might be available. I would love to sprinkle some glitter on your next event and create smiles that will last a lifetime.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I didn’t do much marketing before 2018.. It was mainly by mouth. Why? I wanted to enjoy every moment with my son. From baseball fields to trapshooting fields. I didn’t want to miss those moments as a mom. I knew I wasn’t going to get those days back. It wasn’t until he went into the Army is when I decided to take things to the next level. I started to do some marketing on social media, registered with Google and took my first art class that it took everything up a notch. I love what I do and I couldn’t do it without God gift.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been drawing ever since I can remember. I was an entrepreneur as early as elementary school. I would sell my art $.50 cents a piece. My dad expected more out of me, art was for fun in his eyes. So I went to school to became a certified expanded function dental assistant. My specialty is pediatrics and special needs. I do more face painting these days than dental.
My proudest accomplishment so far besides my face painting business, is my 23 yr old son. 4 years in the Army and is currently going to college at KS for mechanical engineering.
I think what sets me apart from other face painters is my OSHA skills. I think sterilization is very important when dealing with the public. Kids come dirty, with open soars and runny noses etc. you need to know what to do. I don’t like to decline a kid. I have brushes set aside just for that reason. No double dipping in the makeup and I spray alcohol often whether they are sick or not.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was shy for a long time. Once I broke out of my shell I became very free spirited. I believe in God and if it wasn’t for Him and my faith I wouldn’t be as far as I am today.
I was the kid in the back of the class doodling. Hoping to copy off of you for the next test. I took every art class I could in high school. It wasn’t until 2019 I took my first face painting class by Mark Reid, a world famous body painter.
Pricing:
- First hour is $150.00
- Every hour after is $100.
- I average 12-30 kids an hour. It really depends on the details.
- On the details.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Facepaintingbysony.com
- Facebook: Face Painting by Sony
- Yelp: Face Painting by Sony
