In this episode of Sponge Stories, I’m joined by Lisa, the face painter and business owner behind POP Stencils and Face Paint Pro.

Lisa shares how her early career took plenty of twists and turns before the skills she picked up along the way eventually came together to help her build multiple businesses within the face painting industry.

We chat about the reality of going full time, why buying cheap can mean buying twice, learning to trust your gut, pricing yourself appropriately and why we shouldn’t make ourselves small just to appear more affordable.

Lisa also takes us behind the scenes of POP Stencils, from designing and testing each stencil to the surprisingly complex process of laser cutting them herself in Glasgow. We talk about supporting independent suppliers, the impact of cheap copied products, the realities of retail, Brexit, stock, tiny profit margins and the pressure of balancing several businesses at once.

And just when I thought we were safely into the quick fire round, Lisa casually revealed the biggest face painting disaster I have ever heard on this podcast…

This episode is packed with business lessons, industry insight, unexpected career turns and a very strong reminder that you genuinely never know where face painting might take you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

We chat about how he and his twin brother Brian transformed the industry, what it was really like building Wolfe FX, and the incredible journey from working in special effects makeup to becoming one of the world's most respected educators.

Nick also shares his memories of Brian, reflects on the legacy they created together, and talks about the next chapter of his career with his wife Jade as The Witch and the Wolfe.

Whether you've been painting for twenty years or you've only just picked up your first brush, this episode is packed with stories, history, inspiration and advice from someone who has witnessed – and helped create – the evolution of our industry.

If you've ever painted with Wolfe White, learned from one of Nick's books, or simply wondered where so many of today's techniques began, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

If you enjoy the episode, please follow Sponge Stories, leave a review, and share it with another face painter. It really helps more artists discover the podcast.

Michelle has had a remarkable year. After stepping away from the industry during a difficult period in her life, she returned determined to rebuild her confidence, reignite her creativity and throw herself back into face painting.

Since then, she has won Face Painter of the Year, entered an international face painting competition in the Netherlands, signed up to multiple training programmes and competitions, and embraced every opportunity to learn and grow.

We talk about pushing through self-doubt, navigating anxiety at industry events, dealing with comparison, investing in your skills and why sometimes the best thing you can do is simply put yourself forward.

Michelle also shares her experience of being diagnosed with Tourette's and how that has impacted both her personal life and her work as a face painter.

This is an honest conversation about resilience, confidence, creativity and finding your place in the industry again.

We chat about how Beth turned a weekend hobby into a thriving face painting business, the lessons she learned from those nerve-racking first jobs, and some of the most memorable events she's worked on, including the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Beth shares practical advice on branding, marketing and sponsorships, including how she secured sponsorship for her branded gazebo, why LinkedIn is an untapped opportunity for face painters, and the marketing mistakes she sees small businesses making time and time again.

We also discuss the importance of community, building a recognisable brand, attracting repeat customers, and why focusing on your own business is often the best thing you can do.

Plus, Beth joins me for a quick-fire round where we find out her least favourite design to paint, her dream booking, and the one marketing hill she's prepared to die on.

Whether you're a face painter looking to grow your business or simply curious about what goes on behind the sponge, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest conversation.

Follow Beth and Brushed Beauties for more face painting and business inspiration.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushedbeautiesfacepaint?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Website - https://www.brushedbeautiesfacepaint.co.uk/

With nearly 10 years in the industry, Jane has built an instantly recognisable brand, a thriving business and a reputation as one of the most loved painters in our community.

In this episode, Jane very generously shares her ongoing experience with grief and the realities of running a business built around joy when life behind the scenes is incredibly difficult. We talk about resilience, finding a way forward and the support that can be found within our industry.

Alongside these more personal conversations, Jane also shares some of her favourite face painting memories, lessons learned from a decade in business and advice for painters at every stage of their journey.

It's an honest, thoughtful and uplifting conversation that reminds us there is a real person behind every paintbrush.

Find more from Jane here: https://www.instagram.com/daisyjanesfacepainting?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Takeaways

• Networking for business growth
• Diversifying services for rural business
• Inclusivity in face painting Inclusion in the face painting industry
• Challenges and opportunities for neurodiverse individuals

Chapters

• 00:00 Networking for Business Growth
• 09:10 Challenges of Rural Business Operations
• 26:35 Inclusivity in Face Painting
• 47:55 Advocacy for Inclusion and Empowerment
• 55:56 Standout Qualities of a Face Painter
• 01:06:56 Proudest Moments and Business Success

From facing challenges as a single parent to building a creative team, Millie's story is a true testament to resilience.

She started out with just a dream and a scabby old box of paints, and now she’s redefining face painting across Yorkshire. It’s not just about art; it’s about connection, joy, and the magic of seeing a child’s face light up.

Takeaways

• Social media as a tool for creative entrepreneurship
• The journey from imposter syndrome to authentic content Diversifying Content
• Building a Personal Brand

Chapters

• 00:00 The Power of Social Media for Creatives
• 19:26 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Authentic Content
• 25:00 The Evolution of Content and Face Painting
• 30:36 Location and Community Impact
• 35:48 Challenges Faced as a Woman in Business
• 53:49 Community and Mental Health
• 01:10:13 Content Creation and Planning

Find all of Daze's links here! https://linktr.ee/moonlightbodyart?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnE2u7vt0FeB_-4ws5VZijHcnnYk6Q__r2uNNdcKkHsspVhVifUH9AX5hUCUc_aem_RmwEO-UTkfI69Vyd6X5O4g

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

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==

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

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.

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.

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/