A local children’s educator adding some smiles and sparkles to Hornsby Shire – Meet Magical Megs Face Painting
Magical Megs is a Professional Face Painter and experienced Early Childhood Educator providing fun and magical experiences wherever she goes! Face painting, bubble blowing, character dress ups and much more, creator Megan Patterson is passionate about working with children.
Why did you start your business?
I have worked with children for many years in early education and wanted to continue my passion for working with children with my creativity.
What’s the story behind your business?
Everyone always told me that I would be a fantastic children’s entertainer. I always am dressing up in costumes, having fun with children and I am very creative. One of my colleagues suggested doing a course on face painting and I fell in love with it so much that Magical Megs was born. My business is a total passion for me!
What are the benefits of your products and services?
Working with children for so many years, I understand how to interact and engage with them at their level. I believe that the process of Face Painting itself is just as important as the final product. My philosophy and practice works on respecting the children’s voice, choices and space. That every person deserves the same level of quality and time. I am also trained in early childhood and in face painting. I use only the highest quality products that are FDA approved for safe use on skin and have very high hygiene practises and controls. I take the time to individually handmake my items which I sell at markets
How do you help your customers?
Whenever a client gets in contact with me, I like to discuss what they are looking for and what they want so that I can provide the best experience I can for them. I reconfirm everything with them 48hrs before an event and also arrive before my start time to introduce myself.
What is unique about you and your business?
Most people who face paint do so from looking at YouTube, or pictures on the web. Unbeknown to many is that there are face painters and then there are Professional Face Painters. I am an Honour Student from the International Face Painting School where I completed the Elite training, gaining my Diploma in 2020.
I also like to use my creativity to think outside the box, discover and create new things, using my training and experience in early childhood. I am exploring the world of bubble blowing, magic tricks, plus handmaking bling, gem clusters, unicorn horns, mermaid tails and hair feathers.
Many painters focus on a quick turnover with people being a number. I work differently, believing that the process is just as important as the end product. I focus on not on creating that wow moment, but also giving the respect, personal space, voice and choice that every individual deserves. I like to greet each child, give them choice of colour/ design and importantly let them know what I am going to do, demonstrate, ask them if it is ok to be in their personal space, make jokes, talk to them.
Why are you passionate about your area of work?
Working with children has always been my passion. Children are amazing. They are the future. As well as my business, I continue to work part time in a local early learning centre. I also have a soft spot for people with additional needs due to a family member and I love helping people and having fun, showing off my creative side.
How do you keep yourself and your team motivated?
When you are passionate about something, it is easy to keep motivated. Yes, you have your down moments, like this year, but that’s when working with children is such a fantastic industry to work in. They show you love when you are feeling down, come up to you all excited, show all the innocence of the world. I just want to give back and make the best experience possible for them, so I push myself to learn more, be creative and think outside the box.
Why do you love being a local Hornsby Shire business?
I have grown up in the Hornsby Shire. The community comes together and helps each other out in times of needs, the Bush gives the beauty but also has the conveniences of urbanisation.
Why are you a member of the Hornsby Chamber?
I was a finalist in the Local Business Awards and learnt about the Chamber at that event. I thought that it would be amazing to be able to learn from other people, build networks and meet new people.
Why do you think small businesses are so important to the local communities and Australian economy?
Australians have proven that they will come together as one in times of needs. Communities, the generosity, working together are what makes this country so special. And if we didn’t have the small businesses, then the economic heartbeat of society wouldn’t exist.
Who inspires you and why?
My parents. They have always supported me, told me to never give up and to strive to become the best that I can be.
To find out more about Magical Megs Face Painting, visit her website page: https://magicalmegs.wixsite.com/facepainting