Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Peavey.
Hi Gina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Gina Peavey, and I am the creator and owner of Wacky and Whimsical. I am a mother of 3 now young men and wife to a supportive and wonderful husband. Wacky and Whimsical started in NY with the love of family and became a passion after seeing all the faces light up. In 2010 my niece was having a party for her daughter but couldn’t afford entertainment, so I taught myself I face paint to offer help. And there I was, hooked on smiles. I started offering my services as volunteer work and to charities to help raise money for daycares, and whatever was needed. Then opened it up for paid events to help keep the supplies up. In 2014 I moved to Florida, put my paints aside, and continued my nursing profession. My mother was DX with Alzheimer’s Dementia in 2019 and had to come live with us. So I put nursing as a job aside and picked my paintbrushes back up so I could take care of her during the week and escape in my paints on the weekend. It was a slow start due to Covid, but it has since made up for it. Wacky and Whimsical began to thrive and grow. I added live spun cotton candy carts, balloon designs, and outdoor movie nights with freshly popped popcorn. My smiling husband comes along, and together we bring joy and excitement to Birthday parties, Baby showers, vendor events, and community holiday events. Whether you are into Wacky faces or Whimsical designs, Wacky and Whimsical can bring that extra element to your next gathering or event. Whether it is Face painting at a birthday party, Live Cotton Candy Spinning for an Event, or Balloon Design for a Baby Shower, it is all created with love!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Finding a balance between my practical/time and creative/heart sides has been a battle. Being the only face painter, I can only do so many parties in a month. At first, I was overbooking myself and was wearing myself out because I didn’t want anyone disappointed. But I have come to a better place with having to pass on events to keep everything in balance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Face painting is my specialty. I have a complete setup for full-face designs, face jewels, and glitter tattoos. For added fun, my cotton candy cart comes along to balance out the time and fun. I’m happy to be able to keep my prices reasonable for all price points with add-ons such as the cotton candy cart, balloon arches, and designs. We even bring our music, so whether you enjoy our services or wait in line, you are surrounded by fun. You will always get joy with Wacky and Whimsical.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Because we keep our prices affordable, we have taken on some financial risk with additions like the cotton candy cart and our complete setup, including 20 blow-up chairs and audio, visual, and blow-up screens for outdoor movie nights. The candy cart is doing well, but the outdoor movie night is seasonal because it’s only usable at night. I don’t feel bad about taking the risk. The movie nights we have done have still brought joy and will continue throughout the years.
Pricing:
- Face Painting 1 1/2 hr minimum at $150. 10-15 faces $50 each additional 1/2 hr
- Cotton Candy Cart $150 1 hr live spun w/attendant
- Balloon design garlands begin at $150, and Arches begin at $300
- Outdoor Movie nights with unlimited popcorn starting at $300 with 2 attendants
- All services can be packaged for price savings
Contact Info:
- Website: Wackyandwhimsical.com
- Instagram: @wackynwhimsical
- Facebook: HTTPS://www.Facebook.com/WackyandWhimsicalFaces
Image Credits
Personal image taken by Rachael Lynn
