Daily Inspiration: Meet Melissa Korey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Korey.

Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have a lifelong love of the arts. When I was much younger I danced, was in theater, and always had a sketch pad nearby. Life rolls on as it is wont to do. Working a 9-5 desk job left me needing an artistic outlet. Scrolling through videos on social media, I heard a woman speaking about how she used to face paint in the park for tips. That wiggled its way into my brain. Here’s something that I could easily love and could also replace my current part time side gig for extra income. I searched for “face painters near me” and found there was a definite hole in the market that I could fill. I ordered some cheap face paints for practice and I loved it. I did lots of research on quality products, current trends, and running this as a business.
It’s been a beautiful addition to my life. I’ve found that I actually enjoy the temporary nature of my art. If I have a design I don’t love, it can be washed away to start again. I have kids and adults that I’ve started to recognize as repeat customers. It fills my heart that they keep coming back to me for new art!

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?
Wiggly kids are always a challenge. Most other canvases are nice and still. My canvases like to scrunch their noses, suddenly jerk their heads toward a sound, or start talking while you’re painting a cheek. We artists like to joke that if you cover it with enough glitter, nobody will notice.
Other challenges tend to be with parents trying to force their kid to get painted (I will never paint an unwilling kid) or sad kids when parents have an opinion about what should be a “boy” design or a “girl” design.
Any other challenges tend to be boring issues that all small businesses face.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Face and body art. Face painting is my bread and butter but I offer body art including baby bumps, and glitter bars for face and hair. Glitter bars are becoming more popular at weddings and teen birthdays like sweet sixteens and quinceañeras.
Learning henna and tinsel hair to be added soon!

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Besides the happiness I feel at creating art and learning new techniques, I have what is called the “mirror moment”. That comes when the client sees their art for the first time. The smile or the shock that registers on their face. Some little kids would stare in the mirror for as long as you would let them. It’s a trade in happiness. The happiness they feel for their art directly translates into my happiness for being able to evoke that emotion. It’s my favorite part on the job.

Pricing:

• Per face at most events $10-$20
• Parties and small events $110/hr with a 2 hr minimum
• Corporate events pricing varies

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/splendorfarkle/profilecard/?igsh=ZXNzOXJtZnlhdzIz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12JKMBB6rEM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: Cell 919-924-4726 email [email protected]