Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Rawlings.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Catherine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of growing up to be a princess. Little did I know, my dream would someday come true! I was bitten by the performing bug at a young age. I was always involved in both school and church choir, danced competitively with the Kingwood Strutters and when I was 12, I fell in love with acting. I planned to move to Los Angeles and pursue my dream of becoming an actress! And that’s exactly what I did.
I auditioned for and was accepted into the prestigious USC School of Dramatic Arts. While studying at USC, I wanted to get a part-time job that would help me hone and develop my craft. I began working for several children’s entertainment companies doing princess parties. At my first party, I remember being so nervous but as soon as the birthday girl ran up to me excitedly and gave me the biggest hug, something told me I had found my calling in life. I was hooked and princess parties became my new obsession!
Upon graduating from USC with a B.A. in Theatre, I continued to pursue acting. I signed with an acting agency and started auditioning daily. I appeared in several independent films, television series (Greek, Glee) and commercials. But my real joy came on the weekends, which I spent playing princess and making childrens’ dreams come true! I can vividly remember the moment when I decided to start my own company. One night, I came to the realization that nothing would bring me as much joy and fulfillment. Once I decided I was going to do it, I was absolutely terrified! I knew nothing about starting my own business! But at the same time, I felt peace and direction for my life because I knew everything I had been doing up to this point had led me on this path.
Has it been a smooth road?
This journey definitely hasn’t been easy or fast! Soon after deciding to start my company, I became pregnant with my first child. My husband and I were thrilled of course and I knew that my dream, for the time being, would be put on hold. We also decided to move to Houston to be closer to my family. When my son was born my focus completely shifted. Becoming a mother was all-consuming for me. I love being a mother but it’s also the hardest thing I’ve ever done, even harder than starting a business! No one can really prepare for you it and how much it changes you physically, mentally and emotionally. For a while, my company became a distant memory. I found it hard to handle all the baby stuff while still keeping house, making meals, laundry (oh, the laundry!) and still finding time for myself.
Soon after my son’s first birthday, we were surprised when I became pregnant again. For a while, I thought I might be content to just be a stay-at-home mom but after some time went by, I knew I had to have something for myself. I’ve always been a very passionate, driven and goal-oriented person and although I love my children very much, I need something in my life that’s my own, an outlet for my own creative aspirations and talents. It keeps me sane and helps me to feel like I’m still my own person instead of just “mom”.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I own a children’s entertainment company called Fairest of All Parties. We specialize in princess parties, princess play dates and tea parties. Our princesses stem from classic fairytales (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, etc.) while adding a touch of originality and creativity all our own. Each of our deluxe costumes are one-of-a-kind, handmade by our very own “fairy godmother”! Some of our activities include Interactive Storytelling, Singing, Princess Makeovers, Dress-Up, Face Painting, Games, and more!
While we keep busy with birthday parties, after school playdates and community events, one of the things I love most that we do is volunteer work. We regularly volunteer with Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Houston, Kids’ Meals and are always looking for unique opportunities to surprise children who might otherwise be unable to meet a princess, for whatever reason. Volunteering is my favorite because that’s the reason I do this, to make children happy, especially the ones in need of happiness most.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
In many ways, Houston is the perfect place for my business! I started doing princess parties in Los Angeles and there are hundreds of princess party companies out there! In Houston, there are only a handful of established children’s entertainment companies that specialize in princesses and none of them are in Kingwood, where I live. In that regard, it’s great because I don’t have very much competition in my area (though I do travel up to 80 miles). If you want a princess party and you’re in Kingwood, I’m your girl!
My company is also pretty unique in what we do so when people learn about it, they’re always very excited that there’s something like that out here. Instead of having to travel to California or Florida to meet a princess, they can have their child’s favorite princess come straight to their home and give them the surprise of a lifetime for much cheaper than the cost of taking them to a theme park. I’ve also collaborated with several other small businesses out here (Toys & Candy On the Park, Primrose Schools, Jumpalooza, Crosby Dance Academy) and everyone has been so supportive in helping my business to grow and succeed. I get most of my work from referrals and by word of mouth so being in a community filled with love and support, has been very helpful!
Pricing:
- One Hour party – $150*
- 90 Minute party – $200*
- Two Hour party – $250*
- * Additional travel fees may apply
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fairestofallparties.com/
- Phone: (713) 858-8697
- Email: fairestofallparties@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairestofallparties/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairestofallpartiestx/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fairest-of-all-parties-houston
Image Credit:
Stephanie Jane Masters
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