Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Pearman.
Hi Josh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Over the years, I was approached many times by other Santa Claus performers and encouraged to consider wearing the red suit. I felt I was too young when they first started approaching me, so I put it off for many years. During that time I had been playing a father Christmas type character at the Renaissance Festival when I attended.
Eventually, I decided to take the plunge and really invest in the idea of becoming Santa Claus for the Christmas season. I researched suit makers and eventually found my favorite. I found a hairstylist who would help me transform my dirty blonde hair and beard. I found a great boot maker and now all I need was a way to find work.
My first season was very small and I did mostly charities, schools, and churches. Also that year I continued the father Christmas persona at the Renaissance Festival, but this year I had a white beard and it was received so well that I was completely overwhelmed by people wanting to take pictures and say how much they loved what I was doing.
Children and adults looked at me in such a way that I felt humbled to be a part of their Christmas magic.
The appearances at the schools and churches were no different.. Every thing I seem to do is Santa Claus seem to affirm the idea that this was something I should be doing.
After that, I found an organization to belong to called Lone Star Santas and they set me up with a lot of connections for people who can find work for me as Santa Claus.
I have a wonderful cousin who helped me build a website and help me with my logo and branding. All things I have no clue how to do.
Now I belong to a wonderful community of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus performers with whom I get to participate in charities and fellowship type of events. And every single one of them is a mentor to me.
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?
Overall, I believe the road has been very smooth. I have been blessed with people who have encouraged me and offered help at every step. My mother made my father Christmas garb for the Renaissance Festival, which is no small feet. My wife was fully on board and helped me with the initial investment of buying my first suit and boots to get started and the numerous Santa’s and Mrs. Claus that I’ve met through my connections with Lone Star Santas has made it everything feel less overwhelming.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am a stay at home dad to my twin girls. I am on the PTA at their school, and I often volunteer as a WATCHDOG/Men On Campus type.
I am also a musician at my church and have played it several churches around the city.
I am a classically trained culinarian and used to work in kitchens around Houston.
Before that, I was a construction worker
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Specifically for doing Christmas character performing, I suggest finding a mentor group like the one I am a part of. Lone Star Santas has been a wealth of encouragement and love. They will help you be the best you can be and they will actually care about your future as Santa Claus.
We truly don’t see each other as competition in anyway. Everyone is always helping everyone with jobs with equipment with anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hiretexassanta.com
- Instagram: @jollyjoshsanta
