We recently had the chance to connect with Catherine Rawlings and have shared our conversation below.
Catherine , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
It’s summertime so currently I’m balancing being a full-time mom and running a business. No easy feat!
After a restless night (currently my 10 month old wakes up between 4-5 times), my day starts bright and early around 6:30 am! I try to avoid checking my phone as long as possible because the moment I do, I’m bombarded with calls, texts, emails, DM’s, etc.
So in between getting breakfast for my 3 kids, getting myself ready, getting the baby dressed and cleaning up the house, I’m texting, calling and emailing people back. It can be very stressful and chaotic!
During naps, I’m busy booking events, washing costumes, prepping party bags, contacting clients and also keeping my 7 and 9 year old quiet and busy!
We try to get out of the house for a bit in the afternoon either to a friend’s house, run errands, to grandma’s or we will have friends over to play!
Later in the day I’m usually trying to catch up with the never-ending laundry, making dinner and trying to keep the house from looking like a tornado hit it. I’m rarely successful. After dinner is the craziest part of the day with baths, bedtime and helping everyone wind down.
Then my work really begins! For the first time all day I’m able to focus with no distractions. I’m usually up until midnight finishing all my work until I’m so exhausted I can hardly keep my eyes open. Cue bedtime for me, followed shortly after by cries from the baby. And repeat it all the next day!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I own a character company called Fairest of All Parties! We provide high-quality princesses, superheroes, mermaids, fairies, etc. for parties & events throughout the Greater Houston area!
When our characters arrive, they will look like they stepped out of a fairytale! But we are more than just photo props. Our performers are experts at engaging and entertaining guests, both young and young at heart! Some activities we offer include: Storytelling, Live Singing, Dancing, Games, Crafts, Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos, Makeovers & more!
Invite one of our characters to your next event and watch your child’s dreams come to life!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was little, I was painfully shy. I hardly ever spoke up in class and used to dread giving a talk or presentation. I always tried to blend in and do or say what I thought people wanted me to. I just wanted to be like everyone else!
It wasn’t until college that I finally got the courage to pursue my dream of becoming an actor. I moved to LA to study at the USC School of Dramatic Arts and finally went for my dreams! Acting is so freeing for me because, while I’m being someone else, I’m able to finally let go and stop caring what others think. I feel like I can finally be me!
My acting journey is what ultimately led to my business! It’s helped me find a piece of myself that was always missing before. I’m not that scared little girl anymore and I finally feel proud to be who I want to be.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself that I’m beautiful and perfect just the way I am and I don’t need to try to be anyone else but myself. Being true to myself will draw others to me and people will love and accept me for who I am.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
My family and being a mother to my 3 children is the biggest blessing in my life. I started my business after having 2 kids so that I could have something for myself besides just being a mom. But now that I do have a successful business that keeps me oh so busy, sometimes I think back to those early years with my little ones when I had nothing else to do but play with them all day! No calls to return, emails to send or party emergencies to fill. No costumes to wash, wigs to style or party bags to prep. Just tiny feet to chase, messy hands to wipe, and sweet faces to kiss without a care in the world! While I do love running my own business and making magic for other kids, I will always believe that the greatest work I can do is that in my home with my own children.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
Between running my business and being a mom, there hasn’t been much time left for me. Once all of the work is done, I’m too exhausted to do anything for myself. I haven’t been doing things I once loved like yoga, reading, writing, dancing, shopping, traveling, self care and the list goes on. I’ve made quite a few sacrifices to realize these bigger dreams of mine but sometimes it would be nice to do something for myself for a change, something just for fun, just for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Fairestofallparties.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairestofallparties
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/fairestofallpartiestx/
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/fairest-of-all-parties-houston
