Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazzarie Fejeran.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been dancing most of my life, Tahitian / Polynesian / Hula dancing is a part of my cultural heritage as I was born on the island of Guam. I was also heavily involved with cheerleading for many years. I have always had a passion for performing and wanted to find a way to turn my passion for dance into a hobby that can make money. I started learning the art of belly dancing after I graduated college in 2011. Soon, I joined my first belly dance troupe called The Rubies in Dallas, Texas. I took a break after my son was born for about a year, then started dancing in a hula troupe while living in Austin, Texas. In 2016, I moved to Houston, Texas and joined the belly dance troupe Bella Donna. I’m known in the dance world as Jameela Dancer. I started Jameela Dance Entertainment in 2017 and have been booking my own private parties around the city of Houston for the past few years. I also continue to be a part of the Bella Danna Dance troupe as well in which I perform at local restaurants, private parties, festivals, and many other events in the Houston area.
In early 2019 I started my second company – Princess Parties of Houston which specializes in high-quality entertainment to create an immersive experience for both children and adults. Our events and birthday parties provide the most magical experience with imaginative play, storytelling, and performing arts for any occasion. I have dedicated so much time and resources into starting this company; investing in custom wigs and beautiful costumes. I have a talented team of professional performers who work hard to portray their characters perfectly by focusing time on vocal lessons & speech, improvisation makeup and so much more. We regularly hold meetings and trainings to be the real deal. With this second company, I wanted to expand my performance reach and create magical memories for the families of Houston.
I also have a day job of course, besides being a mother to my four-year-old son – I have my master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations. In December 2019, I obtained my SHRM-SCP Certification (Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional). Currently, I work as a Sr. HR Business Partner for an international diagnostic medical imaging equipment company. I have helped the company start their headquarters in the Houston, Texas medical center.
Oh, and I also do contract work on the side doing marketing for another company based in Florida… Needless to say – I have my hands full and keep busy!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
All businesses have struggles. I do sometimes experience the less magical side of things. I have had several embarrassing moments while performing as a dancer. I find that laughing about it instead of stressing about it gets me through those moments.
At one time, I found myself practicing and rehearsing for hours upon hours each week – it started to take a toll on me both mentally and physically. I had to learn to take care of my health and not push myself / my body. Recently, I have been turning down gigs and prioritizing where and when I perform in hopes of creating a happy balance. I love performing, it’s my passion. However I also have many other priorities such as family and health.
As far as the princess party company, that business is pretty new and I have a team of girls who look up to me to manage their bookings, training, etc. That pressure alone can cause stress if you let it. However, no matter what the struggles are, the important thing is that I keep trying and do not give up. I have learned that you can’t do it all by yourself! Accept support and help from others, find the right people to work with you, and push through the villains of life.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have had good luck throughout my many careers. I have been able to bring laughter and smiles to those who have seen me perform as well as magic and happiness to children on their special day.
Currently, we are in a time where people are seeking happiness and entertainment due to the current pandemic – I had to adjust my business model slightly by offering virtual services for my princess party company. We have been lucky to still be able to bring joy to kids during these hard times.
Pricing:
- Magic Mirror Visit – $40 for a live virtual visit from a princess of your choice including story telling, singing and dancing
- Virtual Message – $30 for a personalized video message from a princess of your choice
- Sweet Package 30 minutes $130
- Shine Package 45 Minutes $160
- Shimmer Package 1 Hour $190
- Splendid Package 1.5 Hours $250
- Jameela Dancer bookings start at $200 for a private party event, contact for a quote
Contact Info:
- Website: www.princesspartiesofhouston.com or www.jameeladancer.com
- Phone: 281-377-2295
- Email: info@princesspartiesofhouston.com or jameeladancer@gmail.com
- Instagram: @princesspartiesofhouston or @guam_bellydancer
- Facebook: /princesspartiesofhouston or /jameelabellydancer
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