Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Channaj.
Hi Mary, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Hi there! I’m Mary, the owner, and operator, aka that woman behind the curtain trying to make the magic happen. Performing has been a passion of mine most of my life.
I started performing on stage at age 10 and continued singing, dancing, and acting through college – and even worked at a party company as a princess for years. In time, I began transitioning into more business and event-focused roles. Then in 2020, with 7+ years of experience in events, customer service, and children’s entertainment, I took a big step and started Itsy Bitsy Princess Parties!
We’re approaching our first year in business in November and we’re seeing a lot of growth. Don’t get me wrong – I’m still working my full-time office job. But I’m so, so happy with where we’re at and how far we’ve come. Currently, we have 12 performers and have attended 70+ parties/events and hosted three of our own events with more on the way. Savannah has welcomed us with open arms. We have some big plans in the works for next year and beyond.
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?
We love doing birthday parties, but creating special events is my favorite! We get to have full creative control and design an immersive, truly magical experience. It’s a real dream come true. But no one knows just how much work it takes to make it happen.
For big events, we depend a lot on collaborating with other businesses, which is so much fun when it happens, but it also means I hear the word “no” a lot or more often no response at all. Our first month in business, I must have messaged 100+ venues, planners, and businesses with ideas and opportunities and I heard back from four. (Because that’s what happens when you start an entertainment company in the middle of a global pandemic).
We now have great, ongoing relationships with two of them. It was well worth it, but it wasn’t easy. We’re always pushing forward, looking to the next big thing, and seeing what works and doesn’t work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Itsy Bitsy?
Itsy Bitsy Princess Parties was created to empower and entertain the children of Savannah through professional character experiences. We offer custom packages for birthday parties, photography sessions, live musical performances, luxury princess picnics, holiday deliveries and whatever else we can put our minds to.
We are an entertainment company first, providing high-energy performances, interactions, games, activities, and more to keep children engaged the entire time. Even during our storytelling, we keep the kids involved with questions and movement intended to spark their imagination. This is because we value creating meaningful connections above all else.
While we love taking photos (and we take a lot of them) we believe our purpose is to encourage children to see the value in themselves – to have courage and be kind, go after their dreams, stand up for what’s right, and show up for the ones they love – just like the characters we know and love. We know these kids look up to us and we take that responsibility seriously, while having a lot of fun!
Also we have the most amazing team! Our performers are the face of our company and what really set us apart. We have backgrounds in performance, musical theatre, child development/education, event entertainment, and the most goes on. There are so many elements to this business and it truly takes a collaborative effort. It brings us so much joy to share our talents while also creating memories with the children we meet!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Do one or two things really well, then grow and repeat. Figure out your systems early on so you’re set up for success when the business comes. Streamlining will also allow you to work more ON your business and less time IN your business.
Don’t be afraid to change what isn’t working. If there’s something you really don’t like or aren’t good at, find a person or software to do it for you if you can! Hire people you can trust and pay them well – overpay them when you can. They will show up for you when you need them. Also, I highly recommend getting a CPA and insurance – those are not to be overlooked.
Pricing:
- 45 Minute Party Package starting at $125
- 60 Minute Party Package starting at $199
- 90 Minute Party Package starting at $299
- FALL BALL Event, October 24th: Tickets starting at $30 for children, $20 for adults
- Luxury Princess Picnics starting at $275
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://itsybitsyprincessparties.weeblysite.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsybitsyprincessparties/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsyBitsyParties/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFajGIW0owa27VvpPiKqU_w
Image Credits
Celena Riley
