Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Mancilla.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Some families are committed to their school sports and have a legacy swimmers or football players. Well, my family began it’s connection to the community through musical theater. It was in that time that I was placed in the hair and makeup committee. Where I had planned on making my way to the various committee’s and making new friends and gaining different experiences.
However, somewhere between airbrushing animal character’s, aging 12 years old’s to look 70, an unlikely feeling would come over me as a show would come to a close. My heart would ache for more. I had fallen in love with the informational magic of stage makeup. I accidentally found a passion to bring joy through face painting. It was at that time that I realized the blessing of connecting to the “one in front of me”.
I used to think as an artist you create with your imagination and your medium. However, It’s not at all true. We actually create only when we connect first. I fell in love with the reaction I’d get when the kid’s look into the mirror and discover their new look. That moment when regardless of what pain or disappointments they may have, for a few minutes they’re now a superhero, dragon or wonder woman. It’s so life-giving.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not. Every business has its own set of challenges. My biggest obstacles was truthfully looking at my level of commitment and sticking to it, regardless! Starting anything is the easy part. It’s only in the commitment to persist, without exception that you can take pride, Getting to the other side of your business is part if it’s personal development.
Particularly when we added our line of Characters. Princess’s and Super Heroes, I was tempted to compare. One may think the market’s saturated, If that’s your focus, or you can look at it as this is a large area with each company having their own niche. I’m so proud of the caliber of our talented team of cast member’s. It excites me to share them with the community.
Fun Funky Fab – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in creating a magical experience that you’ll cherish for years to come. Through special event’s of every size and budget, we provide your favorite character visit’s, complete with music, a crowning, face painting, or themed parties where your favorite character can walk you through your own canvas painting or ballet lesson for your tiny dancer’s. Our Character all have extensive performing art’s background. So our performer’s are prepared to act, dance and sing. Their character “theme song” is done skillfully each and every time.
I’m probably most proud the team work we’ve shared. As well as each person’s genuine heart of working with kid’s, connecting with that person in front of them. It makes the world of difference when we’ve no idea what that child may be going through. What set’s us apart is our characters are never out of character. We provide a Kingdom helper at every event to ensure we remain in our role at all times.
We always take a moment to share a “kingdom virtue” using age-appropriate terminology to encourage honesty, inner beauty, honor, self-love and more. Reminders that what makes them Hero’s and Princess’s isn’t their pretty dress, it’s in being intentional in our day to day, walking around lives at school and neighborhood that enhances the kingdom.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Clearly, some success’ isn’t monumental. It can be as simple as being respected for our commitment to quality and community involvement.
It’s important to me to meditate and get myself in line with my calling. I don’t know if I ever want to be the largest entertainment company in our area. I do know it’s important that we remain consistent to be a leader in regard to our professionalism.
Being forward thinking in our planning, always looking for way’s to create value for our customer’s and filling a needs within our community. I’m looking forward to the grown in our cast size, currently, we have 8 within our team.
My criteria is not to fall into someone else’s plan for me or my business. Super Hero’s may change, however, the need to add magic to our lives doesn’t. One marker that’s a constant part of our day to day operations is giving each event more than they expected. On a continual basis.
Contact Info:
- Address: 504 N. Aldine St. Elgin IL 60123
- Website: www.funfunkyfab.com
- Phone: 224-200-9157
- Email: hello@funfunkyfab.com
- Instagram: fun_funky_fab
- Facebook: Fun Funky Fab Arts & Entertainment
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
