Meet Ben Jimenez of Ben’s Bubble Show

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Jimenez.

Ben, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Around 2010 I lost my job and decided to turn my 1 year old hobby into a career. I had learned a few soap bubble tricks from You Tube and discovered there were fewer than 10 full time, professional bubble artists in the United States. I practiced, honed my skills, put up a website, and created Ben’s Bubble Show. I now perform regularly at schools, libraries, houses of worship, museums, private events, corporate events, festivals….the list continues to grow. There are 4 kinds of shows I offer, indoor entertainment, indoor edu-tainment (science themed show), corporate event, and an outdoor show. The majority of my shows are at schools and libraries within about 3-4 hours of Chicago.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The first year and a half was difficult financially. Takes time to become an established and sought after entertainer. My income slowly went up as I got better at marketing myself. E-mail campaigns, attending expos at Navy Pier and McCormick Place, my website, some TV appearances, and word of mouth all played a crucial role. People like publicist, Andrea Blain, who you did a story on recently, helped me immensely.

My crazy, erratic work schedule took some getting used to. I had to learn to be more time conscious and organized than any prior job. My schedule book is almost always near me. I also had to learn all the tax things that are unique to a self-employed entertainer. The rules are not kind to us.

I sometimes need to schedule my gigs around a vocal cord disorder I have called spasmodic dysphonia. Every three months I get a Botox injection in my throat that allows my speaking voice to remain normal. It actually makes my voice bad for about 2 weeks before it makes it better. If I have to do a show after my injection I do things to minimize my need to speak.

Please tell us about Ben’s Bubble Show.
I am one of fewer than 10 full time, professional soap bubble artists in the United States. A bubble-ologist. I create beautiful, humorous, and mind boggling bubble sculptures, do bubble magic and illusions, make giant outdoor bubbles, put people inside bubbles, and more. My clients can choose any of my four show offerings.
1. Indoor entertainment
2. Indoor edu-tainment
(science themed)
3. Indoor corporate event
for adults
4. Outdoor giant bubble show

I sometimes blend two shows together depending on weather, venue factors, and my clients’ wishes.

I am constantly humbled and grateful that I am able to teach, entertain, learn, and wow people through the medium of bubbles.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have started much earlier in my life. Over the last 7 years I have declined offers from other countries because I just don’t want to travel that far for my gigs. Plenty of business around the Midwest. If I was a much younger man I might be more inclined to endure the hassles of traveling far and wide… but not now.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW,BensBubbleShow.biz
• Phone: 773-499-6782
• Email: info@BensBubbleShow.biz
• Facebook: http://bensbubbleshow.biz

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