Work is one long party for Sonia
Oct 31 2008 By nebusiness
A FORMER civil servant has put some colour back into her life as well as the lives of countless youngsters after launching a face painting and party business.
Washington-based Sonia Ellis, who used to work at HM Revenues and Customs, has put her love of children and her artistic talents to good use by setting up new venture Party Mania.
The business, which she runs from home, specialises in face painting and children’s parties and has also seen her visit a number of schools.
Sonia, who also organises fancy dress and puppet shows, had always considered setting up her own business and was spurred into action after having her second child, Scarlet, two.
She said: “I was absolutely bored with my job at the tax office and needed something that was a bit more hands on.
“I left my job after having Scarlet and just didn’t want to go back. I absolutely love what I do now, especially when I see the children’s faces light up when they’ve had their faces painted.
“It’s also good to have Scarlet to practise on, and she’s more than happy to let me at her with the paints.”
After approaching regional support Network Business Link, Sonia was able to secure finance to pay for her marketing costs, including the creation of website www.partymania.org.uk After attending a balloon animal making course at City of Sunderland College, Sonia met magician and balloon expert Ian Lowe, also in Washington, and launched into the party market.
The pair, known as the Twisty Two, have become a popular feature at children’s parties and Sonia now plans to organise more events. She said: “Things are going very well, with bookings flying in, especially in the run-up to Halloween, as you can imagine.”
