We caught up with the brilliant and insightful River Barry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

River , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

As a child, I was naturally outgoing and highly imaginative. I was introduced to the world of magic at the age of five, during a difficult time when my parents were going through a divorce. Whenever I encountered a water fountain, I would imagine it to be a wishing well. I would ask my mother for a penny with my birth year on it, though she likely gave me any random penny she had on hand. My wish was always the same: to have the magical ability to reunite my parents. Unfortunately, that wish never came true.
We eventually moved from Ashtabula, Ohio, to Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, where we lived next door to my grandmother. Just up the street from our new home was a fascinating place called the Magic Shop. Upon entering, I would be greeted by rows of costumes on the left, and a long glass counter on the right, filled with an array of magical wonders. The shop owner asked if I would like to see a magic trick. He performed a coin trick, but my attention was captivated by a box adorned with dragons on the top shelf.
Curious, I asked the owner how much the box cost, speaking in my best “big five-year-old” voice. He replied, “How much do you have?” I proudly showed him my wallet, and he said, “Ah, you have eight dollars. That’s exactly how much it costs.” When I told my mother that the owner had taken all of my allowance, she was concerned that I was being taken advantage of. What she didn’t know was that the box was actually priced at forty dollars, and in that moment, the shop owner planted the seed for my future.
Years later, I pursued magic professionally, and it became my full-time career. I realized I was on the right path when I performed in my first middle school talent show in sixth grade. The sound of the crowd laughing and cheering at my performance was incredibly rewarding. From that moment on, I strived to find unique and engaging ways to entertain others, ultimately leading me to specialize in bubble magic.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is River Barry. Yes, River is my real name, and no, my parents were not hippies. I am the owner of Riverstone Entertainment, a premier talent agency committed to connecting exceptional performers with remarkable opportunities. Specializing in magicians, musicians, comedians, and variety acts, Riverstone Entertainment is dedicated to discovering and representing outstanding talent for events, television, and live performances.
We take pride in our ability to deliver world-class entertainment that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression. With a strong focus on professionalism and creativity, we work closely with our clients to ensure their events are memorable and extraordinary.
Having been a performer for 29 years, I bring a unique perspective to this industry. I specialize in bubble magic—a distinctive art form that showcases the enchanting possibilities of bubbles in a magical and captivating way. In addition to my expertise in bubble magic, I am also a trained magician, and I am often hired to engage guests in various settings, such as restaurants, where I entertain guests as they wait for their food, or at events where I create unforgettable experiences.
One of the aspects I am most proud of about myself and my company is that our clients are not simply hiring a commodity that can be found anywhere. They are hiring professionals who are at the top of their craft, providing unique entertainment that guests may have never seen before. At Riverstone Entertainment, we strive to offer something truly special.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

In the early stages, my business started as a side venture while I was working for a dental insurance company. Having been independent since the age of seventeen, I sought additional ways to increase my income beyond my full-time job. I had a strong passion for both dancing and magic. Outside of my regular work, I taught ballroom dancing and joined a local magic club, where fellow magicians gathered to share and showcase their craft. Whenever possible, I would seize the opportunity to perform magic for others.
My first professional performance was at a winter ball in Reading, PA. A magician friend and mentor accompanied me to help set up my show. The performance itself was far from perfect—I spoke too quickly, and my voice was high-pitched. My mentor recorded the performance, and although it was difficult to watch, it became one of the most valuable learning experiences, pushing me to improve. Over time, I began to secure occasional gigs and met another magician who was thriving in the industry as a full-time performer. When I asked him about his success, he shared a pivotal lesson: while many magicians treat magic as an art and wait for opportunities to come to them, he treated his magic as a business. He emphasized that success wasn’t just about the magic itself, but understanding and meeting the client’s needs.
From that moment on, I began treating my magic career as a business. I dedicated hours to researching and reaching out to potential clients. As word spread about my unique bubble magic, my business steadily grew. My studies in psychology further deepened my understanding of people—their emotions, behaviors, and what truly captivates an audience. I learned how to connect with clients on a deeper level, anticipate their expectations, and craft performances that resonated with them. This knowledge not only enhanced my ability to engage audiences but also helped me build lasting relationships, ultimately fueling the expansion of my entertainment business. Today, we not only provide bubble entertainment but also offer services such as face painting, balloon artistry, juggling, and more.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media has evolved significantly over the years. When I first started, social media was still in its early stages, and growing an audience for a business required what I refer to as the “old-school” approach. I focused on engaging with people directly, often initiating conversations through casual interactions. For example, a simple compliment like, “I really like that piece of clothing,” would lead to a discussion where the other person would share more about themselves, and eventually, the conversation would shift to what I do. If the timing was right, I would ask if they were active on any social media platforms.
In addition to these organic conversations, I would also promote my social media profiles during my shows to connect with the audience. While I continue to employ these traditional methods to build relationships, I’ve also come to recognize the significant value of consistent, active communication. Whether it’s wishing someone a happy birthday on social media, calling someone unexpectedly to check in, or sending a text, I make it a point to maintain those personal connections. I also take time to engage with others by liking and commenting on their posts, which helps build rapport and keep my presence in their minds.
As I’ve grown my business and social media presence, I’ve seen firsthand the power of community-building. A strong, engaged community isn’t just about accumulating followers—it’s about creating meaningful connections and fostering a sense of belonging. The more personal and genuine the interactions, the more invested people become in your journey. By encouraging your audience to interact with your content, you invite them into your world, making them feel heard and valued. This approach builds loyalty, as people are more likely to support a business or individual they feel connected to on a personal level.
When it comes to your own social media presence, it’s essential to provide content that resonates with your audience. To understand what your followers enjoy, don’t hesitate to ask them directly. You can use polls or ask fun, random questions like, “What’s your favorite movie?” or “Are you a cat person or a dog person?” Although these questions might seem lighthearted, they encourage interaction and help foster engagement with your posts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://riverstoneentertainment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbarry?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverBarryfanpage/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwuUCfR5TafNQTHTrZSrkQ
• Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@riverbarry1?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc