We recently connected with Emily and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
When I decided to start my own face painting business, I was a stay-at-home mom looking for a creative way to contribute financially to my family without needing to rely on daycare. Most face painting gigs take place on weekends or in the evenings, so I hoped it could be the perfect fit.
I was incredibly fortunate to find a welcoming network of artists here in Cincinnati who generously shared their knowledge and helped me build a steady stream of events. I invested in myself and attended conventions across the country to learn from the best in the industry. I found myself itching to learn more and subscribed to FABATv, an online class subscription, to continue to learn between conventions. I added balloon twisting, airbrushing, and balloon decor to my repertoire and have been loving every minute! In just a few years, I was making more annually than I did as a full-time graphic designer working 40+ hours a week in a cubicle. I get to set my own schedule to make sure I’m present for my family while having a creative outlet and contributing financially. What could be better than that?
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi! I’m Emily, artist + owner of Little Fox Face Painting. You may have seen me at a festival, special event, or birthday party in my signature polka dot dress. I’m an award-winning body artist, international balloon twisting instructor, and nominee of Cincinnati Family’s Favorite Entertainer for 2024. I offer face painting, balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos, glitter tattoos, balloon decor, and more for the Greater Cincinnati area.
My face painting journey started when I volunteered to paint faces at a fundraising event. Watching kids light up the moment they saw their painted faces in the mirror gave me butterflies! I went home that night, bought a small palette of professional face paints, and dove headfirst into YouTube tutorials. At first, it was just a fun little hobby—something to do for friends and family at parties and Halloween. But when I became a stay-at-home mom, I realized it could be something more: a flexible, creative career that let me contribute financially to my family while doing something I truly loved.
While face painting was my first love, I’ve since expanded into balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos, glitter tattoos, and balloon decor. I twisted my first balloon in 2019 at a convention, and I was instantly hooked. By the time parties returned after the pandemic, I was completely obsessed with the art form. Everything came full circle when I taught my first class at the Austin Convention for Entertainers in 2024 and had the honor of teaching again at the MAX Convention in St Louis in 2025. I was also asked to record a class for FABATv which offers hundreds of classes from instructors all over the world!
In addition to balloon twisting, I’ve recently fallen in love with creating balloon decor. I enjoy designing garlands and small arrangements that help bring a client’s vision to life. Whether it’s a baby shower, graduation, birthday party, or grand opening, balloon decor is such a fun way to add a pop of color and personality to any celebration.
In 2023, started offering sweat and water resistant airbrushing, which has been a game-changer during Cincinnati’s hot, humid summers. I can create realistic tattoos as well as the usual face painting designs you’ve come to know and love. Not only does it have the staying power in the heat, it’s also faster than traditional face painting, allowing me to paint even more guests per hour. Plus, as a crafty mom, I love creating custom stencils for clients who want something extra special.
When the Eras Tour kicked off, I started getting comments (like, a lot) that I looked like Taylor Swift. So naturally, I decided to add Swiftie Parties to my long list of services! What could be better for your little Swiftie than having Taylor come to their party to make bracelets with them? In addition to a bracelet making craft, I have 5 Eras Themed menus for face painting, glitter tattoos, airbrush tattoos, balloon twisting, and festival glitter.
So, what makes Little Fox Face Painting different? For starters—this isn’t just a side gig or summer job. This is my career, my passion, and my happy place. I love learning new skills, pushing my creativity, and creating unforgettable moments for people in my community. As a mom of three, I know how much time and energy goes into planning an event, and I make it my mission to entertain your guests and make sure you can actually sit back and enjoy all your hard work. I often hear from my clients that they’ve never seen anything like what I do, and that’s what keeps me pushing to be a better artist!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, it’s all about the connection. Even after 12 years, the mirror moment still gives me butterflies! But it’s more than just that. I’ll never forget a little girl I painted for her birthday—she was so inspired, she decided she wants to be a face painter when she grows up. She even did a school report on it! Moments like that remind me how powerful creativity can be, especially in a child’s life.
Another deeply rewarding part of my work has been teaching. Getting to share something I love and then seeing a student light up with that same spark, that same excitement, is everything to me. Watching them gain confidence, try new things, and grow into amazing artists themselves feeds my soul.
Then, there’s the confidence boost! Hearing compliments from kids, parents, and my students is such an energizing part of what I do. It may sound small, but those kind words are like fuel—they remind me that I’m doing something meaningful and this is what I’m meant to do.
There are times I sit with my friends and say, “Can you believe this is really our job?” And honestly, I feel so lucky every day that it is. I tell children often that if they find something that they love or are passionate about, there’s a job out there for it. Never settle. Find your joy.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I had my first child, I fully expected to return to my 9–5 office job after maternity leave, but the thought of putting my 12-week-old in daycare just didn’t sit right. So, we pivoted. I became a stay-at-home mom. I picked up some freelance work, but I also needed a reason to get out of the house and connect with people again. That’s when I turned to face painting to see if I could take it beyond just a hobby.
It was a perfect fit! I was getting to be creative, earn income, and feel that connection with people again (while still being present for my family). Things were going great… until the pandemic hit and parties and public gatherings came to a halt. So, I pivoted again. If I couldn’t paint faces, I figured I’d protect them instead. I pulled out my sewing machine and started making face masks. Before I knew it, I ended up sewing and selling over 1,000 masks to family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even companies. It felt good to have that connection again.
When restrictions finally lifted and people were ready to celebrate, so was I! Business took off, and I haven’t looked back. Every twist and turn brought new opportunities, and I’m proud of how each pivot helped me grow—not just as a business owner, but as a creative and a mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littlefoxfacepainting.com
- Instagram: @littlefoxfaces
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlefoxfaces
- Other: tiktok: @littlefoxfaces
