We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miranda Bryant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miranda below.
Miranda, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work in the performing arts industry, and it has been an incredible journey, especially since merging our entertainment businesses together with my husband, Branden.
Working alongside Branden has been a dream come true for both of us. With his unique talents and my expertise, we realized that combining our businesses would not only strengthen our offerings but also create endless possibilities for growth and success.
Since merging our businesses in 2018, we have witnessed a synergistic effect that has propelled us to new heights. From Superheroes & Princesses to Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures, we aim to make magic and memories more accessible for everyone. With my creative vision and Branden’s business acumen, we have complemented each other perfectly, allowing us to deliver unparalleled experiences to our clients and guests across the nation.
Together, we have expanded our reach and taken on more significant projects that we could have only dreamed of individually. We have seamlessly integrated our respective skills, resources, and networks, resulting in a powerhouse partnership that has elevated our brand and solidified our position as industry leaders. Moreover, merging our businesses has also brought us closer on a personal level. The shared passion for our work and the mutual support we provide to each other has strengthened our bond and brought a newfound sense of fulfillment to our lives.
One of the significant milestones in my career was the launch of my podcast, which focuses on the children’s entertainment industry. This platform allowed me to share my expertise and establish myself as a trusted subject matter expert. It also provided additional avenues for monetizing my knowledge and expanding my reach.
While it wasn’t an overnight success, I embraced each step of my journey, constantly seeking opportunities to grow and make an impact. Running my own non-profit organization and making meaningful contributions to children-focused non-profits and hospitals were other significant steps along the way.
Looking back, we are grateful for the decision to merge our entertainment businesses. It has not only allowed us to achieve greater success but has also given us the opportunity to live our dream together as a couple. The journey has been transformative, and we are excited for what the future holds as we continue to make magic happen both on and off the stage.
Miranda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Miranda Bryant, and I am passionate about the performing arts industry. My journey into this field began at a young age when I started my own character-performing company in 2010. Since then, I have dedicated myself to honing my craft and becoming an industry expert.
Through my business, we offer a range of services that cater to the children’s entertainment industry. This includes live performances, interactive shows, and immersive experiences that captivate young minds and create unforgettable moments. We specialize in making magic and dreams come true for children and their families, no matter their financial situation. However, over the last few years, we have moved more into the corporate event space rather than the private birthday party circle.
One of the core problems I solve for my clients is the need for exceptional entertainment that sparks joy and leaves a lasting impact. We strive to create experiences that not only entertain but also inspire and ignite the imagination. I firmly believe in the power of storytelling and the ability of the arts to connect and transform lives; not only for children, but for my cast and team as well.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my extensive experience and expertise. With over 12 years of dedicated work, I have gained a deep understanding of what resonates with audiences and how to deliver exceptional performances. My unique blend of business acumen and artistic sensibility allows me to approach my work from a holistic perspective, ensuring that every aspect, from concept to execution, is meticulously crafted.
I am most proud of the relationships I have built and the impact I have made through my philanthropic endeavors. Giving back to the community and making a positive difference in the lives of children is at the core of my values. I have actively supported non-profit organizations and hospitals dedicated to children, and it brings me immense joy to contribute to their mission.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand and work are driven by a genuine passion for the arts and a commitment to creating magical experiences as well as fighting for those in our small industry. I believe we are all artists and deserve the opportunity to be paid fairly. I invite them to join me on this journey of enchantment, where dreams come to life, and together, we can make lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
In a world where the creative industry is often misunderstood and undervalued, it is crucial to shed light on its importance and the challenges artists face.
Despite research showing that 80% of event attendees remember and appreciate the entertainment provided, it is disheartening that entertainment is often the first casualty when budgets are tight and event planning begins. It seems that entertainment is frequently dismissed or scoffed at when it comes to organizing events.
This unfortunate reality has led to the stereotype of “Starving Artists,” which should never be the case. Artists should not have to struggle to make a living. Consider the prevalence of art in airports, restaurants, and hotels. We willingly spend significant amounts of money on movies and Broadway shows, yet the actors often do not receive a livable wage. Additionally, while organizations like Equity aim to ensure fair compensation, it can limit artists’ ability to take on desired projects.
It is imperative for people to recognize that entertainment encompasses much more than just high-profile concerts like those of Taylor Swift. Moreover, ticketing platforms like TicketMaster often exploit small performers and bands, draining their earnings. In fact, many musicians rely heavily on merchandise sales to make ends meet due to the exorbitant fees imposed by these platforms.
Fair wages should never be a question in the performing arts industry. This is where we take a stand. While we are passionate about creating magical memories for children and families, we also advocate for the fair treatment of our own team members. They deserve to pursue their passions and be compensated appropriately for their dedication and talent.
By raising awareness and fighting for equitable compensation, we aim to reshape the perception of entertainment. It is not just a form of leisure but a vital component of human expression and connection. Together, let us appreciate and support the arts, ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to bringing joy and wonder to others can thrive and flourish.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
In my journey, I met a group of friends, including Kasey, with whom I shared my dream of fairytales and magic. We discussed our love for volunteering and the characters we portrayed. We questioned why we should limit ourselves to just one princess when we could bring joy as multiple characters. This sparked the idea of using our talents to give back to children in need. And so, in 2011, Princesses With A Purpose was born.
My “aha” moment came when I received a call from Callie’s mother in 2011. Callie was a leukemia patient at the Eggleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta. She had lost all of her hair due to treatment. Without hesitation, I agreed to visit her. This was our first step into the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta circuit.
Just days before the scheduled visit, Callie’s mom called with both good and bad news. The good news was that Callie was officially in remission! The bad news was that she had been sent home from the hospital and would no longer get to visit with the characters. However, she expressed her strong desire to meet her favorite princess, Rapunzel.
As luck would have it, I was best friends with Rapunzel. Determined to fulfill Callie’s wish, I rearranged our plans and brought Rapunzel and a few fairytale friends to Callie’s home before our scheduled time with Eggleston. When we arrived, I saw a beautiful bald little girl peeking at us from around the corner. Rapunzel knelt down, opening her arms, and Callie ran into them.
During those precious moments, Callie whispered to Rapunzel, “Do you know why you’re my favorite?” Curious, Rapunzel asked her to share the reason. With heartfelt sincerity, Callie replied, “Because you gave me courage to lose all of my hair too.”
In that profound moment, I knew in my heart that I wanted to dedicate myself to this cause forever. Seeing the impact we could make, the smiles we could bring, and the sense of belonging we could provide to children like Callie ignited an unyielding passion within me.
Since then, my purpose has been crystal clear—to spread joy, hope, and inspiration to children facing challenging circumstances. I am deeply committed to using my talents and the magic of storytelling to create unforgettable memories and remind every child that they are truly special, whether it be through fairytales or dinosaurs.
Through Spectacular Performances and Events, as well as Jurassic Jungle, we continue to touch the lives of countless children, partnering with hospitals and organizations to bring smiles to their faces. This journey has taught me the profound impact we can have on young hearts and the tremendous power of kindness, love, and the enchantment of fairytales.
Contact Info:
- Website: speteam.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicalmiranda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MirandaJoSchossler
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-bryant-7a1332178/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mirandabryantofficial https://www.tiktok.com/@mirandajofficial
Image Credits
All photos are by me – However, I have emailed you links to my photos because when I upload them here they turn green. I have emailed Angela the links to our albums with both Dinosaurs and Characters.