Meet Claudia Neal | Owner & Lead Artist at Face Paint Fairy Parties

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claudia Neal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claudia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I spent about 9 to 10 years working for someone else in the face painting and event entertainment industry. During that time, I learned so much: from how to interact with clients and manage high-energy, back-to-back events to delivering creative, high-quality face painting that truly lights up kids’ and families’ faces.

After nearly a decade of building my skills and reputation, I started to think: What if I took the leap and did this on my own? I wanted the freedom to be my own boss and the chance to build something personal, creative, and community-centered.

So I launched my own face painting business in Miami and South Florida to bring vibrant, family-friendly entertainment to birthday parties, school events, community festivals, and corporate gatherings across the city. It was a scary step since Miami is a competitive and fast-paced market, but I believed in my experience, my creativity, and the growing need for professional, reliable face painters in Miami-Dade and Broward County.

Now, I’m proud to offer a mobile face painting service in South Florida that’s rooted in safety, quality, and pure fun. Our goal? To make every event a little more magical — one painted face, balloon animal, glitter tattoo, or strand of fairy hair at a time.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is all about creating unforgettable, colorful experiences through face painting, balloon twisting, fairy hair, and glitter tattoos in Miami and throughout South Florida. We specialize in bringing a fun, interactive energy to every event, whether it’s a child’s birthday party in Coral Gables, a school carnival in Kendall, a corporate family day in Brickell, or a community festival in Wynwood.

What sets me apart is the variety and quality of services I offer. We don’t just paint faces — we create full, magical transformations. Kids and adults can enjoy custom face painting designs, sparkly hair tinsel, shimmering glitter tattoos, and vibrant balloon creations. I use only safe, hypoallergenic products and take pride in cleanliness, detail, and professionalism at every single event.

Before launching my own business, I spent nearly a decade working in the party entertainment industry. I gained hands-on experience, built strong relationships, and learned what makes an event truly memorable. But eventually, I felt that pull to create something of my own — something personal and passion-driven. Starting from scratch wasn’t easy. I had to figure out how to market myself, handle logistics, and grow my reputation in a fast-paced, competitive city like Miami. But those challenges shaped me and helped me grow into the business owner I am today.

Now, I’m proud to say I’ve built a trusted, go-to brand for families and event planners across Broward and Miami-Dade County. One of the best parts? Seeing familiar faces at events year after year, or hearing a parent say, “You made our whole party.” That’s what makes it all worth it.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand, it’s this: I genuinely care. I care about making every child feel seen and special, giving every parent peace of mind, and turning everyday parties into unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a strand of glittery fairy hair, a balloon sword, a sparkling tattoo, or a full face transformation — I’m here to help create smiles that last.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start slow. Maybe a morning yoga session on South Beach, followed by brunch at Greenstreet Café in Coconut Grove, one of my favorite breakfast spots with a sidewalk patio and the best people-watching. From there, we’d wander through the shops and galleries in the Design District, grab a coffee at Panther Coffee, and take our time exploring.

Dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro in Buena Vista is a must. It’s tucked away, dreamy, and always buzzing with great energy. Afterward, maybe a drink at The Wharf Miami or a rooftop spot like Astra in Wynwood, where the city feels alive with music and lights.

One day, we’d hit the water — obviously! Whether it’s hopping on a Biscayne Bay boat tour, renting a small cruiser, or just spending hours at South Pointe Park, being near the ocean is non-negotiable here. For dinner with a view, Smith & Wollensky right on the water hits every time: fresh seafood, ocean breeze, and that classic Miami magic.

I’d also make sure we spend a day in Wynwood, because it’s overflowing with creativity. With indie coffee shops, massive murals, vintage stores, and small local brands doing cool things, it’s the kind of place you stumble into something unexpected — a vinyl pop-up, a street artist at work, or a DJ spinning outside Wynwood Brewing.

Whether you’re sipping a cafecito and walking the art-filled streets of Wynwood, or parasailing off Miami Beach by day and ending the night with a sandwich and a mojito at La Sandwicherie, this city has my heart.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few people and moments that played a huge part in shaping my journey. First and foremost, I have to shout out the incredible team I worked with during my 9–10 years in the face painting and party entertainment industry. Working alongside talented artists and event coordinators in a fast-paced, high-energy event scene taught me more than just technical skills — it showed me how to manage busy weekends, adapt on the fly, and bring joy to every single guest, no matter the setting.

I also want to recognize my family, partner, and close friends. Their support and encouragement are what gave me the confidence to finally take the leap and start my own face painting business in Miami and South Florida. When you’re stepping out on your own, especially in a creative, service-based business, that belief from the people closest to you makes all the difference.

Lastly, I’ve been deeply inspired by Miami’s small business community, especially local women-owned businesses that are thriving and uplifting each other. Being part of a city that celebrates culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship has kept me motivated and proud to build something here.

So yes, while I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I know without a doubt that I got here because of the love, encouragement, and mentorship of some truly amazing people.

Website: https://www.facepaintfairyparties.com

Instagram: @facepaintfairyparties