HGBA Member since: 2008
Phone: 703-743-2596
Email: info@Partyco-op.com
Web:Partyco-op.com
Company Background
How long have you been in business, and why did you choose the business you’re in?
As a 6th grade teacher, I never thought I would end up in a career of clowning. Bingo the clown was "born" on Halloween 1975. while taking my newly adopted Vietnamese 5 year old daughter trick or treating, I was asked to wear a clown costume. I did and loved it and have been clowning around ever since! My daughter clowned with me for about 7 years and we were known as Bingo and Bongo up in Connecticut. My business grew with the help of my husband, Les Collins a.k.a. Malcolm the Wacky Magician and we started a talent booking agency in MD called "Bingo And Buddies" in 1985. We sold it in 1993 and moved to Virginia. We continued to just book ourselves but after we separated in 2003, I re-established the talent agency as Newventur Entertainment LLC in Gainesville. I have been clowning for almost 25 years full time and hope to do it in some form or other for the rest of my life. I feel blessed to have a lucrative career out of my hobby. I love my job.
How does your business serve the Haymarket-Gainesville community?
As a talent booking agency, I provide quality performers for ALL types of FAMILY and CORPORATE events. There are about 50 different variety performers in my group. Our tag line has been "Have your next affair with a clown—but we only take off our nose—not our clothes!"
As an entertainer in various roles (Clown, Safari Bingo with live animals, magician, Mrs. Claus, Mother Christmas, Elf, Easter Bunny and Comedy Telegram character) I have helped bring smiles to kids of all ages at the Gateway, local business grand openings, daycare facilities, private homes, and schools.
Business Experience
Please share one of the greatest moments you’ve experienced in your business.
One of the greatest moments I have experienced in my business was being asked to accompany the Komedyplast surgeons with Caring Clowns International on their mission to Peru to bring smiles and supplies to disabled and needy children. The surgeons donated their skills to correct the cleft palates of many children so they could smile and we worked with the families and children to help them continue to smile.
Please share a few business tips you have learned that would benefit other business owners and professionals.
Develop a business card that stands out in some way. Add something that will make the recipient want to keep it and show others. I punch a hole in mine and say "If you can push a penny through this hole without ripping or bending the card or penny, you will receive a discount off my show! It can be done.
The card then becomes a conversation piece and people will share it. Don't promise anything you cannot give. Developing trust in your business is vital. Arrive early to appointments. I tell my performers, "If you are not early, you are late!"
For me, the primary benefit of being an HGBA member is networking and learning about local events.
What If?
If you you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
If I could live anywhere in the world, I would live here! I really do not spend time wishing I were somewhere else. I love traveling and meeting new people but I try to get the most out of where I am at the time.
If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?
If I could have a super power I would like turn all the world's frowns upside down into smiles. I believe that laughter is healing and a great stress reliever for the tension in the world. All people smile in the same language!
If you could be famous, what would you want to be known for?
If I could be famous, I would like to be known for relieving tension in the world through smiles. I am now developing a new career as a motivational speaker on this very topic. 'Live Life With Laughter-for the Health of It!"
If you would like to be in the monthly Spotlight, please click here to download and complete the profile questionnare. Email it to info@hgba.biz. We are also drawing business cards at each meeting to line up the next spotlight member.
We look forward to hearing from you. |
