COVID-19 has been anything but a fairy tale for the arts and entertainment industry, but one Lake Haven based entrepreneur has moved her business into the future to ensure that it’s happily ever after for her clients and staff.
Karla Jacobs is the owner behind Storybook Party Co, an entertainment company that specialises in providing characters for children’s birthday parties, corporate functions and special events across the Coast and the Hunter.
Karla started her business in late 2019, after she returned to the Coast following a whirlwind year working in the entertainment department at Walt Disney World, Orlando, USA.
She was a part of the Disney College Program, which gives aspiring entertainers the opportunity to study all aspects of live character entertainment whilst working there.
Jacobs has personally trained over 10 performers to take on the roles of princesses, superheroes and a host of other characters, but never could have predicted, less than a year in, that she’d be facing a global pandemic.
Jacobs has risen to the challenge by taking her business online with innovative character experience videos.
The two minute long videos feature characters of the purchaser’s choice who will read out a personalised message for the recipient.
“We had so many cancellations for children’s birthday parties and I kept thinking to myself that there was an opportunity to offer something really personal and special here,” she said.
But it’s not just requests for birthday wishes coming in.
From the silly to the touching, Jacobs said there had been all manner of request.
“My absolute favourite so far had been for a lady who had to postpone her wedding.
“Her partner had her favourite Disney princess wish her well on her impending nuptials and send her some support during a tough time.
“One mum also requested Cinderella beg her daughter to stop pestering mummy when she’s working from home, which made me laugh out loud,” she said.
Source:
Interview, Apr 20
Karla Jacobs,
Storybook Party Co
Reporter: Dilon Luke