Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Carlson.
Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I began balloon sculpting when I was 14. This was a skill learned from my brother-in-law, Dan, who taught my sister, Lea. His parents were self-taught and passed down the trade. I worked through high school at various restaurants and then got my own business cards and began working at birthday parties along with restaurant and community-event gigs in college. I worked through college while studying to become a language arts teacher. I’ve been twisting balloons for over 24 years now. I love saying yes to new requests from kids; their eyes light up. It’s a beautiful thing to see.
In 2011, I made a switch from teaching full-time to focusing on my children’s entertainment business. My brother-in-law and sister were inspirations as were his parents, who had run a children’s entertainment business for years. My sister, Lea, performed magic shows featuring her box turtle, Picasso (a.k.a. the fifth Ninja Turtle). This magical turtle had been in their family for many years and was grandfathered into being “allowed” as a pet, as I understand it’s not okay to get box turtles as pets anymore. I decided I wanted to learn magic to expand my business from just balloon sculpting and face painting and connect with children and families through summer programming. My other sister, Emily, helped me brainstorm possible quiet, exciting animals: ferret? Chinchilla? Sugar glider? We settled on a hedgehog as it seemed cute, tiny, quiet, and a bit exotic, so it wasn’t just a “rabbit out of a hat” and would pique people’s curiosity. I found a breeder near Toledo, Ohio. Gail Smith with Millermeade Farms Critter Connection has been a valuable resource for learning the best care and practices for having healthy, happy hedgehogs over the years. (www.critterconnection.cc)
I’ve always wanted to write a book, so when the pandemic allowed for a little more “free time” at home, I signed with Gatekeeper Press, a self-publishing company based in Columbus. I wrote, “Sedgie the Hedgie Finds the Treasure” and asked local librarian, Drew Dittmar, to illustrate it. It’s been a fun adventure to perform my magic show that inspired the book and encourage children to make text-to-life connections.
At present, I’m open to where the “author” role will take me while nurturing my magician and balloon artist titles, as well. I want to inspire parents and teachers while encouraging children along the way!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve feel very fortunate to have been doing balloon sculpting for over 24 years. Arthritis hasn’t set in (yet), and people still keep contacting me to be at their events! Adding magic has been a wonderful opportunity to diversify my offerings and get to connect with children, families, librarians, and teachers in a different way.
However, owning and operating your own business always has its challenges. There are so many hats to wear, and managing time is a continuous balancing act. I find ways to answer an e-mail or return a phone call at the strangest times – while waiting at the bank or in the grocery store line. At times, it can be hard to turn it all off and just be.
The physical demands of this business are present. I have to load and unload all my props and gear for gigs. When I was pregnant with each of my three children, doing interactive magic shows wasn’t the easiest thing to do with a large belly as I got closer to their due dates. I guess it keeps me active and gives me incentive to keep exercising; I would not be good at sitting behind a desk ALL day. My children are now 8, 6, and 4, so they help schlep some stuff now and then.
The pandemic put a kink in my extroverted tendencies, so I became a caregiver for a local woman while making balloon decor and deliveries to people’s doors. It was a hard time for me as a business owner because I didn’t know month-to-month if I could sustain the business and support my family the way I was used to (like so many of us). That’s when I signed with Gatekeeper Press to write my children’s book. It was a leap of faith, and it’s been a good one so far!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a children’s entertainer specializing in balloon sculpting, magic, and airbrush tattoos. I am also a published author of a children’s book called “Sedgie the Hedgie Finds the Treasure,” which is based on my live hedgehog named Sedgie (his formal name is Sedgewick), who appears at the end of my magic shows. I have worked in this field for 24 years as a balloon artist and 12 years as a magician. Airbrush tattoos was a switch from face painting that happened around 2018. My book was published in June of this year, so the author role is still fairly new. I used to teach language arts and have my Master in Education degree, so I am very proud of that, as well. It shows that I value learning and love to inspire young people to be curious and keep wondering about the world.
I am proud of my Mission Statement that keeps me grounded in my work as a children’s entertainer. Knowing your “why” and “how” is important. I made the switch to being self-employed to allow me the flexibility to stay home with my children when they were really young. I also really believe in refueling parents and teachers to keep showing up and giving their best to young people.
I am proud of all the roles I get to play. I am an entertainer and a parent; it’s important to see both sides of the fence. Parents need inspiration and breaks while kids need creativity, attention, and boundaries, so I try to gracefully balance those two sides of the coin while doing my job. I want families to have an experience together while attending one of my magic shows at a library or visiting me at a restaurant or event to get a balloon or airbrush tattoo. I try to be joy-filled and give focused attention while doing my job. I am proud of how I show up for the community. It takes a village, and I hope I can be a positive impact in mine.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Approachability is huge! I want to be friendly and set children at ease. Being a former educator in the classroom has helped with this.
Confidence is important, too. Have a set of talents and performing for people can be nerve-wracking. It’s hard to know how each experience, event, or interaction will go, but trying my best and “just going for it” has usually worked out in the past, so I’ll keep going!
Pricing:
- Varies by event/entertainment offering
- Book is $12-$20 depending on paperback or hardcover purchased online or in-person
Contact Info:
- Website: www.EricaEntertainment.com
- Instagram: EricaEntertainment
- Facebook: Erica Carlson Children’s Entertainment or www.facebook.com/EricaEntertainment
- Other: www.EricaCarlsonBooks.com
Image Credits
Cathy Blackstone Photography
