Today we’d like to introduce you to Laney Preston Alexander
Hi Laney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in Johnstown, Ohio and graduated from Johnstown-Monroe High School (Class of 2004). I am a 3-time graduate of Ohio University with a bachelors degree in family and consumer sciences and have two master of education degrees in college student personnel and clinical mental health counseling.
One of the biggest questions I get is, how did you start face painting? Have you always been an artist? I have always loved doodling, painting and glitter. When I was younger, I was one of those people who would write and draw all over notebooks. I have also created fraternity and sorority paddles. I have always loved art and crafts.
In 2013, I moved to Oklahoma (from Ohio) for my career in higher education. I didn’t know many people and wanted to be involved in the community. In 2016, I noticed some popularity with face painting in Oklahoma, so I bought my first palette of paint and spent many hours practicing on myself.
It wasn’t long until I had the crazy idea to start a business. Why not, right? I spent hours researching and contacting professional artists so that I could learn the skill and to see how to start a business. Once I started getting comfortable with my designs, I began posting photos on social media. From there my friends started noticing. My first event as a face painter was at a friend’s birthday party. I was super nervous but absolutely loved the thrill of being part of the entertainment. After that, I knew that this was the business for me!
A year later, in 2017, I moved to Oklahoma City and business started growing rapidly. I love meeting and working with people and just began making connections everywhere.
When developing a business name, I wanted something unique and strong. The name Pilar is special to me. It was a name given to me by my sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Displaying a name that identifies with my culture was also important. I was adopted from Guatemala but raised in the United States. I wanted something that would stand out and be remembered; thus, the name Pilar Designs.
I will forever be grateful to the Myriad Botanical Gardens located in downtown Oklahoma City, as they were the first large company that hired Pilar Designs (along with a few others) to be a vendor for their events. The gardens are located right in the heart of the city and they host numerous events throughout the year. I met so many wonderful people and maintained one of their vendors until the pandemic.
In 2020, Pilar Designs was nominated as the Oklahoma City MetroFamily Magazine Family Favorite. This honor enhanced our presence in the Oklahoma City metro area and throughout social media.
There were times when I would fly to Ohio to do a few events for friends. Taking fun everywhere!
In 2021, I married the love of my life, and we welcomed our beautiful daughter into the world in October of that year. It has been so fun incorporating my family into this business. My daughter who is almost 3 now loves face paint and gets to attend all sorts of fun events!
My family moved back to our hometown of Johnstown at the end of December 2024. We have been blessed to participate in local events around Johnstown, Columbus and surrounding areas. We have participated in farmers markets, ice cream festivals, grand openings, birthday parties, fundraising walks, company picnics, church socials, car shows, large downtown events such as Red, White & Boom, gala’s and private parties.
I continue to work full time while maintaining the business on the side. It takes a lot of time management, commitment and dedication but worth every moment. I have also been able to hire family members to help when needed.
We are so excited to be back in Ohio and have enjoyed being busy meeting all of you!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
With any business there will always be some obstacles and challenges.
One of the first challenges in starting this business was finding my brand. It wasn’t until a few years ago where I felt that my brand, name and work/designs were in sync and gaining attention. It did not come overnight. When you own a business, you have to work even when you don’t want to and stay up late nights preparing for events. It isn’t easy “doing it all,” but it has been fun learning all that there is to a business.
Another challenge we often run into is vendors wanting a discount or asking us to work for free. In the beginning, I would feel bad and give discounts. Over the past 8 years, I have become more confident and stronger as a business owner to ensure that we are always providing the best service. With that being said, you have to learn to stay true to yourself, work, and brand. People will pay for great service and remember you for it. Of course, discounts are often given when discussed for certain events.
People don’t often know the cost involved with the business. Professional supplies aren’t cheap, but they are worth every penny!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Pilar Designs offers fun, family-friendly services to people from all backgrounds. We enjoy working with clients of all ages and have a passion for working with children with special needs. Our goal is to always provide great customer service and we love meeting people!
Along with face painting, we offer waterproof glitter tattoos, festival glitter and cotton candy! All products used are professional and FDA approved.
I am most proud of staying true as a family friendly service. We pick designs that are always family friendly and ensure we provide the best quality of products that are continuously safe for the whole family.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I am not sure if I can pick just one childhood memory; I have so many! I grew up on a farm with dairy cows. I used to help feed baby calves, sit in the milking barn and just shadow my grandpa and mama. Cows are now one of my favorite animals! On really cold mornings, my grandpa and I would go out to the milk house and scrape off the top of the milk that turned into cream in the milk tank and pour it on our cereal – it was icy cold, creamy and perfect – the best taste ever!
Now that we are back in Ohio, one of the best things is that my daughter gets to play on the farm and explore just like I did.
Pricing:
- $125-$150/Hour
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilardesignsokc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilardesignsokc/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pilardesigns?_=8phZZFDQE6Y&_r=1
