Meet Claudia Neal

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Claudia Neal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Claudia, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from my parents. When I was born, my dad worked a full-time job and a part-time job while finishing getting his degree, all while being an involved parent. My mom, once she returned to work after I was little, showed the same kind of perseverance and loyalty, building a career and remaining a dedicated employee for nearly two decades. Both of them were working extremely hard, yet they still managed to be present parents, which in itself is a full-time job. Seeing that balance taught me what true commitment and responsibility look like.

At fifteen, I got my first job as a lifeguard. That early experience instilled in me the value of a dollar and the importance of showing up, even when I would have rather been doing anything else. As I got older, those lessons stuck with me. I put myself through college and supported myself along the way, working three jobs while also being a full-time student. It wasn’t easy, but it was the standard I had been raised with: you do what needs to be done, and you don’t quit just because it’s difficult.

Looking back, I can see how much my parents’ example shaped me. Laziness was not something that was tolerated in my family, and while as a teenager I may have rolled my eyes at that, I’m better now because of it. My work ethic comes from those early lessons, from their sacrifices, and from proving to myself that consistency and determination will always create opportunities.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I run Face Paint Fairy Parties, a party entertainment company that brings art, imagination, and fun to celebrations across South Florida and Atlanta. What started with me painting faces at small birthday parties in college has grown into a business that now offers face painting, balloon twisting, fairy hair, glitter tattoos, jewelry making stations, bounce houses, and more. We specialize in creating a personalized experience for every client, whether it’s a child who wants a custom design or a large event that needs to figure out entertainment for hundreds of guests.

What excites me most is the way our work sparks joy and connection. Kids light up when they see themselves transformed into their favorite character, and parents love the way we bring energy and creativity to their event. For me, it’s about more than paint or balloons. It’s about making memories that last and fostering confidence in the children.

In addition to South Florida and the metro-Atlanta area, we’re thrilled to announce that Nashville is next. This growth means we’ll soon be able to bring the magic of Face Paint Fairy Parties to even more families, festivals, and organizations in another vibrant city.

At the heart of everything we do is flexibility and a personal touch. No request is too big or too small. We love being able to say “yes” and bring ideas to life. My background in art, combined with years of hands-on experience in party entertainment, has shaped the brand into something both artistic and approachable.

If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that Face Paint Fairy Parties isn’t just about entertainment. Its about creating experiences that feel special, unique, and unforgettable.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were adaptability, relationship-building, and persistence. Working in the events and arts world, no two days are ever the same, and things rarely go exactly as planned. I learned to lean into adaptability early on, whether that meant figuring out how to make a child’s unique request come to life on the spot or adjusting to unexpected challenges at an event. That flexibility, paired with creativity, has allowed me to consistently deliver something special. Just as important has been building real relationships. My business has grown mostly through word of mouth, and that’s because I genuinely care about the families I work with. Taking the time to connect, to listen, and to create experiences that feel personal is what has kept people coming back and recommending me. And through it all, persistence has carried me. There were plenty of moments where things felt uncertain, especially in the beginning, but I’ve learned that showing up consistently and trusting yourself even when the path ahead isn’t clear is what makes growth possible.

For those just starting out, my advice is to practice adaptability by stepping into new situations and letting yourself learn on the fly, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Focus on the relationships you’re building rather than just the work itself—people may forget the details of a service, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. In a world where customer service seems to diminish every day, be the breath of fresh air. And finally, don’t wait until you think you’re fully ready. None of us ever truly are. Stop thinking about what you want and making excuses, be a little delusional, and take the leap of faith in yourself.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is learning to trust others and start letting go of the control I’ve always held in my business. I am used to doing almost everything myself, from painting at every event to managing bookings and client communications. That approach worked when the business was smaller, but as it’s started to grow, I’m realizing I can’t do it all alone anymore. Being in the stage of hiring and training others, and it’s been both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s hard to step back and trust someone else to uphold the same level of care and creativity that I’ve always provided. To navigate this, I’m focusing on carefully selecting and training a team I believe in, building clear systems, and reminding myself that letting go doesn’t mean losing quality, it means giving the business room to grow and allowing more families to experience what I’ve worked so hard to create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facepaintfairyparties.com
• Instagram: @facepaintfairyparties