Royal Guest Princess Parties started as an in-person birthday party entertainment service. A facetime call with a princess is typically an add-on to a birthday party booking so the birthday child can invite the princess to their birthday party.
I had really just started Royal Guest when coronavirus started locking things down. Earlier this week my grandparents sent me a BBC article about an actress who saved a little boy’s birthday party by dressing up as a princess and calling him while he and his family were in isolation. It hit me that I should be doing this for my community! So I posted on my business’s Facebook page offering a free facetime call with either princess from Frozen to parents who have had to cancel birthday parties, or who’s kids really need a smile during this difficult time. All a parent needs to do to set this up is send me a text or email me and we’ll work out a time together!
There are no requirements or costs, I’m taking on whoever until April 30th (subject to change if the shutdown extends) as long as I’m available.
1. What is your name? What is the name of your business?
My name is Sophie Gwartney and I run Royal Guest Princess Parties
2. What inspired/encouraged you to start your business?
It’s something I’ve thought of trying out since I was in high school because I’ve always loved kids and music. I’m working on finishing up my music therapy degree and I thought this would be a good time to finally start doing it while I wait for my internship to start. It’s a good way for me to keep practicing skills that I use in music therapy, from just vocal skills, and learning new music, to working with the children, building rapport, and using my princess influence to send positive messages.
3. What do you love about your work?
Everything! It combines two things that I’m really passionate about: kiddos and music! I’ve always loved being around kids; I’m the first to volunteer for babysitting, nannying, being a summer camp counselor, etc. I’m also in love with music. From the second grade through high school, I’ve been in musicals, choirs, and singing groups. In college, I continued by studying music therapy with an emphasis in vocal studies. Being able to dress up as a princess and make a child’s birthday really special by just hanging out with them and singing and dancing with them is a dream come true.
Something I love that surprised me though is the new relationships I’ve gotten to build with neighbors and families in my community that I would have probably never met!
4. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?
If you are really passionate about something and you know you can provide something good for other people then just do it! I am kicking myself now for not starting this sooner because it makes me so happy.
5. What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
Right now, this sort of is my self-care. I have a day job which is also great and fulfilling, but nothing brings me up like doing a birthday party on a Saturday and getting to bring the fun and the smiles into the rest of my week.
6. What can we do to support you in the community?
Just share! If you know anyone whose kids need smiles during this difficult, isolating time, let them know that I’ll give them a call. And once our community has rallied after this virus dies down, share with anyone who’s child’s birthday party is coming up and they might like to meet a princess in-person. Share photos and experiences if you got to meet a princess; your happy memories mean a lot to me and helps spread the word.
7. Favorite local spot to visit around town?
I really love the local Mansfield library. I’m a big reader and I still love having a physical book in my hands! It’s a nice and quiet spot too; I used to tutor my little brother there.
I recently had a great experience at Texas Roadhouse in Mansfield. I went there with my family still dressed as Princess Anna from Frozen after I’d finished a birthday party and it was super fun to meet lots of little ones and their families who came up to say hi. I love that about Texas, no one is too shy to come up and say hello!
Connect with Sophie here:
Website: https://aroyalguest.com/
Phone:703-774-6205
Email: sophie@aroyalguest.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/royalguestprincess/
