Hosting birthday parties are one of my favorite joy’s of being a mother. I love seeing the look on my daughter’s face when she gets to blow out her candles, or opens a present she has been asking for. Birthdays and anniversaries are two holidays I love to celebrate, because they only come once a year, and mean so much to me.

This year, I had the delight of hiring one of the best kids birthday party entertainment services I have ever come across, Simply Smiles. Simply Smiles provides Denver, CO with the best clown, balloon artists, face painters, balloon decor, and variety entertainers. I was able to have a balloon artist, magician, and face painter at my party. His name was Daniel, and he rocked!

The entertainer showed up in a fun and bright clown costume. Now, I will be honest, I was a little worried about a clown coming to my house. My daughter is a little scared of clowns. But, this clown was super fun and happy and the kiddos all loved him! Many of the children followed him around and laughed at his witty and funny jokes. I was impressed how he interacted with the children, made them laugh, and had a very child-like spirit that put them at ease.

The kids patiently waited for their gorgeous face paintings. I loved the variety of paintings. My daughter chose a gorgeous floral design. I wished it never came off. There were tigers and butterflies and all sorts of adorable paintings.

Next came the balloons. Seriously, the kids were mesmerized! The adults kept commenting how grateful they were to sit back and relax and watch their children have a great time. It felt like a mini carnival in my backyard. I loved it! Daniel was wonderful at including all the kids and ensuring they all got a special balloon gift.

Finally, he put on a fantastic magic show. It was just so cute to see all the kiddos “ooh” and “ah” as he held the magic crystal ball. They laughed and giggled when he juggled. They loved it!

It was such a fun and memorable experience to have Simply Smiles at our party. Many parents grabbed cards, and some of the children shared with their mothers (who shared with me), “that was the BEST birthday I have ever gone to!”.

Today I am excited to interview Daniel so he can share a little about his business, as well as give you some inside tips to throwing a great birthday for your kiddos. This industry pro has great advice, so read on!

1. Why did you decide to become a balloon/clown/birthday party entertainer?

My first job in college was working as a balloon artist for a company that a recent alumnus had founded. At the beginning I didn’t think I would do it beyond those few years. However, as I got better at it I found that I really enjoyed working with kids and families and entertaining people. I’ve always been the type of person to enjoy making people laugh, and if I could do that while making a decent living, it was a no-brainer. Working weekends sounds tough, but it’s actually great! I get to go out and about and do fun things while everyone else is working.

2. What services do you provide?

My favorite thing to do is to clown: while I clown I make awesome balloon animals, paint faces, juggling, and perform some illusions. I’m working on some unicycling, and I often make balloon decorations whenever I have clients that want some decor as well. I provide all of these services both as a package, or as a standalone service. I have balloon twisters and face painters that work with me as well, and we are happy to provide you multiple entertainers to handle larger events!

3. What designs do you do for facepainting?

I can do lots of designs! My style is designed with speed in mind, and animal faces are my most popular. I’m attaching an image with some of our great designs.

4. What is the most popular balloon animals/ designs?

I make lots and lots of swords for both boys and girls, since they’re so quick, easy, and popular. I make a lot of unicorns, princess crowns, and butterflies for the girls, with some laser-guns, dinosaurs, and tigers for the boys. My favorite to make is my giraffe hat: that balloon single handedly made my father slightly less disappointed that his son is a clown!

5. How much is your deposit?

I charge a 50% deposit to hold a date. I make some exceptions, but on Saturdays it is required, since that is our busiest day.

6. How much notice do you need to book a party?

Sometimes I can make a party work the day before the event. Other times, I’m booked out three months in advance. It depends a lot on the time of the week and time of the day. Saturdays between 11am-4pm is the busiest time of the week. At the same time, my team of entertainers is often available at that time, and we have had up to six people working at one time.

7. What number of attendees is best?

Every party is different and I can tailor my entertainment based on the number of kids, so no number is “best.” If I have 5-6 minutes per balloon, I can make very complex designs. If there are many more kids, I can make quicker balloons and spend more time with juggling/illusions, which entertains a whole group at once. My preference is a smaller party, but I have a great time no matter what.

8. Do you accept tips?

My team and I do accept tips, but we never want someone to turn down a balloon or face painting because they can’t or won’t tip. Making people smile is our first priority!

9. What kinds of acts do you do in your magic show?

I’m not much of a magician beyond my contact juggling. I’m working on some new tricks and routines, but right now I would call myself an apprentice illusionist!

10. What is your best memory from a birthday party or event?

I have two! On one occasion, I made a balloon mermaid for a family friend’s daughter at a pool party. It was adorable to watch her play with the mermaid in the water, swimming around with it and talking to it. She loved it so much that she wouldn’t even let her mom hold it.

Another time I was painting a little girl who must have been 3 or 4. She had her eyes closed as I painted her as a butterfly, and I asked: “Do you know what pink and blue make together”? “Very seriously, she opened her eyes and looked at me: “Cotton candy!”

Simply Smiles was the perfect addition to our birthday party and made it such a special day. Thank you Daniel for sharing your business and tips with us!

Do you have any birthday party tips to share?

*I received services in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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