The story of Joyful Face Painting Designs
Andrea Juárez possesses an innate talent. She is a Mexican immigrant who arrived in Madison in 2001 and has since dedicated herself to working alongside her husband in various fields, primarily in their own business Shiny Homes, Professional Residential Cleaning Services in Madison. In this way, they have supported themselves and raised their four children (three boys and one girl).
The hidden art that lay in Juárez’s hands was unknown to her. Her time was devoted to organizing the homes and workplaces of Americans, and although many tried to convince her of her abilities, it was only a few years ago that she accepted that the gift she possesses is unique.
“When I was in Mexico, I volunteered to help in campaigns we organized in marginalized areas. We brought toys, food, and held recreational and playful activities. People dressed up as clowns, and my role was to paint their faces,” narrates Andrea.
Upon arriving in the United States, she devoted her life to work and spending time with her children during her free moments. During these moments of leisure, her house resembled a cinematic episode of The Avengers. Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and even Hulk ran to greet their father after an exhausting day of work.
Juárez began painting the faces of her children, and from there, her spirit grew. She used whatever she had, often even using her fingers. It was genuine, and she hadn’t realized it.
After these small experiences, she began offering her talent voluntarily at various events organized by the church Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo. Many people who saw the results attempted to pay for her services, but she didn’t allow it. She did it from the heart.
She admits that many people gave her advice. “People told me to charge for my services. They started contacting me and requesting my services for different events. They told me that I shouldn’t let this talent go to waste, and after hearing many encouraging voices from friends praising my work, I decided to give it a try,” she said.
The pandemic will remain in everyone’s memory for a long time, if not forever. It was a period marked by death, desolation, sadness, and uncertainty. However, the courage of this Mexican woman led her to embark on her training process.
Through virtual courses, online talks, and YouTube videos, she began to develop her skills. Her children played an important role in practicing, and the support of her husband, who always believed in her, and the unconditional support of her parents were the driving forces behind this project, which is now a great success in the city of the four lakes.
“‘You can do it, you know how to do it, don’t be afraid.’ Those have always been my mother’s words. Today, it’s more than a challenge; it’s a responsibility to all those who believed in me. My mother has always been there for me. She is my advisor and my guide,” Andrea affirmed.
Similarly, she told Madison Vibra that her husband’s support has been crucial. “He tells me that my face changes when I’m painting children and adults. And if I have a talent and people are willing to pay for it, then I should take advantage of it.”
During the confinement period, she took the opportunity to educate herself. And after the situation began to return to normal, she began all the paperwork to launch her life project, called “Joyful Face Painting Designs – Fantasy Makeup.”
The process has not been easy, but Andrea assures that everything has served as an experience to improve and achieve her goals. “Initially, I was worried about not being able to handle my other job, support my business, take care of my children, and manage the household. Thanks to God and my family, I have been able to handle everything,” she expressed.
Juárez says that the fear of taking the leap is often due to a lack of money, but she also emphasizes the importance of “listening to that voice, believing in intuition, believing in oneself.”
Andrea mentions that she still enjoys cleaning houses, but she also highlights that the satisfaction her life project brings her is indescribable. She recounts her experience when she received her first payment for her work and explains that she felt valued, revalidated, praised. “I love what I’m doing.”
And her messages are not in vain. Her company has grown significantly within the Latino community. She has over 200 followers on her Facebook page, “Joyful Face Painting Design,” and almost every weekend, she has commitments on her agenda to bring her imagination to different types of faces.
She assures that the connection she has with the Latino community is natural. She is able to connect immediately and negotiate so that both she and the client benefit. That’s why, for this summer, anyone who wants to have their face painted and receive a 10% discount at an event just needs to mention this article and follow her Facebook account.
Juárez encourages the entire Latino community and in particular women who have entrepreneurial aspirations: “Have confidence, patience, and humility. Remember that everything you do comes back to you, so you must give in order to receive.”
Andrea concluded by sending a message of gratitude, “I thank God for everything He grants me every day, my family for their unconditional support and love, and also a very special person who, with their spiritual guidance, love, and care, has helped me become a better person in this life.”