We had the good fortune of connecting with Mallory Burnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mallory, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own freelance princess entertainment company was a dream that blossomed from my deep love for working with children and my background in acting and singing. As a stay-at-home mom to my two little ones, I often found myself immersed in the magical worlds of fairy tales and adventures, and I realized how much joy these stories brought not only to my children but to kids everywhere. This passion for storytelling and imagination sparked the idea of bringing those beloved characters to life through engaging entertainment.

With my acting experience, I felt equipped to take on the role of a princess and create memorable experiences for children. I have always enjoyed performing, and I knew that I could leverage my skills to captivate young audiences. The thought of dressing up as their favorite characters, singing songs, and engaging in interactive storytelling excited me. I wanted to create an immersive experience that would leave a lasting impression on children and parents alike.

As I contemplated this venture, I also considered the practical aspects of my life as a parent. Finding a way to work on weekends while still being present for my children was essential. Freelancing offered the flexibility I needed to balance my family life with my passion for performance. I could schedule parties and events around my family’s routine, allowing me to pursue my dreams without sacrificing precious time with my little ones.

Additionally, I recognized a gap in the market for high-end character entertainment that was also affordable for the average parent. Many families dream of giving their children a magical experience but may feel discouraged by the high costs often associated with character entertainment. I wanted to bridge that gap by offering quality services at reasonable prices, ensuring that more children could experience the magic of their favorite characters.

It became clear to me that starting my own freelance princess entertainment company would not only fulfill my passion for acting and working with children but also allow me to create a business model that supports families. I envisioned a company where children could experience the wonder and joy of interacting with their favorite princesses without breaking the bank. This thought process motivated me to take the leap and turn my dream into a reality, combining my love for performance, my dedication to family, and my desire to create magical moments for children everywhere.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Magical Moments is all about creating core memories for children and families. What sets us apart is our commitment to character authenticity and quality. I’m not only the person booking the appointments, but I’m also the main performer as a freelance princess. I put enthusiasm in every princess entertainment company that I work with across the area, but knowing that my name and reputation are at stake, I am constantly thinking of ways to improve and go above and beyond. Improving myself includes countless hours of character studies, interacting with other owners to workshop ideas, vocal lessons, thousands of dollars in high quality wigs and costumes, etc. I consider myself somewhat of a shape shifter, as I’ve been multiple princesses for the same child without them ever realizing that I’m the same person that they have already met before! The meticulous attention to detail, the heartfelt care invested in every engagement, immersive storytelling, and interactive experiences that bring the magic to life while engaging and captivating the audience also sets us apart. As a small company, I can truly focus on quality over quantity. I strive to make each experience unforgettable to the child or person being celebrated. By remaining completely in character and immersing myself in non-stop action throughout the entire duration of my visit, I not only spark joy and excitement in the partygoers, but also take the stress off parents. As a mother myself, I understand the importance of wanting your child to have an unforgettable experience on their birthday or any other occasion in which they are being celebrated. Parents can relax and enjoy the celebration, knowing that their child will be engaged in a magical world where dreams come to life. This commitment to excellence and a seamless experience for both children and parents is what makes our company truly special.

I’m most proud of the positive impact we have on children’s lives. Seeing their eyes light up with joy when they meet their favorite princess or character is an incredibly rewarding experience. Their hugs are so genuine and precious, because in their mind they are not meeting a stranger, but rather someone that they have spent countless hours with before in their imagination. I’m also excited about the work I have done with the Make A Wish program, and being a liaison to help children in need. As a mother of a one year old with ongoing health issues and an upcoming kidney surgery, I feel called to spread joy and magic to those in need. My son’s hospital bills were a huge a factor that went into starting my own little company.

The journey to where we are today has been thanks mostly to a local Facebook group for mothers in the Fort Bend County area and their referrals to other parents. Like many businesses, we face challenges such as competition from other companies that are able to spend more money on advertising or have been established for several years despite employee turnover, building up our customer base as a relatively new company, and navigating the ups and downs of the gig based event industry. The inconsistency of both slow and busy seasons takes some getting used to, but the most difficult hurdle to face is getting our name out there by referral alone, without spending any advertising money as of yet. To overcome these challenges, we focus on building relationships with our clients, listening to their feedback, and continuously improving our services. Networking with other local businesses and collaborating on events has definitely helped us to grow and gain visibility.

Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of befriending others in the industry. I owe so much to the first company that hired me as princess entertainer and the industry friends I’ve made along the way that I continue to learn and grow with. On the job experience has been the best teacher. I know that I can confidently walk into any setting and adjust accordingly to meet the needs of the children and parents at their event.

What I want the world to know about my princess and character entertainment company, Magical Moments, is that we are absolutely dedicated to creating joy and unforgettable memories at your event. Our story is one of passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of spreading happiness to every child we encounter. We believe every child deserves a touch of magic in their lives, and we’re here to provide that experience. I’m so proud of the fact that children who have met my character at the theme parks cannot distinguish the difference between myself and that highly trained parks performer; I credit this to the countless hours spent behind the scenes. The upkeep on costumes, wigs, and specific character jewelry is significant, but this job is so much more than playing dress up. I make it a point to tell children that, “It’s so nice to see you!”, as it’s always quite possible that they have met who I am portraying before, and I strive to keep that continuity alive. Having knowledge of all my character’s backstories and a background in improv allows me to answer the myriad of questions that might be thrown at me with confidence. I take pride in not having a child question whether I am “real”, because sometimes kids just say the darndnest things! They can keep you on your toes, and I have an answer ready for anything.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the Houston area for a week, I would curate an exciting itinerary filled with delicious food, fun activities, and unforgettable experiences.

Day 1: Arrival and Dinner at Uchi
We’d kick off our trip with a visit to Uchi, known for its fantastic sushi. With a vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, it’s the perfect way to start our culinary adventure in Houston. After dinner, we could grab some boba tea or dessert from Common Bond Bakery or Popfancy Dessert Bar.

Day 2: Museum District
Thursday would be an exciting day as we take advantage of Houston’s free museum day! We’d start our morning at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, followed by the Museum of Fine Arts, and end at either the Contemporary Arts Museum or Houston Children’s Museum. We’d grab lunch at a nearby café in the district to keep our energy up while immersing ourselves in art and culture.

Day 3: BBQ, Shopping, and Ramen
On our third day, we’d have lunch at one of Houston’s many local eateries, perhaps trying some Texas BBQ at The Pit Room or Gatlin’s BBQ to get a taste of the local flavor. Afterward, we could spend the afternoon shopping and exploring the Heights, visiting quirky boutiques and vintage shops. If we weren’t still full from lunch, we could then indulge in some delicious ramen at Tiger Den or one of Houston’s many JINYA Ramen Bar locations for dinner.

Day 4: Nature and Parks
We’d dedicate this day to exploring Houston’s beautiful parks, starting with a stroll through either the Houston Arboretum or Hermann Park and possibly a visit to the Houston Zoo. A picnic lunch would be perfect here, followed by some relaxation on the park lawns. In the evening, we could head to Montrose for dinner and enjoy the atmosphere of this eclectic neighborhood.

Day 5: Galveston Beach Day
We’d make a day trip to Galveston to relax at the beach! After soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean, we could grab lunch at a beachfront café. In the evening, we might explore the historic Strand District for some shopping and end the day with dinner at a seafood restaurant by the water followed by a haunted ghost tour of the island. Galveston has so much incredible history and haunted locations to explore!

Day 6: Sports!!
Back in Houston, we’d catch a game at Minute Maid Park if the Astros are playing or visit the Toyota Center for a Rockets game. Perhaps afterwards we could participate at Dug Out, Top Golf, or Andretti Indoor Karting & Games to participate in some sports activities ourselves.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch and Relaxation
On the final day, we’d have a relaxing farewell brunch at a local favorite such as Backstreet Cafe, The Breakfast Klub, or Little Hen to get the cutest of photos. Afterward, we could spend some time in the Korean style saunas of Spa World or get a relaxing Vietnamese scalp massage at Nhiên Head Spa. Trellis Spa at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, would also be an iconic place for a massage and facial on our day of relaxation.

Throughout the week, we’d savor the diverse culinary scene, explore the rich culture, and enjoy the warmth of Houston’s hospitality. It would truly be a memorable experience filled with fun, relaxation, and great memories. Our city and its surrounding suburbs offer something for everyone. As a local, I just love that about our city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am incredibly grateful to my husband for his unwavering support on my journey to becoming a professional princess entertainer. His belief in my dreams has been a constant source of motivation, and I truly couldn’t have embarked on this magical adventure without him by my side. Balancing family life with my passion for performing can be a challenge, but he has stepped up in so many ways to ensure I can focus on creating unforgettable experiences for children while knowing our two toddlers are in great hands.

Whenever I have parties or events to attend, my husband willingly takes on the role of super dad, watching over our little ones with love while often putting his own studies on hold. His ability to manage our household while I’m out spreading joy and magic is nothing short of remarkable. This level of support allows me to fully immerse myself in my performances, knowing that my family is thriving at home.

Beyond just watching the kids, my husband has also been a tremendous help in preparing for my parties. Whether it’s assisting with last-minute costume adjustments or helping me get in and out of my elaborate outfits, his patience and encouragement mean the world to me. He understands the effort that goes into each engagement and has always been my biggest cheerleader. I am so thankful for his partnership, as it allows me to chase my dreams while still being present for our family. His support truly makes this journey possible, and I am forever grateful to have him as my rock.

Website: https://www.magicalmomentsent.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malsmagicalmoments

Facebook: http://www..facebook.com/malsmagicalmoments

Other: https://g.page/r/CbZguETZn405EBI/review

And

https://www.tiktok.com/@malsmagicalmoments?_t=8qAMfTMBc7i&_r=1

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