A self-dubbed 'clown mom', has revealed how she manages to earn an impressive $135,000 per year by dressing up as a clown and entertaining children at birthday parties.
Regina Martinez, 35, says her unique business venture, which began as a side-hustle, has now become her family's main source of income.
She offers a 'Birthday Boost' package priced at $300, which includes an hour of puppet shows and balloons specially crafted for pre-school children.
And she does it all while only working an average of two days a week, with one of those days being a 12-hour Saturday.
Speaking to Business Insider, Regina expressed her love for the creative freedom her job provides.
She said: "I can go out in the morning, put on a puppet show and get paid well for it, and spend the rest of the day with my kids."
Regina's success story began in 2011 when she scored her first job as a clown after her best friend, who was already a clown, suggested she become one too.
Initially going by the name Sparkles, she later decided to call herself Silly Sparkles to better represent her playful nature.
Over time, she began receiving direct requests for her services and decided to leave the ad agency that initially connected her to gigs.
Launching her own website, she took professional photos and officially started her clown business, charging $125 per hour.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed challenges, but she quickly adapted to the situation.
After conducting research, she identified her target market as mothers of pre-school-age children and tailored her services accordingly.
She focused solely on kids' parties, performing puppet and balloon shows while dressed as a clown. She also increased her rate to $300 for a specially branded hour of fun.
Despite initially studying graphic design in college before abandoning it due to the Great Recession in 2009, Regina is content with her career trajectory. She appreciates the freedom of being her own boss and enjoys having the autonomy to decide what comes next.
