From Sparkle to Strategy: How to Turn Your Passion for Performing Into a Real Business

There’s a moment many performers experience, when what once felt like a side gig suddenly starts to reveal itself as something more. For me, that moment happened when I was working for another entertainment company. I saw just how many parties were being booked, how much money was moving through the business, and I realized: I could do this. But with my own unique imprint.

I dreamed of moving to a new state and building a life of freedom and creativity, and character performing gave me a low-cost, fun, and flexible entry point into business. But like many new entrepreneurs, I made one big mistake: I copied the structure of the company I had worked for. I used their pricing. I mimicked their systems. And while it seemed like a smart shortcut at the time, it taught me nothing about why I was charging what I was, or how to make my business sustainable.

Here’s the truth no one told me: just because a business is booked out doesn’t mean it’s profitable. And just because you copy someone’s model doesn’t mean their strategy will work for you.

If I were starting over today, here’s what I’d do differently:

1. Invest in business education first — understanding pricing, sustainability, and marketing.

2. Learn how to network and build partnerships — with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams.

3. Shift the focus from "what do I need" to "what does my client need?" — building a business around service and inspiration.

If you’re ready to turn your glitter into growth, start there.