Kathy Barnwell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kathy, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Every weekend, I get to see children’s reactions to the facepaint design the choose. I never take that mirror moment for granted. It is what truly makes me happy and it warms up my heart of knowing that I can bring smiles with my art.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi y’all!
I’m Kathy, the face( the hands lol) behind JoyGlow Facepainting.
Ever since I was little, I felt a strong inclination to colors, drawing, painting, and creating. I’m so grateful my mom encouraged me to scribble and she also valued my skills. Before becoming a professional facepainter, I explored oil painting in canvas, drawing with pastel chalks and so much more. I find painting so therapeutic so it is truly a blessing to get paid to do something that I enjoy so very much.
I’m left handed, people often notice it and it makes me happy to start up a conversation about that. Also, I am what is considered a “high volume” facepainter formerly known as “speed facepainter” which simply means that I can paint a large number of faces in a short period of time. Im also a preschool teacher on weekdays, I’ve been in the teaching field for 14yrs and a professional facepainter for 6yrs.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents. As an educator, I believe the strongest values are learned at home. Both of my parents showed me with their actions: of showing up to work everyday, been responsible and not being late, paying bills on time, etc, that it is possible to keep the integrity as an employee. I started working when I was still in high school, my first job was at a restaurant/cafeteria where I was in charge of the drinks (juices ans coffee). I learned since a young age to be responsible with my time and with my finances. Im thankful that those values I saw on my parents shaped me to be the adult I am now.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that I have an opportunity to see and do things in a different way. Pain and discomfort in life are inevitable but what we do with the challenging times is truly what makes stronger.
I am a believer and my faith in God has kept me strong and grounded during the rocky times in life. Suffering is humbling, it shows us that we are human and that we are fragile, that nothing lasts forever and that no matter how dark or gloomy life might be, it will get better, things will change and everything will sort itself out.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
A hundred percent. I am a very outgoing person who also enjoys quiet time. I appreciate the noise but also the solitude.
I believe life is about keeping a healthy balance. The more I am true to myself the better I feel about my views about the world and different topics too and being centered helps me a more calm professional. Being a facepainter has given the opportunity to network with so many people from all kinds of walks in life so its something that I value dearly. I always strive to make children and families comfortable and happy!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I know that I have given my very best and all that I had in me. There are weeks when I work 7 days straight without a break. I wouldn’t trade that fast pace because doing what I love which is teaching and facepainting gives me a reason to be and it makes me feel that I am contributing to future generations.
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