Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Custodio.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started working as a princess for another business when I had just turned 18. My first party, I was so excited but honestly nervous, replaying the lyrics of “Let it Go” over and over in my head. The birthday girl’s parent’s approached us before entering. They explained that their daughter had down syndrome and to try our best- that she might be shy or seem stand-offish, and to possibly expect her to close up around us. My first party forever captivated me to this line of work. Contrary to what her parents expected, the birthday girl lit up as soon as she saw us. She felt safe as she sang and smiled, which made her crowd of guests gleam with enthusiasm. She opened up to us like a beautiful butterfly. It was truly an amazing thing. That’s when I instantly saw the beauty, power and act of love in performing as a princess, and I was hooked.
A couple years later, I started my own company, my father buying my first princess costume to show support. Through the years, I’ve researched and imagined ways to best showcase the magic within each character. The magic is in the details, the outstanding performances, and the passion to create authentic and beautiful memories with as many families as possible.
Today, we are proud to provide a premium standard of character entertainment to all of Central Florida, with over 400 positive reviews on Google and Facebook. We continue to create magic daily, even thankfully throughout the 2020 lockdowns. Through those uncertain times, we provided character video calls and handwritten letters to keep joy alive to little ones. We even spoke to little ones from different parts of the world who had heard about our princess video calls!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many other businesses, our business was directly impacted by the pandemic. All birthday parties and events were cancelled. There was so much uncertainty and it was really an eye-opening and mindset-altering experience. It really made me appreciate EVERYTHING in life to a new extent. It made me appreciate the little joys we sometimes all take for granted. Human connection is so valuable… birthday parties, laughter, being together, even being able to see someone’s smile, everything we were used to was altered.
What aided me through the pandemic was the scheduled character calls we were doing. I personally had the ability to speak to children as a princess via Zoom and Face-time. To keep their birthdays special during a worldwide pandemic was something that was very special to me. I woke up with a true purpose during the quarantine. Some children were scared during this time, and I had the chance to speak to them in character and send love and kindness their way. I was helping them, and in all honesty, they were helping me to get through a time that came so unexpected. Just seeing them happy really brought me joy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are Orlando’s top-rated character company providing outstanding princess, superhero, and swimming mermaid character services. We have theme-park quality, experienced performers with a character package for every price range! We think quality characters can be made affordable for all families to experience! We love bringing a vision to life and creating memories for all ages.
Our characters are role models- embodying grace, courage, adventure, kindness, strength, compassion, and love. We truly love what we do.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
One of my favorite quotes is from P.T Barnum, founder of the Barnum and Bailey Circus. He said, “the noblest art is that of making others happy.”
As I get older, this becomes more and more relevant in my eyes. I love to live a life of service to others. Even the smallest actions can make a world of difference.
Contact Info:
- Email: GoldenTiaraParties@gmail.com
- Website: GoldenTiaraPrincessParties.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/orlandoprincessparties
- Facebook: Facebook.com/orlandoprincessparties
