COLLEEN JOHNSON

July 29, 2009 12:36 am

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS: Fantasy Face Painting provides top quality face painting and temporary tattoos for numerous occasions and celebrations. All products used are FDA-approved, cosmetic-grade products that are hypo-allergenic and non-toxic. I transform faces and provide plenty of smiles. You get lasting memories and enjoyable entertainment for everyone.

EDUCATION: Rhode Island College

FAMILY: I have been married for 12 years to my husband, Master Sgt. David Johnson. We have three children, Emily (10), Brian (8) and Timothy (4).

CAREER HISTORY: I began my career working for the Federal Aviation Administration in the air traffic division. From there, I worked for the University of New Hampshire's Counseling Center and MetLife in their litigation department. During this time, I also taught for the Warwick Figure Skaters in the Learn to Skate Program. I have since started two separate home businesses. I provide administrative and proofreading support through CMJ Office and face-painting services through Fantasy Face Painting.

FIRST JOB: McDonald's

WORST JOB: Waitress in an Italian restaurant through college

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up in Warwick, R.I.

HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? ? I volunteered to paint at several events and noticed how everyone loved what I was painting. It dawned on me that I could open a face-painting business providing safe and quality entertainment options for families in the area. I received my license and have been in bus-iness ever since, loving every moment.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB NOW? I love the smiles! When I'm finished painting, I hand over the mirror for everyone to view their transformed faces. When they smile or gasp, it lights me up completely.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? I am motivated constantly by seeing kids' and parents' reactions when I exceed their expectations. I never get tired of it.

WHAT'S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE ANYONE HAS GIVEN YOU? Believe in yourself and your abilities!

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE? Friendliness. Everyone I have met in the area has been wonderful.

WHAT'S THE WORST? The only bad thing I can think of is traffic.

WHO IS THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL BUSINESS LEADER YOU KNOW? WHY? My good friend, Angela Claeson, is an incredible business leader in Rhode Island. She has an amazing business mind. Not only has she started and sold a successful company, but she has also taken over her father's company upon his death. The company is continually expanding. I'm always amazed by her.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? I'm an avid genealogist and genea-blogger especially concerning Irish heritage and culture. I also love relaxing with my husband and kids.

--As told to Sandy Mahaffey

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