WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — A Warwick woman who owns a face paintingbusiness is doing all she can to give back this Halloween with the gift of free face paintingfor kids who don’t have a costume.
In 2016, Julie Souza booked her first face painting birthday party for a family member.
Ever since, her once hobby has turned into a full-time gig.
“Three years ago is when I really wanted to take it seriously and do it full-time,” said Souza.“This year has been full-blown. Public events, birthday parties, you name it I’ve done it.”
Souza started ‘Expressions by Julie.’
She frequents local farmers markets and goes whereverthe job that she loves takes her.
“The kids are just so fun. Like it really takes you back to your childhood and the happiness . You paint them ‘Mario’ or a tiger and when they see themselves they are that, whatever you painted them,” she said. “For me, I like being creative. I like coming up with the designs. I spend hours at home on designs. I will spend four hours painting myself just to take a few pictures and wash it off.”
Souza said Halloween is a popular time in the face painting business.
People have hired her for costume makeup or special effect makeup.
She said she loves a good challenge.
“Halloween is my Christmas. The dressing up,the makeup, especially the special effects,” she said. “You name it, I’ll figure it out.”
A few days ago, Souza said she had been scrolling on Facebook when she noticed several moms had posted asking people if they had second-hand costumes.
Not being able to afford one, and the disappointmentit could cause for kids, really sat with her.
“There are kids that might not have a costume that might not be able to participate or feel like they look as good as a person from a family with more money, and I just thought I could do something here,” said Souza. “There’s a lot of things in the world you can do anything about. You get this helpless feeling. So when an opportunity comes where you’re like I can actually make a difference you should take it.”
Souza put a post on social media inviting parents or guardians to book an appointment with her for free to help alleviateany stress not having a costume would cause.
Even if they had a costume, she said she is more than willing to paint faces still for free, no questions asked.
“Free face painting this week Monday through Thursday, “said Souza. “I decided that Thursday on Halloween I’m going to set up outside of my house with my canopy and my full setup and offer free face painting from 3 to 6.”
Souza offeredher services ahead of Halloween because she said some kids might be participating in Trunk or Treat events or parties they would want to wear acostume to.
She is located at 61 Sprague Ave. in Warwick and can be reached via email ExpressionsbyJulie@yahoo.com or Facebook.
“I think everybody has something to offer, it doesn’t matter how small or big,” she said.