Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Ray.
Carrie – tell us about Shimmy Giggles.
Shimmy Giggles is an energetic entertainer who blends fun and laughter into whatever she does. Shimmy Giggles started her love for clowning when she was in the 8th grade. She always knew this is what she wanted to do. She loves sharing her art of clowning with people she meets as it’s so rewarding.
I got my interest in clowning when I was in the 8th grade. Every year in the town of West, TX they do a West Fest. Which includes a parade and a lot of fun activities. One of my good friends asked if I wanted to be in the parade and dress as a clown. I said sure, I would love to be in the parade. So I went and got some old overalls and decorated them up. Took one of my old shirt, hat and shoes and decorated them up too. Then had a local Mortician paint my face up like a clown. Before I knew it, I was one cute clown.
As I walked the parade I had kids who just loved me and I loved all the attention. After the parade, I was asked to walk around and entertain the guest. I went and did walk around entertainment and the kids just kept following me around. While I was entertaining the kids the local news and newspaper wanted to interview me and take pictures. I was so shocked that they would want to interview me and take pictures? They had me standing on fences with a bundle of balloons and jumping off to take action pictures. I looked up and there were crowds of people watching me. Everyone taking pictures and I become the center of attention. It made me feel real special inside. The following day I get a call from my friend that I was on the front page of the newspaper. I was so excited.
Along with the attention from news media and thousands of people. I was also asked to help with the WBAP stagecoach. They had me entertain the kids and help the kids to get onto the stagecoach for the half time rodeo show. As soon as we got in the arena the crowd went crazy. All the kids were screaming and waving at the crowd.
This experience was one of the most memorable times in my life. As my mom was a single parent raising 3 kids and struggled to put food on the table. So, my Mom didn’t have a lot of extra money to put us in extra activities and or give us birthday parties growing up.
One day I was really down and felt very burned out with all I was doing with my life. I decided to sit down and write down all the positive things that happen in my life. After putting the list together, I realized that clowning and entertaining people was one of my most memorable times in my life. I went and searched online and found an online clown class that I took. After the class I still didn’t go out and of much with it. But one day I was at a charity event called Challenge Air. While I was there I ran into a clown name Professor Owl. I told him my story and he suggested that I attend a clown class in Hurst. He gave me the number and I called to see if I could get in the next class and I was advised the classes had just finished. But they would call me once a firm date was set.
I’ve been a member of the Texas Clown Association, Clown of America International (Current Chairperson), Texas Mid Cities Clown Alley 85 in Irving, Texas, (Current Vice President, Past President, social media chairperson, board member for the last 5years, Happi Thyme Clown Alley in Arlington, Texas and Cowtown Clown Alley in Hurst Texas. She is also the President /Social media for Mid Cities Clown Alley. I’ve been members at all clown Alleys since 2012. Past Caring Clown at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth.
I’ve also volunteered for many charities and is CPR certified and Insured. I’ve attended Mooseburger Clown School, UTA Clown Class in Arlington, Texas and Andy Anderson clown classes in Hurst.
Besides my clowning around, Shimmy Giggles has her beautiful family she enjoys spending time with. As her family loves her daily life and her unpredictable silliness. Shimmy Giggles is the first to admit that she has the BEST job in the world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As in anything you do, there are road blocks along the way. From being labeled as scary clown. People not understanding the art of clowning and what their true worth is.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Shimmy Giggles Entertainment – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We our known for our fun filled birthday party packages. Which can include some of the following services:
Balloon Twisting
Face Painting
Glitter Tattoos
Story Telling
Children Magic shows
Games
Crafts
Balloon Bouquets
Candy Bouquets
Character Entertainment
and More.
No matter what type of event your having were always ready to do your special event.
Birthday Parties
Church Events
Grand Openings
Company Events
Family Reunions
Fairs & Carnivals
Day Cares
Nursing Homes
Hospitals & Hospital Get Well Wishes
School events
Weddings
Baby Showers
Graduations
Proms
Special Events
Special Delivery’s (Candy Bouquets, Balloon Bouquets and Characters)
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My goal for Shimmy Giggles Entertainment is to keep building my business. Continue to learn and develop by attending as many classes that I can possibly attend. Start up a new Junior Joey program within the DFW to promote younger children to learn and experience the Art of Clowning. Go out into the community to promote positive Clowning.
Contact Info:
- Address: 413 East Ash Lane
- Website: www.shimmygiggles.com
- Phone: 214 577 6002
- Email: carrielray10@yahoo.com
- Facebook: Shimmy Giggles
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
