Cartoon characters play a big part in any child’s life, but more so for the Kellaway children from Kilworth, as their mum Sharon established her own party mascot business earlier this year.

Sharon, who has three children, runs the local toddler group Pips with Michelle O’Mahony and Ann Cotter and her idea for her business Kartoon Kapers grew from her wearing a Peppa Pig costume at parties for the parent and toddler group.

While having Barney, Sponge Bob, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Hello Kitty, Santa Clause, Batman and Peppa Pig all tucked away in your wardrobe may seem a little odd to many – it was something which screamed opportunity for enterprising Sharon.

It all took off in July, when she set up a Facebook page and the interest so far has been phenomenal.

“I’m now fully booked for Christmas for the Santa costume and I only have midweek bookings left, which is amazing,” she said.

She added that making sure that the costume is a good likeness to the character is really important, as children idolise these characters and will notice and become upset if their favourite cartoon looks a little odd or funny.

Sharon also said that with the vast range of costumes, there is something for almost every age group, but she said that it’s not just about putting on the costume, you have to be able to interact with the kids, have fun with them and make their special day one to remember.

“The kids love to see me interacting with the adults and parents as well and when I tell the kids that they are my best friend, they get so excited and it makes it all really special,” Sharon said.

Since she started, Sharon has been doing a lot of children’s parties and word of mouth has been a great way of getting the business name out there, but she would like to do a lot more corporate family events, weddings, fairs, markets and christenings.  

In line with the recession, Sharon has also been keeping her prices very affordable and very often, she will offer two characters for the one party, so that for example when Sponge Bob leaves, Hello Kitty might pop in.

Sharon has a strong business background working in retail and fashion and with her three children, this business was the perfect way to incorporate fashion and costumes with her lifestyle as a working mum.

Looking forward, Sharon sees expansion opportunities for the business and over the next year and a half, she would hope to be able to take on staff and while Facebook is a great resource, she will also have her website up and running soon and hopes that it will give the business a boost.

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