Emily Pixley promises some magic at your party. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Meet Emily Pixley – the CEO of Wonderdust Play, a new business in Griffith that provides entertainment services for children’s parties.
She may be just 14, but she came up with the idea of running her own company while at a friend’s birthday.
“I was dressed as a fairy at a party, having so much fun, when I thought to myself, ‘I could do this as a job,’” Emily said.
“Working with kids is something I like to do, so this is a way to spend more time with them while being creative myself.”
Helped by her assistant director and mum Sara, Emily got herself an Australian Business Number (ABN), insurance and a marketing plan and launched her venture last month.
“Through Wonderdust Play, I provide a party entertainment service where you get to meet me as a fairy and have me lead games for children,” she said.
“I can bring bubbles, wands and any magic you like. I’ve been Rapunzel, Pocahontas and Tinker Bell and organised classic party games like egg and spoons races and painting.”
Emily with clients Poppy, Felicity and Margot Turner. Photo: Supplied.
Emily offers different packages, with the basic one for a party of up to 10 kids costing $180 and including a bubble stick for each participant to take home.
Mum Sara comes along for back-up and if there are more than 15 children, her friend Keira Eckerman magically appears as the second fairy.
But if you want to book Emily, you better get in quick.
“She is already booked out for March,” Sara said.
“We are conscious of her young age and having school and doing dancing too, so we limit her to one party per week.”
Emily has also secured a gig at Berton Vineyards monthly Long Pour event, where she keeps children entertained while the parents sip on wine and eat nibbles.
She said launching her business during the January heatwaves was a challenge.
“When it’s 45 degrees, a lot of the activities have to move inside.”
Emily loves keeping kids entertained. Photo: Supplied.
The 14-year-old has been teaching kids how to dance for the past year. Mum saw her as a natural in that role, so thought she could push the boundaries.
“The biggest thing for me is seeing her get a part-time job on her own terms and also learn skills that will set her up for life,” Sara said.
“I get so proud watching her lead children around playing games with a big smile on her face and all the kids having fun too.
“It’s a service we haven’t had in town for a while, so she’s filling a real need.”
Teacher Brooke Drayton launched the town’s first mobile children’s entertainment business – Once Upon a Party Events – in 2023, but it no longer operates in Griffith since she moved to Queensland.
Bookings or enquiries about Wonderdust Play can be made through the company’s Facebook page.
