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Original poster

To do this at a child's party where I was the facepainter

284 replies

BrickTraybake · 21/04/2024 13:30

I am trying to establish a small business as a facepainter just to earn a little extra money.

Yesterday I did a childs birthday party for one of the mums at my DSS's school. I did it at a discount price for her as she said she would recommend me to all the other mums and she is the PTA and said she can get me a slot at school fairs.

I have a system where I get the children interested in having their facepainted to write down their name on the list and then I call them when it's their turn so there's not loads of bored kids queueing. The parents sign next to the child's name to say they consent to me painting their face and then they tick a box if they consent to me using images for promotion. It's worked well so far.

So yesterday one mum puts a massive X in the photo consent box and writes next to it NO PHOTOS NO SOCIAL MEDIA!! fair enough.

When it came to that child's turn, I wrote next to her name "pink Tshirt" just to remind me of who she was in case I accidently got her in the background of a pic.

Mum paid up, everyone happy. Then later on Facebook I saw her post thanking everyone for coming to the party and the mum of pink t-shirt girl wrote underneath "thanks for inviting us! Shame facepainter wrote down details of what my child was wearing?? Bit odd 😂" and the mum shock-reacted it.

I'm so upset. I was so looking forward to hopefully getting more party bookings and a place at the school fairs. This was only my third party and now I'm worried this mum will gossip that I'm a wierdo and I won't get any more.

Was I in the wrong? Should I reply??

OP posts:
Barrenfieldoffucks · 21/04/2024 20:12

BrickTraybake · 21/04/2024 18:15

Omg!!

I did it. I used one of the replies on here. Thank you so much.
I did it then closed my phone with my heart pumping and went sort dinner. When I looked at my phone half an hour later 8 of the other mums had liked my comment and five of them wrote underneath her comment but to me, stuff like 'thanks so much for the facepainting xyz loved it" and then on the same post but a separate comment one of them asked me if I would do her DS's party. It was like they could all see what she was doing and they were sticking up for me I am so grateful - I hardly know them. I think I agree they do all know she's a bit of a nightmare.

And then I went to put my DD in the bath glanced at phone again and she had deleted her comment.

Whoop 🥳

I'm glad you've dealt with it, but I wouldn't assume she was trying to "do anything". She didn't get what you'd done and said so, you explained, job done. The other mums were just telling you they liked your work, not "sticking up for you". This doesn't have to be a drama where people are getting at you.

patchworkpal · 21/04/2024 20:09

I'd ask mumsnet if they wouldn't mind deleting this if all the details are accurate she will recognise herself

NotbloodyGivingupYet · 21/04/2024 20:09

Cracking result!
Onwards and upwards OP 😊

Swanbeauty · 21/04/2024 20:06

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at OP's request.

Redpaisely · 21/04/2024 20:01

So please for you. This just shows standing up for yourself with polite response pays rather than staying quiet. Well done.

EmilyTheCriminal · 21/04/2024 20:00

That's so brilliant OP!

SoupChicken · 21/04/2024 19:58

BrickTraybake · 21/04/2024 18:15

Omg!!

I did it. I used one of the replies on here. Thank you so much.
I did it then closed my phone with my heart pumping and went sort dinner. When I looked at my phone half an hour later 8 of the other mums had liked my comment and five of them wrote underneath her comment but to me, stuff like 'thanks so much for the facepainting xyz loved it" and then on the same post but a separate comment one of them asked me if I would do her DS's party. It was like they could all see what she was doing and they were sticking up for me I am so grateful - I hardly know them. I think I agree they do all know she's a bit of a nightmare.

And then I went to put my DD in the bath glanced at phone again and she had deleted her comment.

Whoop 🥳

Good for you! She was obviously just one of those people who find fault with everything, one of the mums at my dds school is like this, paranoid about Facebook photos and has heard the word ‘safeguarding’ but doesn’t really understand it so everything is a ‘safeguarding risk’ to her, most people roll their eyes when they see her coming!

GingerScallop · 21/04/2024 19:56

@BrickTraybake You are 21 op and absolutely amazing! All these experiences will help grow a pair (of tits) and your business. Good luck

surreygirl1987 · 21/04/2024 19:47

Aw yay- so pleased for you!!

TheOccupier · 21/04/2024 19:41

Well done! So pleased for you 😊Remember this next time you doubt yourself!

Bluemonkey2029 · 21/04/2024 19:41

I was 19 when I started entertaining so young like you. I'm now 31 and it's still my full time job. Wishing you every success.

Bluemonkey2029 · 21/04/2024 19:39

Don't stress about people picking holes in your notice. Not everyone gets it perfect first time. I still see huge companies breaking GDPR all the time.

Make sure you register with the ICO and then just add a link to a 'privacy notice' or have one printed parents can request to read for more information. There's a few things you should have in there, I don't remember them all off the top of my head but you can Google it. Just things like how you store the photos and how people can contact you to withdraw consent in the future. But don't stress about it, it's a simple process.

PrincessOlga · 21/04/2024 19:37

Reply politely and professionally and everyone will see, clear as day, the difference between you and this mum (who sounds like one of those stirrers and trouble-makers). Honestly, there is nothing more infantile (in my view) than people who post these "laughing" faces at their own jokes (which are usually absolutely dire and not laughable at all).

Blondeshavemorefun · 21/04/2024 19:34

That's great all went well

You replied. Was polite and as I said previously obv they knew what she was alike as we have a mum like that in our class

You reply was professional. Got liked and now another party request

Mum deleted her comment

Win win

WappityWabbit · 21/04/2024 19:34

TinselTitts · 21/04/2024 18:52

The actual wording is "(business name) may wish to use images of children to promote the business on social media, our website and in written literature. Please tick this box if you are happy for images of you'd child to be used in this way."

Where did you get this wording from and are you GDPR compliant? It doesn't matter that you are there in person to explain things, it needs to be in writing.

Take it from me, you will NOT get any work through schools without it, and I'd be very surprised if you're not breaking the terms of your insurance policy.

Show quote history

I bet you’re the barmy X mommy. Calm down dear.
It’s a bit face painting for kids parties, not supervising a trip to Outer Mongolia…🤦🏻‍♀️

Whatsitcalled38 · 21/04/2024 19:34

So pleased for you, well done OP!

Original poster
BrickTraybake · 21/04/2024 19:33

Thanks so much everyone for helping with my wobble. I feel so silly worry over a tiny thing
I am really enjoying doing it. I find it hard to talk to other adults face-to-face and I am only quite young myself - I'm 21 and they are all in their 30s. But I love being fun and bubbly with the kids and feel I can talk to them easier than I can the adults haha so hopefully they like being in my company and will tell their mums to all book me :D

OP posts:
BobbyBiscuits · 21/04/2024 19:30

Just politely explain it was in order to make sure you adhered to her wish of not being in any pictures. She sounds a bit OTT to be honest. But she might have her reasons, DV etc.
Don't worry, you've done nothing wrong. I hope the lady who's party it was will promote your business.

lazyarse123 · 21/04/2024 19:26

Good result op. Well done, let's hope it leads to big things for you.

KomodoOhno · 21/04/2024 19:26

Great job! You just expanded your business and put a nasty person in their place with class!

WiddlinDiddlin · 21/04/2024 19:22

Good lord how did she want you to remember which child not to photograph/put up images of? 'The fat one with the eyes too close together' 'sticky up hair green booger nose'... Obviously 'pink tshirt' or 'unicorn pants' is the sensible way to go.

Glad you posted a sensible reply, you're spot on, she's now deleted her comment as she's realised she looks a proper twat, and everyone ELSE knows it! :)

PyongyangKipperbang · 21/04/2024 19:10

Yeah she is that mother that the other mothers put up with because their kids are friends with hers. Be grateful that you dont have to put up with her twice a day at school like they do!

Good result all round! So funny that she deleted the comment, sounds like she rarely gets called out for being ridiculous.

Topsyturvy78 · 21/04/2024 19:10

Some people will find fault where there's non for a bit of attention. It would be obvious to me why you wrote a description of what her child was wearing but non of the others. 🙄

Singleandproud · 21/04/2024 18:53

Well done OP.

Now that you are face painting for money you need to ensure your insurance is watertight in case someone has a reaction and makes sure your hygiene is on top form, individual sponges per child, strong laundry bags to store used sponges before washing and disinfecting when you get home etc. Hopefully you are on top of this and haven't just bought a pack of Snazaroo as a 'get rich quick' hustle (you won't).
Temporary tattoos are a good shout for arms of children who can't be facepainted as a side element.

For photos just use your own child, that way you don't need to worry about permissions and can have good lighting and make a nice photoboard on Canva that you can print and have at your table.

TinselTitts · 21/04/2024 18:52

BrickTraybake · 21/04/2024 16:15

The actual wording is "(business name) may wish to use images of children to promote the business on social media, our website and in written literature. Please tick this box if you are happy for images of you'd child to be used in this way."

I am also right there in the room, usually sitting next to the form, so they can just ask me if they need more info or they can of course just not tick the box. It's really none of my business why and I'm not going to question it, I'm just grateful for the people that do tick, which so far has been literally every single person bar things one lady.
I'm also brand new. I've done three parties. If I'm doing something wrong then I'm open to polite and constructive feedback.
I only object to people calling me wierd in public and saying nothing to me directly when they had the opportunity.

Show quote history

The actual wording is "(business name) may wish to use images of children to promote the business on social media, our website and in written literature. Please tick this box if you are happy for images of you'd child to be used in this way."

Where did you get this wording from and are you GDPR compliant? It doesn't matter that you are there in person to explain things, it needs to be in writing.

Take it from me, you will NOT get any work through schools without it, and I'd be very surprised if you're not breaking the terms of your insurance policy.

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