If you attended our Back to School Bash, then you definitely saw the team from Princesses of The Woodlands – no one could miss dancing Batman! Today we are getting to know the woman behind the amazing team, Lauren Walker! Let’s get to know her a bit more and the wonderful team she has.
Hi Lauren! Are you originally from The Woodlands?
I’ve been here since 1998 when my family moved to The Woodlands from a small town in Massachusetts. Aside from college years I’ve been here ever since!
And you have kiddos – they must love what you do for work!
Yes! I have boy/girl twins that are 7. We love to spend quality time together going on bike rides and having picnics at our favorite spot! We also spend a lot of family time watching movies and snuggling on the couch eating popcorn.
And before we get to know more about your other “child,” Princess of The Woodlands, what are some of your favorite spots in North Houston?
Favorite Restaurant: Tommy Bahama’s or Niko Nikos
Favorite Coffee: Eek…I’m basic…Starbucks!
Favorite Place to Grab a Drink: Sixty Vines
Let’s chat Princesses of The Woodlands!
We are a locally-owned company that provides party characters for children’s entertainment events. The passion behind Princesses of The Woodlands stems from my own personal love of characters, song lyrics and the ability to quote just about any animated movie line at any given moment. However the true joy comes from when I see the excitement and belief in a child’s eyes. I remember seeing my own children’s eyes light up when they saw their first on screen character in real life. I want to help make that happen for all children and bring magical moments to The Woodlands and all its surrounding areas!
How long have you been in business?
Princesses of The Woodlands began in 2015 under Nicole Luca. I was one of its original princesses! About a year ago, Nicole came to me with this opportunity to be the new owner. Up until then I had been a private dance tutor for the local drill team and was having a hard time balancing the late hours as a mom. Two days after my husband and I decided to close the door on my dance teaching days I got a call from Nicole!
It was very much a “God closing one door and quite literally opening another.” If you want a true “happily every after ending” to that life chapter listen to this: My first client I took as the new owner was planning a party for her granddaughter. When she said her name I couldn’t believe it. I said “Kim!?” Her daughter was my very FIRST dance student ever and now her Granddaughter would be the first booking I made as the owner of POTW. It was quite a blessing and sealed the deal that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. I officially took over in the Spring of this year.
We love that story so much!! What an incredible full circle moment. What sets POTW apart from other companies?
Overly strong attention to detail. Exceptional communication skills with clients and customer service. We are a well oiled machine with bookings, wig styling, party prep work, event organizing, training, social media, etc. I have two wonderful company members (my manager and assistant manager) that help make POTW run smoothly.
What are some of the biggest challenges you are facing as a business owner?
High number of parties and sometimes limited openings! We do a good job of having multiple costumes and cast members, but it seems like some weekends are just more popular than others! Those that book early get the party security they are looking for.
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
Busy as ever! I’m sure we will have amassed some new characters as we are always expanding our “closet.”
Any promotions or events that you want to share with our community?
Yes! Come see us at the Market Street Tree lighting on November 21.
And finally, a few more little tidbits about you…
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and how long would you stay?
Italy & Greece. I took 4 years of Italian in college and minored in Art History. I would spend 2 weeks in Italy, eat all the pasta and spend 90% of the time in all the museums seeing all my favorite paintings. Then I’d pop over to Greece for the sunsets and food as Greek food is my favorite!
Tell us something interesting about yourself/something that others may not know about you.
I married my high school sweetheart. We met in 2005 and will celebrate our 14 year wedding anniversary this November. I also started an art history program for children called Looking at Art. I’m at The Woodlands Children’s museum once a month and do volunteer demonstrations at my kids school.
What’s the best mom advice you have ever been given (or your own advice to mamas out there)?
•Don’t get so caught up in trying to be perfect that you forget to be authentic.
•Soak up the good moments and don’t wish for the future or yearn for the past
•Put away your phone every now and then. I mean it. Put it in the other room and go watch a family movie.