Happily Ever After Parties specializes in helping dreams come true—specifically for kids who dream of meeting their favourite princess or superhero, and for parents who dream of achieving this without having to fly the family all the way to Disneyworld.
The company was started in 2012 by Gillian MacDonald from Niverville. MacDonald is the president of The Royal Princess Ball Committee, not to mention a mom, and she works full-time as a social worker.
In January 2017, the business was sold to Samantha DaSilva-Chaves.
“I started off as a princess, and I was one of the first employees hired,” says DaSilva-Chaves. “I had already been managing the business for [MacDonald] since 2014, so when she was ready to sell, it was a very natural transition for her to sell it to me, knowing I would continue to take care of and nurture her business. She has built it from the ground up.”
Happily Ever After Parties offers an extensive list of characters for children’s birthday parties.
“The Frozen sisters, Anna and Elsa, are still the most popular,” DaSilva-Chaves says. “In regards to superheroes, I would say Batman and Spiderman are the most popular.”
Parents can pick from a list of extras they would like for the party, such as spa services, face-painting, balloon-making, dancing with the character, cupcake decorating, and storytelling.
DaSilva-Chaves says that kids often ask questions. “Our staff are all experienced actors and definitely do character study before they play each character.”
The company offers more than birthday parties. If you’ve attended the Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair or the Morris Stampede, chances are you’ve seen a Jedi knight, Spiderman, or Cinderella walking around. And chances are Happily Ever After Parties sent them.
“We also visit schools, daycares, hospitals, and provide services for many charity events,” DaSilva-Chaves adds. “One charity event in particular that we sponsor is entitled The Royal Princess Ball. This year, 20 of our characters donated their time to the event. It raises funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba’s abuse and trauma centre.”
Although the company is based out of Winnipeg, actors travel extensively throughout the region. They’ve even gone as far as Fort Frances, Ontario.
For a limited time, DaSilva-Chaves says that customers in Niverville can expect a discount. “The former owner, Gillian, lives in Niverville and was previously offering to cover the travel fee herself to promote business in her hometown. I will continue to honour her offer until September 1, 2017.”
