Does Age Matter?

My friends daughter is really into face painting, and is very good at it too.
She's about 12 years old, almost 13, and came to me to ask if there was any way she could start a business. She told me her parents said that she could NOT advertise online and she HAS to bring a parent to every gig. I told her that I'm not sure, considering I'm new to everything too, so I'd ask my professional friends (you guys! ).

So what do you guys think?
Do you think a 12, almost 13, year old girl, with HIGH face painting abilities, who CAN'T advertise online and HAS to bring a parent to every gig, can start her own face painting business?

Hmm... she would be seriously hampered by age and inability to drive. I think 12 is a bit young for hiring out as a professional, personally. Painting skills aside, you have to know how to book a job, handle a crowd, talk to kids, make change and interact with parents.

I have a 13 year old who I have just begun including in some of my jobs, doing glitter tattoos. She is good at it, faster than I am, but I'd only include her as an add-on to my own job.

If she really wants to make money at this, her best bet would be to sign up for a booth at a local festival and charge per-face. This is great for her situation since she wouldn't be "hiring out". She could just pick which fests she wanted to do and her parents could be there to help. (Just make sure it isn't a festival where she would be competing with you.)

I see.
I'll tell her,
What age do you think she'd be able to start?
I'll talk to her and see what she says

If she want to try, let her.
But from my experience, most people want somebody that is more than 20, because they think they are better.

And, as Angie say, I would not myself book out a 12 year old alone. But it does depend on the child, I guess.

I don't think a minor could get liability insurance.

In all honesty that is too young to be working with the public and having to deal with "issues" like demanding parents, line up squabbling, handling cash and security, etc. UNLESS there were an adult supervising.

Working WITH older painters, making her own money while doing so, sure... Heck, I would hire a talented 12 year old, but they would be covered under my business insurance while working FOR me.

There are lots of volunteer opportunities for the teens - but if she wants to get paid I would say she would be best working FOR another painter until she's at least 16.

I know of several painters who started very young, but they learned and worked with family in the business, then continued to face paint to earn income while in college, or fulltime.

Are her parents WILLING to go with her for every booking? Can they get insurance to cover her - possibly an add-on to their homeowners insurance? And... I don't know how it would go over with clients - having the artist show up with mom or dad? Although... ahem, I still take my mom with me to festivals!!

Hmm.. okay. I'll let her know what you guys said. Thanks!

If it was something that she was interested in doing, could she not hire herself out to friends and family for birthday parties? Maybe charge a minimal fee $20.00. She would gain alot of experience in dealing with people and experience in painting. Otherwise, I agree with what everyone else has said.

I think there are all sorts of laws in the UK for children working below the age of 16. I think you can't get public liabilty insurance until 16 here. I know this doesn't really help but it may be worth asking someone who knows over there.

Glenda