In this member spotlight, Magic by Brielle’s journey is a bright reminder that the spark you’re meant to follow doesn’t always arrive on schedule. Sometimes it shows up in a single mesmerizing moment that nudges you toward a path you never expected. By embracing curiosity, giving fear a friendly nod, and pouring genuine care into every performance, Brielle has shaped a career that feels as magical behind the scenes as it does onstage.
Becoming a magician
Based in Chicago, Magic by Brielle unexpectedly turned a passion into a career. Read on to discover how she used her diverse background in musical theatre, improv, psychology, and teaching to fuel her pursuit of magic and become a full-time performer.
Finding magic
“Unlike a lot of magicians, maybe even most, I did not discover my love for magic until much later in life,” shared Brielle. After attending her first magic show, she noticed how undistracted, entranced, and stress-free everyone was. She realized, “I just had this thought of ‘I really want to make people feel this way’.” Taking on a new skill and career wasn’t easy, but Brielle continued to improve. “It started out as a really intense hobby, but eventually became my full-time job!” Brielle said.
With a background in psychology, reading the audience came naturally. Even though she had experience performing in front of crowds in music, theatre, and educational settings, stage fright remained a real concern. However, this obstacle didn’t stop her. Expanding on this, Brielle said, “I think it is so important to do things that scare us. We see people doing things we say we wish we could do, but make excuses of why we can’t because it seems scary.”
Taking the stage
Ultimately, her persistence paid off, and Brielle earned the opportunity to share her talent and magic on a bigger stage for an episode of “Penn & Teller: Fool Us”, where she attempted to fool the greats with a trick. “The experience taught me so much about every aspect of magic,” she said. “A lot of people have heard of the show, or at least heard of Penn & Teller, so it was so helpful for marketing my business.”
Working as a performer is not an easy gig, but for Brielle, it is worth the challenges to bring joy to others. She thrives on creating a space where life’s stresses can fade away. “It almost feels like a type of therapy for everyone involved,” she explained. “When someone comes up to me after a show and thanks me or says something like, “I really needed this today”, it is truly all worth it.”
Magic by Brielle’s GigSalad journey
Since joining GigSalad last year, Brielle has quickly discovered how to best use the platform to gain more bookings, fill in gaps in her schedule, and share the joy of magic with others. Read on to discover tips and advice.
Using GigSalad
GigSalad: How did you first hear about GigSalad, and what made you decide to join the platform?
Brielle: When I was first starting out, it was a bit difficult to find opportunities. I was speaking with another GigSalad user, Matt Griffo, and he mentioned that GigSalad might be a good fit for me. I’m SO thankful that he did. I am always recommending GigSalad to people starting entertainment careers. There is a free membership option, so really, there is no downside whatsoever to giving it a shot.
GS: How has GigSalad shaped your journey as a magician? Are there any memorable gigs from the platform that stand out to you?
B: GigSalad was a great way to fill in the gaps when I first started doing magic full-time. At the beginning, I was booking one or two gigs a month from it, which was a huge deal. After over a year on the platform, things have taken off. I get daily opportunities, and some are even direct messages. For performers wanting to start out but not really knowing how, GigSalad is great. And for performers that are a bit more seasoned, but looking to grow or fill in some gaps, it’s equally as great!
I am going to be honest, I have NEVER had a bad experience with a client on GigSalad, and every event has been memorable in its own way. From bachelorette parties to wedding cocktail hours to Halloween parties to family reunions…every time is another amazing opportunity for connection and magic.
📹 Display your talent and perform more: Get More Gigs by Showcasing Your Talent with Videos
Client communication
GS: When a new lead comes in, how do you make your response stand out? Are there any response strategies you’ve found especially effective for booking gigs?
B: This is a really good question and honestly something I am still playing around with. I don’t think there is an exact science, and if there is, I have not found it. Sometimes people who I believe will book me do not, and sometimes people who I do not think will book me end up booking me. I do try to be myself in messages, while also being very direct and to the point. Some people want to book quickly, while others want to chat a good bit about an event. Ultimately, I let the client take the lead and go from there. I would also say it is important to be responsive and quick to answer messages.
GS: You have excellent reviews from past clients! How do you ensure each event aligns with their vision and runs seamlessly?
B: Communication is key! Make sure you are on the same page and know exactly what is expected of you before booking. Also, make sure your client knows exactly what services you will be providing. I always check in a couple of days before to confirm details, and I try to do something every time to go above and beyond during the event.
⭐ Ensure your clients are happy with these tips: How to Get More Five-Star Reviews from Clients
Words of wisdom
GS: Was there a piece of advice from a mentor early on that really shaped the way you approach your career?
B: They told me to ask myself “Why.” Why did I want to do magic? What do I get from it, and what do I strive for others to get from it? I try to let that guide my choices. The other advice that was helpful was to do things that scare you. No one is 100% ready for anything.
GS: Do you have any tips for people interested in pursuing magic but unsure where to begin?
B: Yes! Begin anywhere! Starting anything can be daunting, and you might not know where to start, so just start! Head to your local magic shop and ask for a beginner’s book on mentalism, illusions, cards, or anything else that interests you. Message a magician you like and see what they would recommend! Heck, you can find me on Instagram (@hashtagbrielle) and message me, too, if you want.
GS: What tips would you share with performers who are just getting started on GigSalad?
B: Go for it, and you will figure it out! I have changed my bio a million times, changed pictures, added video, and changed how I respond to messages. Even people who have been in the game a while are still figuring things out. If they say otherwise, they are lying!
I think it can seem intimidating, but really, all you need is one booking to get the ball rolling. When I first started and had zero reviews, I reached out to some former clients to ask for a couple of reviews. Even though they were “nonverified” on GigSalad, it gave potential clients an idea of what to expect. Also, spend some time researching what other people in your area charge for similar services, and invest in some nice headshots or action shots early on if you can!
⏯️ Find tips for your media kit here: Create a Media Kit That Will Get You Gigs
✨ Looking for more inspiration and tips? Check out last month’s talent spotlight with Lisa of Tarot for Empowerment!
Brielle’s story shows how far passion can take you when you let authenticity lead the way. With each trick, each smile, and each moment of wonder she creates, she proves that staying true to yourself and consistently improving your craft opens doors you never would have expected. ✨
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.