Zella Bella's Gaggle of Giggles

It is my mission to not only create beautiful designs, but to make the sitting an exciting and fun event for the child. I will tell jokes and stories, as well as sing songs, and create silly noises as I am painting.

For the nervous child, I will explain what I am doing as I am doing it, and will often start with a simple hand design so that they may see what I am doing. If they find it enjoyable, I will ask if they would like something on their face.

It is important to note that the child is the one who is in control. I will not paint a child who does not wish to be painted, and I will alter my designs depending on their attention span.

My rates are $200 for the first hour, and $50 for each consecutive hour, rounded up to the nearest half hour. This includes individual gems and a full glitter bar. Ornate gem clusters may be added to any booking for an additional flat fee of $25 for two hours or less, or $50 for two plus hours.

Hello, I am Zella Bella, also known as “Elizabeth Sager”. I received a bachelor of fine arts in theatre arts in the late 1980’s. This led to a wide variety of jobs including waiting tables, handing out fliers in Times Square, checking coats, and, yes, performing in a variety of theatrical venues. At one point, I was a performer/teacher at a children’s theater where I taught movement, music, and dramatic play to kids. I loved it, and seriously considered pursuing it as a specialty. I decided, however, that I would rather try to “make it big” (the dream of every performer) and focused on auditioning.

Over the next 30 years, I slowly transitioned from performer to stage manager to administrative professional. Something was lacking, though, and I left the business world in 2016 to pursue a more meaningful career. I ended up as an entertainer at a senior memory care facility where I put together lesson plans involving art, movement, music, and various sensory activities… very similar to the work I fell in love all those years ago.

I loved, loved, loved working with the elderly, but I knew that my heart was with those just starting on their life’s journey. As a result, I left the facility and formed my own children’s entertainment company named (you guessed it) “Zella Bella’s Gaggle of Giggles”. While my primary focus is painting faces, I also play games, sing songs, tell stories, and generally celebrate the natural joy of childhood.

I generally arrive 15 minutes before I am scheduled to start painting in order to set up my supplies.