by Ardeana Hamlin
of The Weekly Staff
BREWER — The business card belonging to Heather Hopkins has a simple message: “Pick a theme, let me create the dream.” That’s where the magic comes. Hopkins opened Party Magic on Sept. 1 in Suite B, 401 North Main St. in the North Brewer Shopping Center. Her business provides 1,500 square feet of space for children’s parties, bridal showers, ladies nights out and other special events.
Hopkins, who grew up in Bangor and spent 20 years as manager of the American Eagle store, said her aha! moment came when her daughter, soon to be 5, wanted to go to Disneyland for her birthday, a trip the family finances would not allow at that time. Hopkins began to think about what might be the next best thing to the trip when it occurred to her that it would be wonderful if there was a way to have a party that took all the work out of it for the mom.
“I wanted something that I owned, something I could put my arms around and know I created. This is where I was meant to be,” Hopkins said of her decision to start her own business. That thought resulted in Party Magic, a space with pale mauve walls, a ceiling draped with swags of purple, pink and turquoise tulle, a large ribbon wreath on one wall, gold and silver snowflake decorations and touches of glitter. But that decor, she said, can be changed to accommodate whatever party theme a client requests, be it ice queen, super-hero, underwater or princesses.
“There’s a lot you have to do to get a business going,” Hopkins said. She credited Nicole Gogan of the Brewer Economic Development with helping her find her way through the various processes involved in opening a new business. “I recommend that [anyone starting a new business] do that.” She said she received a great deal of support. “Nicole was, literally, amazing. I feel that I have grown as a person because of the overwhelming support from people who want you to succeed.”
“Children’s parties have been huge,” Hopkins said of the parties she hosted during the first few weeks after she opened Party Magic. With Hopkins doing all the party planning, decorating and cleanup, it takes all the stress out of the occasion, she said.
During parties, Hopkins is always onsite to assist in whatever way is needed — refilling the punch bowl or picking up wrapping paper off the floor. “I’m there to do whatever it is that will help everyone enjoy the party more,” she said.
The basic rate for renting the space is $55 per hour, with additional charges for such services as cakes, various activities and party favors, decorating to a particular theme, videotaping or photography, balloon animal making and the appearance of princesses or super heroes.
Princess and super-hero appearances provide jobs for teenagers Erin Mercier of Orono, Allyx Hillman of Orrington, Kylie Cunningham of Bangor and Julia Howe of Dedham who play princesses, and Jacob Hopkins of Bangor who portrays a super-hero. “It’s an exciting moment when the princesses come out,” Hopkins said. The princesses sing, dance with the children and help them put on one of the 30 princess dresses, tiaras, shoes and boas available at Party Magic.
“I want it to be the easiest, happiest experience,” Hopkins said. “I want my customers to leave happier than when they walked in the door.”
To learn more about Party Magic and the services it offers, call Heather Hopkins at 989-9000 or email party_magic@aol.com.