Meet Elisha Castaneda | Face Artist/ Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisha Castaneda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisha, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Success happens sometimes when your not even looking.

Most of my journey has been in the day to day process of walking out my passions and being a learner.

I’d say that having dreams are great, thats what brought me to this journey, but staying open and walking in faith is greater!

The most amazing things have happened to me, when I’ve least expected it or in ways I never planned.
So I dont over think it anymore. I choose to stay humble, keep growing and stay open to possibilities.

Something great is always around the corner.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What started as a hobby and a quirky side job in 2014, later became my carreer as a professional Face Paint Artist and entertainer for all ages.

If you ask anyone in my industry if they are taken seriously as an “Artist”, they’ll say, no.

When I advertised myself for first time as a Face Painter and I started to get calls, I was surprised and thought “I guess anyone can do this”.

When I started booking out every weekend of the year with events and parties, I was amazed and thought “well I guess this is real job”

When I was hired by the San Diego Ballet to Face Paint 9 professional athletic dancers for their 3 night production of the Jungle Book, I was shocked and thought
“Maybe I am a real Artist!”

When I was hired back 2 more years after that to continue working with them, I finally
said “I am… a Professional Artist!”

My story may be like many other people, who have struggled with insecurity and fear to really persue their dreams.
As a child I dreamed to be an Artist but I thought it would never happen for me. Nor did “Face Painting” ever come into my mind as a career.
What I love about Art is that it can come in so many forms, in the least expected ways, it surprises you over and over again. It tugs
at your emotions and brings joy to your heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a typical San Diego girl who loves that hippy vibe so Ocean Beach has the Blue Water grill with amazing Shrimp tacos and Sea food. But also has a lot of antique and eccentric shops. Also theres a farmers market on Wednesdays with homemade items and food trucks.

To get a good Surf & Turf burrito goto Lucha Libra, fun atmosphere and great food.

Cloak and Petal in Little Italy has some upscale delicous sushi!

For a unique dinner experience I love the Lion Share in downtown SD.

Balboa Park is our families goto for the beautuful architecture, local buskers and a nice day for a stroll.

For some casual thrills I take my kids to Belmont park for pizza, ice cream and rides. Also right next to the beach for some local surf shops.

I love thrift shopping so on the weekend the Swapmeet has some great finds.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d never be where I am today without the amazing industry and community of Face Paint Artist around the world! I’ve never seen such a passionate, helpful community, thats aim is to help Artist like myself grow in their passion and business.

Website: www.heartsartist.com

Instagram: Happyheartsfacepainting

Facebook: Happyheartsentertainment

Other: We can easily be found on Yelp & Google with 5 star reviews

Image Credits
Gary Pane photography San Diego Ballet Jungle Book