Shanna Stoker has always had a passion for singing, but she takes her love of music to the next level. The Disney level, that is. It all started from an email from her voice teacher, Dr. Rosephayne Powell, asking if she knew anyone willing to dress up as the Disney princess Ariel for a children’s birthday party. That was all the motivation that Shanna needed to start her own business, Princessious. This week I got the opportunity to talk to Shanna about her business and her passion for singing.
How long have you been singing?
I’ve been singing since before I could form sentences, says my mom. However, I began taking private voice lessons at the age of fifteen. I sang in choirs before that.
Tell me more about your business. How exactly did you get it started?
I’ve always been an incredible Disney fanatic, and I’ve wanted to start this business for a few years. However, I didn’t finally get make my move until May of this year. Dr. Rosephanye Powell (or Mrs. Doc as we call her) got an email asking if she knew of anyone willing to dress up as Ariel for her daughter’s birthday party three weeks later. That was all the motivation I needed. Next thing I knew, I was ordering a wig and having a dress made. I’ve gotten a lot of business since then and am growing! I’m even upgrading my costumes and adding new characters!
Tell me a bit about your day when you dress up and preform at parties
I start off by getting into character – basically, I listen to the music from the movie and I run through my story-time monologue A LOT! Then, I begin my transformation. I begin by pinning my hair up and putting on my wig-cap. Then, I begin the makeup phase – my favorite part! This includes many steps from moisturizer and foundation all the way to the last bit of blush and the false eyelashes to give me that glow and big-eye effect that the Disney princesses all have. After makeup, I put my dress on – a process that includes stockings, petticoats, and help from small birds and mice! The last part of the transformation is perhaps the most important. It’s the wig! Putting on the wig completes the effect and a princess emerges!
Who is your favorite princess to dress up as?
My favorites would have to be a tie between Ariel and Belle. I always dreamed of being a mermaid as a kid. Plus, I felt that I was so much like Ariel and Belle! I loved books and my family, but I dreamed big! Also, they’re both very curious which is a trait I definitely possess.
How often do you have bookings?
I usually have a party every 3-4 weeks, but would like very much to increase that number! I haven’t had a lot of advertising YET, but I’m working on it. I recently, however, got a job as a Tea Party Hostess at a new bakery in Opelika called Cakeapotomus where the Princessious characters are an option. I’ve already got three total Princessious bookings for October and one for November.
Do you have any plans on becoming a Disney Princess for real?
I am planning to audition in the very near future to become an actual Disney Princess at Disney World. That’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.
What other organizations do you sing with?
Well, I was a music major for two years (one year at Montevallo and one year at Auburn) where I sang with the Music Departments and in multiple operas. Now, I mainly sing at weddings/events and I sing with the Auburn University Indian Music Ensemble.
Have you ever thought about trying out for “The Voice” or “The X Factor”?
No, not really. My family and friends encourage me to, but I have other pursuits. I love to perform, but I’m not really into the competition aspect. Music is a complete outlet for me, and I just want to share that with others who would like to listen instead of competing for a shot at fame. Competitions like The Voice and X Factor, for example, just put me off a bit.
Do you have any experience with musicals?
Oh yes! Plenty! I was a part of Mobile, Alabama’s Playhouse in the Park from ages 14-19. I’ve been in a total of 16 musicals and have had the honor of playing such roles as Maria in The Sound of Music and Glenda in The Wizard of Oz. Musicals hold a dear and special place in my heart.
What do you plan to do with singing after college?
I recently changed my major to Anthropology, but I plan to pursue a minor in music. I plan to continue performing for as long as possible. Performing is one of my biggest passions. So, I plan to continue my business singing at events (weddings, graduations, various ceremonies, etc) until it’s no longer possible. My pursuit for music will never end; it’s just changing around a bit.