Namibia's own princess
"As a little girl I loved to dress up in costumes and as I grew up, I became fond of role-playing. When I studied, the dream of working on a Disney yacht as a princess began," says Therita Roodzant (26), owner of Touch of Wonder Parties and Entertainment.In 2015, she went to study and discovered a business that specializes in entertaining children's parties.
"I immediately applied for a position and I was in my element from the start. I had to do five parties with other members as part of my training, but after my second event, I was already sent out alone."
After her studies, she continued entertaining children and gained more experience. In 2018, she got married and moved back to Namibia.
"However, I loved the work and wanted to continue with it. In time, I began to assemble costumes. I ordered some from overseas and others I made myself."
Due to her two pregnancies and the Covid pandemic, the business stood still for a few years, but in January 2022, she restarting things and the business is growing.
"I do all my characters and entertainment myself, with the help of my younger sister and my brothers who help me out at times. We all grew up with the same love for roleplaying and imagination, so the passion runs in the family. If my business continues to grow, I hope to hire more people soon."
At the moment Therita only handles the kiddies' entertainment aspect of the party, however she dreams of one day doing everything from catering to decor.
"For example, if you host a Frozen party, I will come dressed up as Elsa (or Anna) for as long as you book me. I sing the character's theme song to the children and then do everything from dollhouses, 'magic shows' to treasure hunts and face painting."
She doesn't have a favourite character because each one has its own characteristics, background stories and elements that make it fun to change into the character. According to her, there are some of the costumes and wigs that are uncomfortable and she is very relieved when she can take them off.
"From a young age I loved Ariel, from The Little Mermaid, and of all my characters I think I can express myself the most through her. She was also my very first costume that I made myself while I was still studying. Ariel definitely has a special place in my heart, but if I have to choose to dress up as any character for an event it's usually Elsa, because she's without a doubt the most popular character."
At the moment, her character options consist of a large variety and vary from Tinkerbell to Barbie, but she can create new characters.
"The children's excitement when they see me is the reason my business exists. When children believe that I am the 'real' character and start asking questions about the smallest details of what my castle looks like or where my prince is. The children's wonderment is why my business name means 'A Little Wonder'. It's the ability to imagine and believe something that I want to anchor in children. Children lose it hopelessly too early in today's world."
Therita also uses the platform to convey a message to children.
“Many of the characters I portray are supposed to be the epitome of outward beauty and perfection, but the message I convey is that it's not about how you look or what you wear. That through our attitude, principles and how we treat other people, every girl can be a real princess and every boy a superhero. That beauty and worth come from within, and that you should not seek your worth by comparing yourself to others. This is a message that many children have heard many times, but when they hear it from princesses they look up to so much, they are always much more inclined to believe it."
For more info, check out Touch of Wonder Parties on Facebook.