Face painting
4 years professionally
Guest-centered work at parties, festivals, schools, and community events
About Mel
A creative lead who wants guests to feel comfortable, included, and genuinely delighted.
Mel is the artist and creative lead behind Laughing Llama. Her work is grounded in color, community, and helping people relax into playful, memorable experiences that still feel warm and human across Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Union Grove, Salem, Lake Geneva, Burlington, Bristol, and nearby gatherings, whether the booking centers on face painting, tarot readings, or laughter yoga.
- Lifelong painter and artist
- 25+ years reading tarot
- Certified laughter yoga instructor
Tarot
25+ years
Reflective readings shaped by experience, warmth, and conversation
Laughter Yoga
2 years certified
Built on yoga foundations training from about a decade ago
Community experience
Schools & art workshops
Creative facilitation with kids, families, and public programs
Mel's story
Laughing Llama grew from a family creative business into a fuller guest experience brand.
Mel has worked with kids in school settings, led community art workshops, and spent years creating spaces where people feel comfortable participating. Laughing Llama began as a creative family business with her husband Mike, who does balloon twisting, and has evolved into interactive experiences designed to encourage creativity, connection, and joyful participation.
- Mel is a lifelong painter and artist who still leads with color, imagination, and human connection.
- The work is designed to feel grounded, welcoming, and expressive rather than overly polished or corporate.
- Mike remains part of the origin story and special-request balloon twisting side, but the creative direction stays centered on Mel.
Creative background
Painting, public workshops, community art, and hands-on creative facilitation all shape how Mel approaches guests and events.
Guest approach
Warmth, flexibility, and low-pressure participation matter just as much as the visual end result.
Event philosophy
The goal is always the same: help people feel included, expressive, and part of something memorable together.
Laughing Llama grew out of Mel’s desire to create experiences that feel artistic, human, inclusive, and truly memorable rather than simply decorative or transactional.
What she brings
A mix of artistry, experience, and easygoing human energy.
That blend is a big part of why Laughing Llama works for both playful celebrations and community-focused events.
Artist eye
A strong visual sense paired with a love of color and personality.
Community comfort
Experience with kids, families, schools, and public-facing creative spaces.
Reflective presence
Tarot experiences that feel encouraging and grounded instead of heavy or theatrical.
Facilitator energy
Group guidance that helps participation feel playful, adjustable, and welcoming.
Creative through-lines
Face painting, tarot, and laughter yoga all come from the same place.
Even though the services look different on the surface, they are all built around the same intention: helping people feel more at ease, more connected, and a little more expressive than when they arrived.
Face painting
Bright, guest-friendly work that makes people feel seen and excited.
Tarot
Conversation and reflection offered with warmth, personality, and curiosity.
Laughter Yoga
Guided participation that encourages joy, play, breath, and shared energy.
Mel in action
The work always comes back to people.
A few glimpses of Mel across the creative, reflective, and playful sides of Laughing Llama.
Want to plan something warm, colorful, and memorable?
Tell Mel a little about your event and she can help guide you toward the best fit.