While most kids his age are at least two years away from their first job, Scripps Middle School student Kyle Goodall began making money for himself when he was just eight years old.
Goodall, 13, began sculpting balloons when he was three and five years later he developed the character ‘Rainbow the Clown? and began entertaining at children’s birthday parties.
‘I always liked blowing balloons,? he said. ‘When I was three my grandma got me a balloon kit.?
Goodall said his parents always talked about him turning his talents into a business, and it seemed like a good idea because he enjoys working with people.
‘I’ve done about 25-30 parties,? he added. ‘Last summer I had a whole bunch…I get one every other month or so.?
Goodall’s aunt Cathy came up with the idea for him to create business cards and a clown name.
‘A lot of the time when I go to parties, I hand out cards,? he said. ‘People are surprised at how young I am.?
Goodall did his first party as ‘Rainbow? when he was eight, and the party was for a 13-year-old.
‘A couple of them are a little shy,? Goodall said of the usual young party goers. ‘I do a little magic, but mostly balloons and hanging out with the kids.?
Goodall eventually hopes to have a career as an actor, and he was given a scholarship to attend Blue Lakes Fine Arts Camp in western Michigan this summer.
‘He still needs to raise another $400,? said mom Debby, who grew up in Lake Orion. The Goodalls moved here three years ago after living in Auburn Hills, where Kyle met his first clown mentor.
‘Grandma Bev volunteers as Rochester Schools,? he said. ‘She gave me a lot of books and balloon kits.
‘My drama teacher at Scripps, Ms. Lowe, told me about (Blue Lakes),? Goodall said. ‘I had to do a monologue for a Blue Lakes representative, I did something about marriage.?
Goodall has also been inspired by his history teacher at Scripps, Ms. Griswold.
‘She’s awesome,? he said. ‘She just fun to be around.?
Goodall has gotten some assistance in his business from Dr. Madek of Rochester, who works with his mother.
‘I’ve done five parties for him,? he said.
Goodall is always looking to expand his balloon sculpting repertoire and said the only things he has trouble making are horses, gorillas and penguins.
‘Sometimes I just play around with them and learn to make different stuff,? he said.
Goodall said he can do parties last minute, but prefers a week’s notice. He can be reached at 693-4212.