Visa has committed to digitally enabling 8 million small businesses in Europe by the end of 2023, providing technology and tools to help turn small ideas into big businesses, wherever they are. And Visa’s support goes beyond the pitch. That’s why Visa is a proud sponsor of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. To be part of creating that atmosphere, that buzz – whether I’m blowing balloons, painting faces or creating henna tattoos that day – is really wonderful.”Ĭompetition is at its best when everyone truly has the chance to take part. “My job means I get to go to some amazing places and events, which I’d never have gone to if I wasn’t in this industry. I’m still passionate about what I do because there are always new avenues to go down. “I could be working on a council estate one day and in a stately home the next. “That’s one of the things I love about my business,” she says. Her business is fully portable, including taking her own table and chairs wherever she’s needed, which gives her the flexibility to take on a variety of jobs. Mobile payment solutions such as those offered by Visa have helped countless small businesses and entrepreneurs to be more versatile.Īlthough most of Jones’s jobs are booked through an agency, she also offers so-called “pay-per-face”, where customers pay on the spot for face painting, glitter tattoos or hair braiding. Some festivals are entirely card-only now, and I can take deposit payments for events on the spot.” “I bought a card machine it has enabled me to get sales where I couldn’t before.
“When things started reopening, I set up a stall on a local market, offering henna tattoos,” she says. One virtual session Jones attended addressed what the industry would look like post-Covid – and, as the country emerged from lockdown, she pivoted her business once again, to meet the increased demand for digital payments. It was also a way of keeping that sense of connection.” I kept my hand in by hiding balloon animals in my front garden for local children to spot on their daily lockdown walks, and asking them what I should make next. “Industry organisations gave us a lot of support through lockdown, too, teaching us new techniques online to keep us going. “I’m lucky enough to have a fantastic network in our local area, and we keep each other sane and motivated,” she says.
“It was very different from my usual work, but I was very glad for it.” She also found support from fellow artists from across Southampton and the UK via organisations such as the International Face Painting Association and the Façade Academy. She ended up working in a distribution warehouse with people from a gamut of different industries, from company directors to cleaners. “Before the pandemic, I was looking forward to my busiest year so far, and I love the sociable aspect of my job, so it was tough emotionally, as well as financially.” “I work wherever there are lots of people – at festivals, weddings and football matches – so my job simply disappeared,” says Jones. Jones’s ability to adapt and thrive was crucial when the pandemic hit, with her business decimated overnight. Although it’s a little bit like being a dentist – you ask them a question, and they can’t answer because they have to hold still! I absolutely love the atmosphere on match days.”
“They’re more used to makeup, and easier to persuade into having their faces painted. “I enjoy working at St Mary’s the most when women are playing matches, because you get more female spectators,” she says. With Jones booked as part of a team of artists and face painters appearing at all three of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 matches being hosted at St Mary’s this July, she is looking forward to meeting more female football fans. I’ve also drawn footballs on the odd bald head!” I got the chance to chat to them all while I was painting, and they were taking photos and laughing.
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I once had a lovely moment with a group of teenage lads when one of them decided to get a full face of stripes, and then they all joined in. “Face painting at matches becomes almost tribal. Amy Jones: ‘I enjoy working the most when women are playing matches, because you get more female spectators’
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