Nature of services offered: Clifford Entertainment specializes in providing professional talent for children’s parties and other events.

Owner: Cheryl Piha

Phone: 355-7155

E-mail: cheryl@cliffordentertainment.com

Website: www.cliffordentertainment.com

Opened: July 9

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week

Costs: The cost varies. Piha said the characters can paint faces, create balloon animals, perform magic and play limbo, hokeypokey and chicken-dance with the children. Children’s characters start at $65. Singing telegrams, such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, start at $50.

Reason for location: Columbia is a family-oriented community, Piha said.

Owner’s experience: Piha moved to Columbia 1½ years ago with her husband. She spent 15 years in New York City as an actress, dancer and singer and supported herself in between shows performing at children’s parties. She joined the Screen Actors Guild in 1998, when she was cast in an episode of “Law and Order.” She received her bachelor of fine arts degree in acting from Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y., and now is pursuing a master of arts in theater at the University of Missouri.

Clientele: Anyone who is interested in providing entertainment for a child or a group of children. Also anyone who wants to send a gift such as a singing telegram to a loved one, Piha said.

Origin of name: Clifford was Piha’s maiden name.

Customer appeal: Piha said her business can help make special events memorable. Piha enjoys bringing happiness and the world of make believe to children, in turn, stimulating their imagination.

Why take the plunge now? Piha said no business in Columbia offers to provide performers to come to your home and entertain your children for a special event. “It’s a personal and interactive service,” she said.

Future plans: Piha wants to expand to booking bands for special events and weddings.

Reach Justin Willett at 573-815-1715 or e-mail jwillett@columbiatribune.com.

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