Today we’d like to introduce you to Dilly The Clown.
Hi Dilly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Honestly, I never expected to become a clown.
Back in 2020, I was just trying to figure out life like everybody else. Work, stress, bills… you get caught in this cycle where you’re always thinking about yesterday or worrying about tomorrow. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I found clowning. Or maybe clowning found me. It was just a normal Friday though.
People assume clowning is about being funny, but for me it’s never really been about that. It’s about being present.
When I put on Dilly’s blue pigtails and red nose, I stop worrying so much about what people think. I notice people more. I play. I listen. I get to experience the world through curiosity again.
One of my favorite memories was painting a little mushroom on a woman’s face. She tipped me and said, “That was exactly what I needed today.” It wasn’t the painting that mattered—it was that, for just a minute, we connected. That’s what keeps me coming back.
I’ve met so many incredible people because of Dilly. I’ve made friends I never would’ve met otherwise, traveled places I never imagined I’d go in clown, and even had opportunities that still don’t feel real sometimes. Every time I put on the outfit, I wonder who I’m going to meet that day.
I think adults forget how to play. Somewhere along the way we’re taught to always be productive, always have a plan, always know the answer. Kids don’t care about any of that. They’ll laugh because you made a silly face or handed them a balloon dog. Adults need that too…they’ve just forgotten it’s okay.
My goal isn’t to be the funniest clown in the room. It’s to remind people that it’s okay to be a little weird, a little curious, and completely yourself. If someone walks away smiling, feeling a little lighter than when they showed up, then Dilly did her job.
I really believe the world could use more people who aren’t afraid to be genuinely themselves. For me, that’s what clowning has always been about.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No obstacles..just opportunities. I believe when you truly love what you do, you love the ups ,downs and the in-betweens. I really haven’t had any struggles. Besides… juggling. I can’t seem to grasp that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Well I woke up as a clown one day and never looked back. I’m mainly known around town for being the teeny clown lady at Bridge St. Live! (A local block party on Bridge Street. It’s known for being home of the “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” It’s only about 98 feet long.) Also, mainly the local silly goose.
I make balloon animals. The basics-dog, cat, giraffe, snake, heart, flower…. and an occasional air guitar.. but honestly I’m not very good at it. I tend to teach others how and they excel way past me with balloons like a monkey on a palm tree with a banana. ( my lil cousin made it after I taught her how to make a simple dog) just amazing!
Hmm.. what sets me apart…
I don’t like taking tips.
I feel odd when I am given money for making someone smile. So I give it to a local children’s charity called Ouachita Children’s Center.
What were you like growing up?
Shy.
Backwards.
The opposite of everyone else it felt.
I couldn’t look people in the eyes, I’d stare into their hairline. I hated making phone calls or ordering from somewhere like Subway. As soon as I got comfortable I was a chatty Kathy though.
One funny thing is, I was dubbed the female class clown in a pretty big high school in my graduating year…. who knew. As I tramped down the steps to get my clown certificate, a guy asked me if I even spoke words. I just looked at him and quietly said, “I think I may just look funny… “, I really was hoping for something like most artistic.. nope. CLASS clown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/dillytheclown
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dilly_the_clown?igsh=bXgyMGozaXhlbzVj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DBUpVafrg/
