Meet the Birthday Wish Grantors

We'd like to take a minute and introduce you to our Birthday Wishes Event Planning Team:

Erin Shaw - Founder, Creative Director

Ms. Shaw is a Los Angeles born, actress, singer and entertainer. She holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Chapman Conservatory of Music and has more than ten years experience working with and entertaining children. Now based in New York City, she began the company New York Princess Party in 2006 and over the last four years, it has opened her eyes to the wonderful world of Birthday Party Event Coordinating, which is now a passion for her. "I love the way Event Planning combines a few things I love; organization, creativity and fun! Seeing the happy and satisfied faces of our clients and their children brings great joy to my life. It makes all the hours of organization and prep worth every minute."

Maria Aparo - Creative Team Member

Ms. Aparo is a professional actress located in New York City. She received her training from the Portland Actors Conservatory as well as Shorter College. When asked what she is most excited about bringing to the table, she said, "I'm very excited to be part of Birthday Wishes NYC! I joined the company this past year and have had a blast making birthday wishes come true. I love being able to create a magical and memorable experience at each party either as one of our princess characters or event coordinators. I'm excited to bring new ideas to our expanding company and a sense of fun and fresh creativity with every event!"

Ashley Eskew - Creative Team Member

Ms. Eskew is a recent transplant from California and is thrilled to be part of Birthday Wishes Event Planning. Having graduated with a BA in Theater from Northwestern University, Ashley has worked professionally as an actress in Chicago, Los Angeles, and now New York City. Birthday Wishes NYC joins her two passions: working with children and theater. Utilizing her background experience leading her sorority in college, Ashley is also responsible for much of the behind the scenes planning and organization that goes into the company. When asked about why she enjoys working in Event Coordinating she said, "I love that we are not just selling a product, we are selling a memory making opportunity. It's a business that does more than just offers a product to a client. We are offering them precious moments with their families and children."

Malynda Hale - Creative Team Member

Ms. Hale is a California born Singer/Songwriter and Actress. She has her BA in Vocal Performance with a Minor in Musical Theatre from Azusa Pacific University. She is a versatile performer having credits in Pop, Rock, Musical Theatre, Jazz, R&B and Classical. While continuing to pursue her singing/acting career, Malynda has honed in on her love for entertaining and teaching children in the performing arts. She currently is the Singing Coach at the Stagecoach School of Performing Arts here in Manhattan. When asked what her favorite part about working with Birthday Wishes Event Planning, she said "I love working with children and making their birthday's special. I remember as a kid how exciting and monumental my birthday parties were and it's such a special part of growing up. I think it's important to make those days as magical as possible and to be able to do that for a living is very satisfying."