No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Amber Rose Spalten. She is a face painter and an artist with her own businesses – Amber Rose Face Painting and Amber Rose Fluff and Stuff – and she’s a familiar face at community events like Crane Point’s Witches in the Hammock and the Pigeon Key Holiday Spectacular.
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I was born and raised here in Marathon, so the Keys have always been home to me. My mom moved here when she was about 20 and loved it so much she never left. I’ve left a few times over the years to explore other places, but I’ve always found myself coming back.
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? I’ve really gotten into kayaking over the years. There’s something freeing about being out on the water exploring. I love the mangrove tunnels, spotting sea life and relaxing on little islands.
Explain what you do for a living to a person from another planet. Art upon your face, I shall create. Beautiful, you will be.
What is your favorite Disney character and why? Baloo from “The Jungle Book” is a favorite for his carefree, lovable nature and just the “bear necessities.” He’s a reminder to not sweat the small stuff and to find happiness in everyday moments.
What is your favorite thing to paint on someone’s face? I definitely have my own custom, pretty, swirly designs. They’re unique every time and let me be really creative. But I have to say, there’s something especially fun about painting kids who ask for tigers. They really get into character, like roaring for pictures and showing off. I love it!
If you could eat one thing every day for the rest of your life what would you eat and why? Pickles, all day, every day. Any kind, really. They’re crunchy, tangy, refreshing and packed with electrolytes, so I can snack like it’s summer year-round.
If you could go back in time and talk to one person, who would it be and what would you talk about? I’d go back and spend time with Jim Henson. I was always in love with Kermit and the Muppets, but it was the movie “Labyrinth” that truly pulled me in. That movie is so imaginative, and unlike anything else.
What is one thing you would change about your life and one thing you wouldn’t change? I’d change getting seasick! It’s the worst and really limits how much I can enjoy being out on the water. I wouldn’t change the people I’ve loved and shared life with, whether they’re still here or not. My family and friends are amazing and I am super lucky to have them in my life.
What is the one thing you always pack in your suitcase? I usually travel light with just a carry-on – packing the essentials and always leaving space for treasures I find along the way. But I never forget to bring body glitter.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I had the opportunity to live in Japan for three months and do face painting at Universal Studios Osaka. It was an amazing adventure. The country was beautiful, the people were so kind and the whole experience was unforgettable.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?”
Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
