SPRING VALLEY – You’re never too old for a bit of magic. At least, that’s what Danu the Bubble Fairy and Tae the Berry Fairy of The Wandering Wings team thinks. The mother-daughter duo are dedicated to making fantasy reality with whimsy and fun.

Families and organizations can book the duo for any event that could use a touch of magic. The fairies have two distinct personalities, according to their website. Danu is a bit of an airhead with a mischievous streak, while Tae is happy, dependable and sweet.

Edria Nyhus, whose character is Danu, said she got the name from a book. Danielle Nyhus, who also goes by Tae, based her name off the Tayberry, which is a sweet-tart berry somewhere between a blackberry and raspberry. They are based in Spring Valley, but travel within a 50-mile radius of Hudson for events and bookings.

The idea came about a year ago when Danielle Nyhus was studying at Chippewa Valley Technical College.

"She was taking a business class last year and we had discussed opening up a coffee shop because we really wanted to do something together,” Edria Nyhus said.

Danielle Nyhus had to create a business plan for her class. When the coffee shop idea didn’t pan out, they came up with another idea after being invited to participate in Ren in the Glen, a Medieval fantasy faire in Glenwood City.

“I was into face painting all through high school,” Danielle said. “It is something that I’ve loved to do since I was little. I really liked watching people do it when they were at fairs and carnivals.”

She also honed her face painting skills while a member of the Spring Valley High School Art Club, where she took the lead on bringing that opportunity to area events.

The business grew out of their love of performing and requests for the fairies to appear at local parties and events.

“People really like us as the fairies,” Danielle said.

Edria said she has been making bubbles since she was in high school. It’s not as easy as she makes it look. Kids especially love when she can “put a kid in a bubble.”

Both Nyhus women participate in the Spring Valley Stagehands community theatre group. They’re also big fans of the Ren festivals in the area and making their own costumes and accessories. They even dye some of their own clothing and are big fans of upcycling items.

“We’ve been taking the kids (to Ren festivals) since they could walk,” Edria said. “Getting to watch all of that and theater definitely helps with character buildings. We have a really good mentor that helps with our street acting when we do Ren fairs. He has over 25 years of experience.”

Edria cherishes the opportunity to spend more time with her daughter, who also works a full-time human job and attends school. Her younger daughter helps out behind the scenes, with set up, video and photography.

“I really like getting to spend time with my kids. Either that or the look on kids’ faces when they see the really big bubble, that wonder. And the parents are known to get it from time to time too,” Edria said.

Danielle enjoys the excuse to spend time with her mom. She also marvels that face painting can bring so much joy to people, even though it’s a temporary thing.

“It’s a thing that’s not a permanent fixture in your life. It’s a sudden burst of joy and happiness that means so much to so many people,” she said.

The duo is hoping to continue growing their business and reaching more people.

“Wherever the bubble takes us,” Edria said. “I’m open to pretty much whatever. We have a lot of cool ideas but have to find the right setup.”

They would like to bring their whimsical talents to weddings or even open a brick-and-mortar location where people can visit them. Currently, they enjoy performing at local libraries, festivals and birthday parties.

“We love supporting the little communities and getting to the places that don’t have as many options in the more rural areas,” Edria said.

During Dam Days, which is set for Sept. 18-20 in Spring Valley, the fairies will be stationed from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Village Hall (E121 S. Second St.); on Sunday they will be seen fluttering throughout the parade, which begins at 2 p.m. on McKay Avenue.

To learn more about The Wandering Wings, visit them at thewanderingwings.com or find them on TikTok and Facebook.