You may know Amanda Smith as Amanda Masquerade 鈥� a talented face painter, balloon modeller, and magician. But she鈥檚 also a passionate Welsh learner who has been dedicated to mastering the language for several years.
Amanda always wanted to learn Welsh but didn鈥檛 have the chance until her children were grown. What began as a casual interest eventually led to formal classes, and today she鈥檚 nearly fluent. Her journey has inspired those around her: although her children didn鈥檛 grow up speaking Welsh, they鈥檝e started learning as adults, and her grandchildren now attend Ysgol Cymraeg Bro Helyg. Even friends and family who once thought she was 鈥渕ad鈥� for trying have joined in 鈥� and they鈥檙e loving it.
Her new language skills have opened countless doors. Amanda鈥檚 business has flourished, with bookings from Welsh organisations such as Menter Iaith, Mudiad Meithrin, local councils, Eisteddfods, the Urdd, and many more. She鈥檚 now in demand across Wales, and her social life has blossomed too. Amanda also works part-time at Ysgol Bro Helyg, helping children learn to read 鈥� just one of the many ways she shares her talents.
鈥淭here鈥檚 always time to use the language, no matter where I am,鈥� she says.
When Amanda first began learning, there was only one class available. Now, there are countless opportunities 鈥� from online courses with Learn Welsh to mobile apps and community classes across Wales and beyond.
Her advice to new learners? 鈥淛ust do it 鈥� and don鈥檛 give up. You might need to pause, but don鈥檛 quit.鈥�
Amanda鈥檚 future is full of exciting plans. She recently completed a beautiful mural at Ysgol Bro Helyg showcasing highlights of the local borough. She hopes to continue supporting the school and also running bilingual knitting and crochet classes for the community. Her balloon modelling career is thriving, with regular bookings and an annual conference where she teaches artists from around the world. She鈥檚 also launching Saturday workshops at Coleg Gwent 鈥� perfect for anyone looking to try something new.
Whatever Amanda does next, we wish her all the best and thank her for everything she brings to our community. Her passion for Welsh language and culture makes her a truly deserving Welsh Champion.
To connect with Amanda, find her on Facebook:
Interested in learning Welsh or nominating your own Welsh Champion for our 2026 honours list? Get in touch via email: Cymraeg@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk