I was born and raised in Melrose Park, a west suburb outside of Chicago. As a child I remember always taking in stray animals and wanting to be a veterinarian when I grew up. I was always the kid at zoos and animal parks that would volunteer ecstatically to have a picture with the snake or alligator and would mope if I did not get picked. At home there were always lots of frogs and snakes for me to chase.

When I moved to Chicago and met some local magicians. I grew up watching Doug Henning and David Copperfield so I this was a lot of fun. My interest in magic grew and I eventually became a magician’s assistant, the one that always gets cut in half. Then I performed my first magic trick on Bozo’s Circus. I took one dove and spit it into two doves. I was so nervous but when the audience applauded I felt I could do this again.

I decided to get some professional photos taken of me to pursue modeling and started going to casting calls. Not long after I moved to Las Vegas. What better place to be for an entertainer. Here my snakes became a hit and thus SnakeBabe was born. I have been here 9 years now and my career has blossomed like it never could have in Chicago.

Maria Gara

last updated
3.31.05