07/13/2025
I try not to let things get to me because I feel like it’s just something with comes with being a business owner. And I know most of these people truly have no idea what it takes to start a business. But man.. 🤣
In case you didn’t know there are play rooms from here to Kilgore, Tyler, Nac and more closing their doors. I’m sure we all had the same plan in mind which was to finally bring something to our community for the kids! My GOAL was always to see how our first year of business went and then expand to a larger space for older ages, more equipment, etc. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it through our first year. Which I have accepted and as I said before, I know it’s for the best! I always hear people say they should have done “this” or they should have done “that” or “they didn’t advertise”. And to that I say, I. TRIED. MY. BEST.
-People wanted early hours? Ok. Open at 9AM. (No one came!)
-People wanted evening hours at least once a week? Ok. Open til 7:30PM on Fridays! (Nope! I have family too.)
-Saturdays? Ok I’ll be open the days we don’t have parties! (Nadaaa)
-We’re too expensive? Ok- let’s do $9 Toddler Tuesday- random $5 Fridays- AND pay what you can days. (Stay all day or come back. AND bring your own food!)
-Special events with free treats and goodies? Giveaways? Did that!
-Need donations for your fundraisers? (Even though you’ve never stepped foot in my business before this) We got you! Take some free play passes too!
-And lastly, the “I never even knew this place was here”, this has always felt like a slap in the face to me. We’re right in the middle of down town, we had public events, birthday parties filled with guests on the weekends, signage and an a frame sign out during open hours, and promoted all over social media. I mean yallll, drive around your town one day and see what’s out there! We cannot force you to get involved with your community. We’ve had visitors from all over East Texas, so I know advertising wasn’t the issue.
-My point here is that that you cannot expect growth in this small town if you don’t support what you already have. And I promise you they need it now more than ever. We are not the only ones hurting. There’s so much behind the scenes that no one sees. Insurance, certificates, inspections, taxes, fees, POS systems, toy replacements, etc. As a mom of 2 I know how important cost is and I promise I tried to make our play passes something that everyone could afford while staying afloat. (I’ve done the stay at home mom life too sis!) And if you know me, you know they’d be free if I could have.
Did we have busy days? Yes! Just not enough of them to keep on going.
I built this business from scratch, beginning with soft play rentals to now. I put my all into this place and that’s something no one can ever say I didn’t do. We started out thriving and although it slowed down, I’ll forever be thankful for this journey and everything I learned along the way. I’m especially thankful for all of the sweet baby’s I got to see grow within the last (almost) year. Thank you for allowing us to give them a safe place to play hosting all of those special birthdays.💛 You guys kept us going.
Sorry, my little rant is over- BUT I challenge you to get involved in your community this week. Try a new spot and see what all they have to offer! Leave a POSITIVE review on someone’s page!
And don’t forget we aren’t closed just yet.😉
