By Michele Caruana
5
146146 ratings
The podcast currently has 325 episodes available.
In today’s episode because we are getting into another hot topic amongst families and the play and education industries in general and that is the concept of Microschools. Now by definition, a Micro-shcool is a small, independent learning community that typically serves a limited number of students. These schools are characterized by personalized, student-centered education that is often tailored to the needs, interests, and pace of the individual students.
Sydney Loper, owner of Cultivate Studio is one of my OG Play Cafe Academy– i helped her open her doors was back in 2019- so this interview is even nearer and dearer to my heart than normal. During and after the pandemic, though, Sydney felt like she was being called to a different business model.
In this conversation Sydney is going to share why she made this pivot, how she got started, what needed to change about her space in order to make this shift possible, what her day to day and family life looks like now compared to when she was an indoor playground owner, what this pivot has meant for her financially, how her school and team have grown over the last 3 years of running her programs, what skills were able to really translate from play cafe ownership to Microschool ownership, and what she loves most about operating a Microschool. She is also going to share some of the mistakes she made along the way and tons of advice for anyone feeling Microschool curious or similarly called to this model .
EDITORS NOTE: I incorrectly referred to Sydney's business as Cultivate Academy in the introduction and outro of this episode- my apologies! The correct name is CULTIVATE STUDIO.
Sydney's Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/microschoolmakersociety
Sydney's Website: www.cultivatestudiosmobile.com
Episode 275 With Microschool Owner Alera Owens: https://bit.ly/4giSvzN
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU
What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this episode I'm joined by Nicole Heritage, the owner of Magnolia Play Cafe in Louisiana.
We recorded this coaching call back in July, just a few weeks after Nicole opened her doors. In this conversation, we dive into Nicole’s vision for her business, the challenges she faced during the opening process, and her invaluable advice for new business owners.
During our coaching session, we explore three main topics:
Additionally, we touch on other important aspects like Instagram growth and stepping away from day-to-day operations. Check out the show notes for links to Nicole’s website and social media to see these tips in action!
Tune in for practical insights and actionable advice that can help you grow your indoor play business.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Episode 1 (Creating an Email Opt In): https://bit.ly/3E5WU7D
Episode 2 (Creating a Welcome Email Sequence): https://bit.ly/4cFRCyr
Book More Birthdays Challenge: https://www.michelecaruana.com/birthdaychallenge
Annual Membership Sales: https://bit.ly/4cG5uZu
Magnolia Play Cafe:
Website: https://magnoliaplaycafe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnoliaplaycafe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themagnoliaplaycafe
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU
What's Working 2024 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of opening a brick-and-mortar play cafe with Mackenzie Tyson, owner of Playgrounds Play Cafe in Ohio. Mackenzie shares her experiences from the first seven months, including the hurdles of launching a business, unexpected expenses, and slower-than-expected bookings. We discuss the importance of pivoting and optimizing your business model, especially focusing on improving party and membership offerings for increased revenue.
Tune in as Mackenzie opens up about her vision for Playgrounds Play Cafe and the reality of managing a new business. We also explore the necessity of staying agile, continuously learning, and being ready to make necessary changes to achieve success. Whether you're an aspiring play cafe owner or navigating your first year, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips.
Mackenzie's Website: https://www.playgrounds740.com/
Mackenzie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/playgrounds740/
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU
What's Working 2024 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Two of the biggest roadblocks we face as indoor playground and play cafe owners are funding and sustaining cash flow- right? We need the money to get our business started and launched successfully and we need a constant flow of money to keep our business running.
And one tactic to help overcome either or both of these roadblocks that I feel is pretty underutilized is B2B sales in the form of business sponsorships.
In this episode I break down exactly what I mean by "business sponsorships", give you TONS of ideas and examples of what this might look like in real life, AND my best tips for putting your BEST pitches out there and getting as many "YES" responses as possible.
BLOG for this episode with all episode links: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/get-play-area-sponsors
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU
What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, we dive into the crucial steps every indoor playground owner must take to ensure a safe and profitable holiday season.
With the gifting season fast approaching, it’s essential to not only curate an appealing retail inventory but also to vet your vendors thoroughly.
Your reputation is on the line, and selling unsafe or non-compliant products can have serious consequences.
We welcome back a fan-favorite guest, Azhelle Wade, AKA The Toy Coach, to guide you through the process of vendor vetting and toy safety. Azhelle shares her expertise on how to ensure that the toys and products you stock meet all safety standards, especially if you’re considering handmade goods or working with local vendors.
She also provides actionable tips on reducing your liability as a retailer, so you can protect both your business and your customers.
Episode Notes & "Cheat Sheet":
Key Takeaways:
Azhelle's Safety Bundle:
Azhelle's Website: https://www.toycreatorsacademy.com/
Azhelle's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thetoycoach/
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU
What's Working 2024 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this essential episode of the Profitable Play podcast, host Michele Caruana sits down with Kayla Coburn, Inclusion Specialist and Educational Consultant and the owner of Inclusion Starts Now, to explore how indoor playground owners can make their spaces more accessible for all children.
Kayla shares her expertise on creating inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs, ensuring every child can enjoy and benefit from the play experience. She offers actionable tips on modifying layouts, choosing adaptive equipment, and training staff to be more aware and supportive of inclusion efforts. Join us as we discuss the importance of accessibility in fostering a welcoming community, and learn how to transform your playground into a space where every child feels valued and included.
Kayla's IG: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionstartsnow/
Kayla's Website: https://www.inclusionstartsnow.com/
More Episodes about Inclusion and Accessibility:
Episode 93: https://bit.ly/41eRMHc
Episode 94: https://bit.ly/3yuISMW
Episode 95: https://bit.ly/4dS4m6y
Episode 96: https://bit.ly/4ayeJcW
MORE RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
What's Working 2024 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Web Design Services- Book A Free Call: https://www.michelecaruana.com/play-cafe-business-web-design-services
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Social media can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially for small business owners who wear many hats- like you might if you’re listening to this podcast. From creating engaging content to figuring out the best platforms to reach your audience, it's a lot to juggle.
But fear not, because in today's episode, we're going to break it all down for you.
In this episode we hear from Leslie Presnall, a social media marketing expert who specializes in helping local, service-based businesses (like indoor playgrounds and play cafes!) grow their online presence and increase sales.
We cover everything from the key components of a successful social media strategy, how to determine which platforms are most effective, and what types of content tend to perform best. We also discussed how to build a strong online community, encourage user-generated content, and balance the demands of social media with the day-to-day operations of your business. Plus, Leslie shared some trending strategies like utilizing automations for those struggling to gain traction on social media.
If you've ever felt like social media is taking over your life or you're not sure where to start, this episode is for you.
Leslie's Website: https://lesliepresnall.com/
Leslie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/lesliepresnall
MORE RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU
What's Working 2024 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
As entrepreneurs, we are always looking for a way to increase sales, especially during what should be our busiest months. And as the holiday season approaches, even though we are still many weeks away, we as indoor playground owners have a unique opportunity to align their marketing strategies with emerging social trends to ensure this happens.
One such trend gaining momentum is the "underconsumption core" movement, which encourages consumers to focus on experiences and meaningful engagements over material goods. This trend is also in-line with the minimalism that’s been on the rise for years now, especially post-pandemic.
I’m sure you’ve seen it ALL over platforms like tik tok– influencers and regular parents showing off stripped-down playrooms and decluttered homes met with oooohs and ahhhhs in the comments– usually from parents who feel equally overwhelmed and overstimulated by all the STUFF we can accumulate with young kiddos around.
This trend is especially relevant for indoor playground businesses, which can offer enriching experiences for families seeking to simplify their holiday celebrations, reduce the clutter that often comes along with big gifting holidays, and also improve their lives in the year to come.
In this episode, we explore the WHY behind this trend and I share 9 tangible ideas for you to lean into "underconsumption core" this holiday season!
Episode 9 (Sell With Emotion): https://bit.ly/3z3CDjK
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU
What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Join The Bootcamp: https://www.michelecaruana.com/bootcamp
Episode With Heather: https://bit.ly/3Z1lsKi
Join Amy, myself, and thousands of other aspiring & experienced course creators for this $47 bootcamp-- doors close TOMORROW!
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this episode, host Michele Caruana sits down with Alyssa Fox, owner of Wiggle and Play in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Alyssa shares her journey of transitioning to a larger space for her indoor playground business, discussing the launch process, funding, and overcoming unexpected roadblocks. Learn about the various revenue streams that sustain her business, her hiring philosophies, and her hands-on approach to management. Whether you're an established indoor playground owner or considering entering the industry, Alyssa's insights and advice are invaluable.
Highlights:
Links:
https://wiggleandplay.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wiggleandplay
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU
What's Working 2024 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS
Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz
Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI
Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC
Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK
Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com
YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7
FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP
ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4
Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: [email protected]
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
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