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:

1. Retaining Memberships: Strategies to maintain memberships through slow seasons.
2. Booking More Birthday Parties: Tips for attracting bookings even when your business is new.
3. Email Marketing: Accelerating email list growth, engaging your audience, and using email marketing to boost sales.

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 WellnessLiving: 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 WellnessLiving: 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 WellnessLiving: 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:

• Why vendor vetting is crucial for your business’s reputation and safety.
• Step-by-step guidance on ensuring toy safety and compliance with industry standards.
• Special considerations for handmade goods and local vendors.
• How to minimize risk and liability during the holiday season.

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 WellnessLiving: 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 WellnessLiving: 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 WellnessLiving: 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 WellnessLiving: 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 WellnessLiving: 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:

• Transition to a larger space: Challenges and triumphs
• Detailed look into the build-out and funding process
• Insight into revenue streams and business focus
• Unique hiring strategies and staffing success
• Practical advice for current and aspiring playground owners

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 WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of job sharing with Melissa Nicholson, the visionary creator of Work Muse. As many of our listeners are on the brink of launching their own play cafes, they often face the daunting challenge of balancing their current full-time jobs with the demands of starting a new business. Melissa shares how job sharing can be the perfect solution for those looking to mitigate risk while transitioning into entrepreneurship.

For aspiring play cafe owners, the journey from a full-time job to successfully running their own business can be fraught with financial and emotional challenges. The fear of quitting a stable job, the prolonged process of opening a cafe, and the potential for delayed income generation are significant concerns.

Many end up juggling two full-time roles or taking on part-time work just to make ends meet. In this episode, we explore how job sharing can provide a balanced alternative, allowing future cafe owners to stay in their field while easing into their new ventures.

And job sharing can also be a viable option if your spouse or partner eventually plans to leave their career with the purpose of working on your business as well.

Melissa delves into the concept of job sharing, its benefits, and the industries most open to such opportunities. We also discuss common misconceptions about job sharing, the dynamics of job-sharing opportunities, and how benefits and compensation work in this setup. Melissa provides practical advice on finding job-sharing opportunities, approaching current employers about potential job-sharing arrangements, and avoiding common mistakes.

Melissa Nicholson is the host of Jobshare Revolution podcast, the founder of Work Muse, the first U.S. job share company, and a global thought leader in job sharing. With nearly a decade of job sharing experience in the radio industry behind her, Nicholson is working to educate and empower employers and employees to embrace the benefits of job sharing, a partnership between two people who, together, tackle the role of one full-time position. Work Muse drives adoption of job sharing in business as a source of competitive advantage while helping individuals find work-life balance. It brings training, implementation, and support to companies and individuals to create successful job shares. Work Muse launched the first-ever online job share training program Job Share Academy in 2022.

Join us for a deep dive into job sharing and discover how this innovative approach can help you smoothly transition into owning your play cafe while maintaining financial stability and professional growth.

Melissa's Website: https://workmuse.com/

Melissa's IG: https://www.instagram.com/workmuse/

Melissa's Bootcamp: www.workmuse.com/bootcamp

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 WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy