The Profitable Play Podcast
The Profitable Play Podcast is a business show for owners and managers of indoor play centers, play cafes, indoor playgrounds, family entertainment centers, mobile soft play rental businesses, and other local businesses serving children and families. Host Michele Caruana shares short weekday tips aimed at helping operators run their businesses with more ease and joy. Episodes focus on mindset, practical business decisions, and the small actions that add up to a big impact on profit and day-to-day operations. The goal is to help listeners keep their passion for play-based businesses while growing sustainable profit.
Episodes
371: 5 Things the Most Successful Play Space Owners Do Differently
Why do some indoor playgrounds and play cafés become profitable, sustainable businesses while others stay stuck, even when they have similar concepts, markets and opportunities?Why do some indoor playgrounds and play cafés become profitable, sustainable businesses while others stay stuck?After working with hundreds of play space owners, I’ve noticed that the most successful ones tend to operate di
370: The Indoor Playground Red Flags I Notice Immediately
After more than a decade in the indoor playground industry, I've developed a little bit of a sixth sense for decisions that look great on opening day but can become expensive, inefficient or incredibly frustrating later.BLOG for this episodeIn this episode, I'm sharing 12 things that make me think yikes when I see a new indoor playground or play café — and, more importantly, the business reason be
369: Making Imagination Part Of Your Business Model With Lilliput Play Homes
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m sitting down with Steve and Dave from Lilliput Playhomes to talk about what really goes into designing and building play equipment for commercial spaces.I’ve worked with Lilliput for more than a decade — first when I chose their play homes for my own indoor playground and now as a parent with a Lilliput Playhome in my own home — so I was especial
368: What To Look For When Choosing Soft Play (And Mistakes Many Owners Make)
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m sitting down with Charlotte from Children’s Factory to talk all about designing indoor play spaces that are intentional, engaging, durable, and built for the way children actually play.CONTACT INFORMATION:Website: www.childrensfactory.comEmail: charlotte.thomas@childrensfactory.comDiscount Code: Use code PM30 for 30% off and Free Shipping!BLOG fo
367: Why Great Indoor Playgrounds Are "Yes Spaces" (And the Play Area Mistakes That Drive Families Away)
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms, a design firm specializing in creating intentional play spaces for both homes and commercial facilities. We explore what makes a truly great play environment and how thoughtful design can encourage independence, spark imagination, support child development, and create a better experience
366: How This Husband-and-Wife Team Built a Thriving Play Space and Discovery School
In this episode, I sit down with CarlyAnn and Justin, the husband-and-wife team behind EverPlay Village. We go beyond the opening story and dive into the systems, revenue streams, and mindset that have helped them build a thriving family business.BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/everplay-village-ep366In this episode, we discuss:How they identified a gap in their market an
365: The Unexpected Revenue Streams Working at Press Play Cafe in ON, Canada
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Amber, owner of Press Play Café in Ontario, Canada. Even though her business has been open for less than a year, she’s already learned so many valuable lessons about operations, staffing, café sales, birthday parties, memberships, accessibility, and community-building.We talk about:Construction delays and what pushed back their openingPitching landlords and invest
364: The Automated Campaigns Every Play Cafe Should Have Running (And How To Set Them Up)
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m joined by Nick Veneris, Email Marketing Expert at Aluvii, for a conversation all about email marketing, automation, and how indoor playground and play café owners can turn the customer data they already have into more bookings and repeat visits.One thing I really want to emphasize upfront: this conversation is NOT platform specific. Even though N
363: Google’s NEW Review Rules — What to Stop Doing + What to Do Instead
Google updated its review policies in April 2026—and many of the strategies play café and indoor playground owners have relied on for years are now considered violations.BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/new-google-review-rulesIn this episode, I break down what actually changed, what’s now banned (including incentivized reviews, in-person asks, and review gating), and how
362: How Sunshine Indoor Play Uses a Nonprofit Arm to Serve More Families
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Kate, the owner of Sunshine Indoor Play in Lake Havasu City, Arizona—an indoor playground and play café that has evolved into a true community hub for moms and families.BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/non-profit-play-cafeWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HwetKpdryvQKate shares how she built a multi-revenue
361: 6 Operational Shifts Play Café Owners Are Making in 2026
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, we’re breaking down 6 "micro-trends" or shifts some play cafes are quietly making behind-the-scenes as we go through 2026.BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/simplify-your-play-cafeThese aren’t big flashy trends—but they’re the small operational shifts that can have a huge impact on your day-to-day, your team, and ultimately yo
360: How Hangtime Play Café Hit 250+ Members in Just 2 Months
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Erin and Justin, the owners of Hangtime Play Café in Arlington, Washington—an indoor playground and play café that scaled to over 250 members just two months after opening.We break down how they pre-sold over 100 memberships before they even opened, the exact strategies they used to build demand early, and how they created strong recu
359: Feeling Like You Can't Compete With "Free"?: How to Sell Out Paid Events at Your Indoor Playground
If you’ve ever opened social media and thought, “How am I supposed to compete with all these FREE events and classes?”—this episode is for you.BLOG for this episode-- click here!In this episode, I break down why indoor playgrounds and play cafés don’t actually compete with free events—and how to position your paid classes, camps, and events so they consistently sell out.Free events often come with
358: From Speech Therapist to Multi-Location Inclusive Play Space Founder With Lindsay
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m joined by Lindsay, the founder of Spirited Play Labs—an inclusive, membership-based indoor play space in the San Francisco Bay Area designed to support neurodivergent children and their families.Lindsay is a former speech therapist, a parent of a neurodivergent child, and she now identifies as neurodivergent herself—so this conversation blends re
357: 9 Sneaky Reasons I See Play Cafés Struggle to Grow
n this episode, I’m sharing 11 sneaky patterns I consistently see holding play cafés and indoor playgrounds back—not because owners aren’t working hard, but because these habits are easy to miss when you’re in the day-to-day.BLOG For this Episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/why-play-cafes-struggle-to-growI explain how inconsistent boundaries, unclear systems, staffing challenges, and oper
356: Buying, Running, and Pivoting a Play Café: Hard Lessons, Smart Decisions, and What Comes Next with Kaylinn
What’s it really like to buy an existing play café instead of starting from scratch?In this candid conversation, I sit down with Kaylinn from Kay’s Play Days — former owner of Monkey Around Play Café and now floor manager at Wise Wonders Children’s Museum — to talk through the real behind-the-scenes of purchasing, running, and ultimately closing a play space.Watch on YouTube instead: https://youtu
355: Retain Customers And Get Repeat Bookings By Creating A "Disney-Level" Experience At Your Play Cafe With Vance Morris
Retain your customers and get repeat bookings by creating a Disney-level experience at your indoor playground business or play cafe business!Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S5mc-itOHukWhat if the reason families don’t rebook birthday parties, memberships, or repeat visits isn’t your pricing, marketing, or competition—but your customer experience systems?In this episode, I’m joined by Vance Morr
354: Managing Parties, Capacity, and Staff in a Large Play Café With Kristina Lai From Busy Bee Play Cafe
What does it actually take to run a successful play café once you’re past the opening phase—especially when your space is larger than most independent, non-franchise-chain locations?In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Kristina Lai, owner of Busy Bee Play Cafe in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their 8,500+ sq ft facility is on the larger side for a non-chain indoor playground bu
353: Facing Competition, Adding A Cafe, And More First-Year Trials and Successes With Charlesee and Max From Little Dreams Play Studio
In this episode, I’m joined by Charlesee and Max Woosley, the husband-and-wife owners of Little Dreams Play Studio in Dayton, Ohio.They opened in March, expanded quickly, added a café, and almost immediately faced new competition. We talk about what that actually looked like behind the scenes—and how they’ve navigated growth, staffing, pricing, and marketing without losing focus or burning out.In
352: 2026 Trend Predictions For The Indoor Play Industry (Part 2- Operations and Day-to-Day)
This is Part 2 of my annual indoor playground and play café industry trends episode — a series I’ve released every single year since 2019.Part 1 focused on business design and planning.Part 2 is about operations, systems, and the decisions owners are making behind the scenes that will quietly determine who is still standing in 3–5 years.These aren’t “ideas to try.” These are structural shifts happ
351: 2026 Trend Predictions For The Indoor Play Industry (Part 1- Planning and Design)
Every year (since 2019!), I release a trends episode for the indoor playground and play café industry — and this year, there was simply too much to cover responsibly in a single episode.BLOG For this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/2026-play-cafe-trendsAs I reviewed what I shared in my 2025 trends video (linked below) alongside what I’ve been seeing all year in Play Maker Society, my
350: My 7 Best Pieces of Advice for Indoor Playground Owners as We Head Into 2026
As I wrap up 2025, I wanted to record an episode that goes deeper than trends (but YES, my annual trends prediction is coming up next!)— because what I’m seeing across the industry right now isn’t necessarily a lack of ideas.It’s a lack of foundations.BLOG for this episodeAfter a full year of interviewing indoor playground and play café owners, working through countless 1:1 sessions, and supportin
349: How Tiny Play Café Uses Business Sponsorships, Cafe Sales, and Camps to Create Long-Term Stability
In this episode, I sit down with Jayci, owner of Tiny Play Café, for a thoughtful, experience-based conversation about what it looks like to operate a play café several years into the business.Jayci shares how her café fits into the overall revenue picture, including how the café itself contributes to monthly sales and why local B2B sponsorships have become a meaningful and reliable part of her bu
348: How Indoor Playground Owners Can Use AI NOW to Set Up a Stronger 2026
Most indoor playground and play café owners don’t need more ideas going into a new year — they need better execution on the ones they already have.In this episode, I break down exactly how I’m using AI right now to help my indoor playground business owner clients review numbers, tighten systems, and remove the operational friction that quietly drains time and profit.This isn’t about trends or tech
347: Quick Strategies To Finish the Year Strong Even After a Slow Black Friday
If your Black Friday weekend fell flat or December sales feel slower than expected, this episode is for you.In this episode, I share proven, mid-December strategies that boost revenue quickly and with minimal stress. From annual membership offers to 2025 party pricing, holiday break camps, summer camp gift cards, retail live sales, low-lift holiday events, and more — you’ll learn exactly what work
346: Turning Your Retail Section Into a Reliable Revenue Stream With Justine From Liv and Mimis
In today’s episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m joined by Justine, the owner of Liv and Mimi’s Play Café, who is now two years into her business journey.WATCH on YouTube (plus get a tour of Justine's retail section: https://youtu.be/BpxtDLo8SNIz)If you’re inside Play Maker Society, you already know how thoughtful and generous she is with her real-world experience—and today she’s sharing it
345: 9 Things I'd Tell A Prospective Play Cafe Owner If I Was NOT Afraid To Hurt Their Feelings
In this episode, I’m sharing the exact tough-love truth I give my one-on-one clients inside Play Cafe Academy and Playmaker Society—the things I say privately that genuinely help people avoid incredibly expensive, stressful, and sometimes irreversible mistakes when opening an indoor playground or play café.This audio is pulled directly from a YouTube video I recently published, and I wanted to sha
344: Year 1 Of Opening A Play Cafe With Owner Jessalyn Pustay From The Playroom WV
Year 1 Of Opening A Play Cafe With Jessalyn Pustay From The Playroom West Virginia!This interview is also available on YouTube as a video here!You can also get a summary of this episode on our blog here!In today’s episode, I’m talking with The Playroom owner Jessalyn Pustay about her first year in business and the lessons she learned while creating a high-quality play and programming space in West
343: Want Your Customers To "Shop Small" Instead Of On Amazon? The Honest Truth (And What You Can Do To Win Back Holiday Sales TODAY)
In this bonus episode, I’m breaking down a tough but important truth about holiday retail: parents aren’t loyal to Amazon—they’re loyal to convenience.If you want families in your community to “shop small” with your indoor playground or play cafe business, you have to make buying from your business as simple and friction-free as possible.I walk through exactly how indoor playground owners can stre
342: Highly Profitable, Low-Lift Holiday Events To Add To Your Calendar (That Are NOT Santa Visits!)
In this episode, I’m sharing the simplest, most profitable holiday events you can add to your calendar — even in the middle of the December chaos. These ideas are designed to increase revenue, visibility, and loyalty without overwhelming you or your team.BLOG for this episodeI talk about why you don’t need to compete with free community events, why age-specific offerings (especially for babies) ar
341: Earn Respect From Your Employees as A Leader With These 10 Important Habits
If you’re already open, you know this — and if you’re getting ready to open, you’re about to find out: managing a team is one of the hardest, most complex, and most draining parts of running an indoor playground or play café.In this episode, I’m sharing 10 leadership habits that have helped me earn the respect and trust of my team — not because they had to follow me, but because they wanted to. Th
340: Checking in With Sunshine Play Cafe Owner Sarah Kobin 1 Year Later On What's Worked and What Hasn't After 18 Months In Business
In this episode, I’m catching up with play café owner Sarah Kobin, who I first interviewed about a year and a half ago when she was still in the early opening phase of her business.Now that she’s been open for 18 months, Sarah shares what’s changed — from which revenue streams performed best (and which didn’t) to how her team, systems, and daily operations have evolved. We talk about what’s surpri
339: The Hidden Risks of Joining a Play Café Franchise
In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about play café and indoor playground franchising — and why this model has failed to deliver lasting success for most owners, outside of what you may see on social media.I’ve worked with countless franchisees who believed joining an established concept would simplify their startup journey, only to discover overwhelming fees, lack of flexibility, and cor
338: Whether You Sell or Liquidate, Every Play Cafe Needs an Exit Plan (Here's The Why and HOW)
At some point, almost every play cafe owner will exit their business — whether it’s by selling, transitioning to a new owner, or closing and moving on to the next chapter. It’s a natural part of the business lifecycle, but it’s something most of us don’t think about until we have to.In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m breaking down what it really means to sell your indoor playgroun
337: 10 Last-Minute, Low-Cost Halloween Ideas for Indoor Playgrounds and Play Cafés
If Halloween snuck up on you this year—don’t stress. In this episode, I share 10 quick, low-cost, and high-impact ways to boost October profits and make your indoor playground or play café feel festive without draining your time or budget.These ideas will help you attract families, boost engagement, and create memorable experiences—whether you have a day or a week to prepare.BLOG for this episode:
336: Worried About Protecting Your Play Cafe Business Legally? I Ask MY Lawyer MJ Morley Your Legal Questions
Prefer to read? This episode's takeaways are summarized here!Prefer to watch? This interview's also on YouTube hereETSY Template ShopWork with MJ Morley Law: https://www.mjmorleylaw.com/Thinking about opening a play café or indoor playground business? Or maybe you already own one and want to be sure you’re legally protected? Understanding trademark protection and cease and desist letters is essent
335: Pre-Opening Secrets for Play Café Success And A Look Inside The Business Opening Process With Amy Bowman
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Amy Bowman, founder of the soon-to-launch live music–themed play space, The Jamboree Club in Pennsylvania.Amy is right in the middle of business planning and finalizing her location, so we dive deep into the most important steps every indoor playground or play café owner should take before opening their doors.Here’s what we cover in t
334: 10 Sales Automation Strategies for Indoor Playgrounds — Get Time Back & Grow Revenue
As indoor playground owners, we didn’t open our spaces to spend nights chasing late payments or answering 10pm DMs. We opened to build community and have time with our families.That balance is possible—with automation.In this episode, I’m sharing 10 sales automations you can set up THIS week to recover lost bookings, increase revenue, and free up your time, including:Abandoned cart emails & te
333: Why Your Indoor Playground Needs A Cafe (And More Hard Truths) With Funtown Play Cafe Owner Kate Mitchell
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademyIn this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Kate Mitchell, the inspiring owner of Funtown Play Café, to hear the real story behind how she turned her vision into a thriving family destination.Kate shares the highs, the lows, and everything in between—from the spark of inspiration
332: Thriving Through Your First Months Of Indoor Playground Ownership With Jan From Kinderland
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I share a recorded coaching call with Jan from Kinderland Play Cafe in Hendersonville, TN that covers the exact questions so many indoor playground and play café owners face when setting up their systems and preparing their business for growth—or even a future sale.My guest’s long-term plan is to eventually sell their business, so every decision they
331: Non-Profit Success With Rosie Lynch From Wild Child Museum
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I share a recorded coaching call with Rosie Lynch, founder of Wild Child Museum & Managerie, a non-profit indoor play space operating inside her local community center.We discuss the strategic advantages of starting in a low-overhead location — including building a loyal customer base, growing a healthy financial foundation, and securing communit
330: "Unstaffed" Play Spaces? Use Cases, Safety Tips, and New Revenue Streams
2 TICKETS LEFT FOR PLAY MAKER SOCIETY LIVE: https://www.michelecaruana.com/playmakerslive2025Is your indoor playground or play café business ready for more freedom, flexibility, and revenue?In this episode, I share how a simple keypad entry system can completely transform your business operations. Whether you're hoping to reduce your reliance on staff, offer after-hours access, or turn your space
329: Summer Revenue Rescue for Indoor Playground Owners (Even WITHOUT Summer Camps)
If you’re listening in real time, you know that summer is just around the corner—and if your foot traffic or bookings are starting to dip, you’re not alone. This season can catch even the most prepared indoor playground owners off guard. But here’s the good news: even if you didn’t get a summer plan in place months ago, it’s not too late to make a real impact on your revenue.In this episode, I’m s
328: Get Better Results From ChatGPT and AI By Using the Right Tools and Smarter Prompts
Play Makers Live 2025 Registration and Information (6 Tickets Left!) In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I’m diving into Part 2 of our AI mini-series, and this time it’s all about how to get better results from ChatGPT. I’m sharing the exact tips and strategies I use as an indoor playground owner to write better prompts, train ChatGPT to match my voice, and streamline my content creati
327: 8 Next-Level AI Uses and Hacks for Busy Indoor Playground Owners
If you’ve ever joked about being the “lazy” play cafe owner—this episode is for you. (And if you’re offended by that term… take a deep breath and trust me on this one.) I know you're not actually lazy—you’re just juggling everything: your business, your family, your sanity… and trying to keep it all together. So in this episode, I’m sharing 8 of my favorite next-level AI hacks that help me save ti
326: Introverted or Non-Confrontational? 6 Strategies To Still Thrive as an Indoor Playground Owner
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, we’re diving into what success can look like for indoor playground owners who are introverted, non-confrontational, or just prefer to lead from behind the scenes. I’m sharing practical strategies for managing staff, setting boundaries with customers, and marketing your business—even if you don’t love being on camera or in the spotlight. You'll learn
325: 3 Unique Event Ideas To Get You Through Your Slow Spring Indoor Play Season
In this episode, I'm sharing three unique yet proven event ideas to help indoor playground owners boost revenue during the tricky spring season, bridging the gap between winter excitement and summer camp busyness. From hosting a fun and profitable "Mom-Friend Speed Dating" night, to a practical "Busy Bag" crafting event, to a strategic "Summer Camp Sampler," you'll leave this episode with a specif
324: The NICHE Indoor Playground Concept With Karla from Eat and Be Hoopy
Considering opening a play space in a mall OR thinking of starting a very NICHE indoor playground concept? Watch this honest interview first!In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Karla, the owner of Eat and Be Hoopy, a unique business in Vermont. Karla shares her inspiring journey as a single mother who turned her passion for hula hooping into a brick-and-mortar business. Initi
323: 10 Things I'd Do If I Needed To Book More Birthday Parties NOW
FREE Book More Birthdays Challenge: https://www.michelecaruana.com/birthdaychallengeBLOG for this Episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/increase-birthday-party-bookingsIf you're an indoor playground owner looking to increase party bookings, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help fill up your calendar. Birthday parties are one of the most profitable revenue streams in your
322: Recorded Coaching Call With Meghan Hopkins, Owner of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe in Virginia!
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademyWelcome back play makers! I'm excited to bring you another insightful recorded coaching call today with Meghan Hopkins, co-owner of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe. At the time of this recording, Jungle Jamz had been open for just over 3 months. In this episode, we cover:Strategies for booking more su
321: Recorded Coaching Call With Stem Spot Owner Ashima
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice (WellnessLiving): https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademyI am excited to bring you another recording coaching call with a very-soon-to-be indoor playground owner!Today we are speaking with Ashima who is located in the Boston area and recently signed her lease to open a business called Stem Spot, which you can hear more about in As
320: 16 Sweet Valentine's Day Ideas For Your Indoor Play Space
In this episode, I'm sharing 16 creative and profitable ways play cafe owners can celebrate Valentine’s Day while uplifting their customer base. From Mom "speed dating" to parent-child craft workshops and “Date Night Drop-Off” services to themed play dates, these ideas are designed to boost revenue and strengthen community connections. Tune in for actionable tips to make this Valentine’s Day a mem
319: Recorded Coaching Call With Jordan And Alexis, Owners of Play Cafe Nurture To Play
Today I have a coaching call for you to listen in on with business partners Jordan and Alexis of Nurture to Play which is a soon-to-be play cafe in Minnesota.YouTube video of today's interview: Jordan and Alexis are deep into the planning phase of their business and back when this was recorded were about to sign their lease so in this call, we talk about things like:-how to space plan effectively,
318: 8 Trend Predictions For The Indoor Play Industry in 2025
My annual TRENDS prediction episode is here! From custom gross-motor structures to more classes and online offerings, I am detailing what I expect more businesses will (or should!) do in 2025.Thanks to ALUVII for sponsoring this episode! Book a free demo and get our exclusive discount when you use this link: https://aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy2024 Trend Predictions: https://bit.ly/4j3Q8532023 Tre
317: Can A "Dry January" Have A Positive Impact On Your Play Cafe Or Indoor Playground Business?
Schedule an Aluvii Demo And Unlock the Play Maker Discount: aluvii.com/play-cafe-academyIn this episode, I’m sitting down with Casey McGuire Davidson, a Life & Sobriety Coach and host of The Hello Someday Podcast for Sober Curious Women, to talk about how alcohol can affect both our personal and professional lives. We’re diving into Dry January—what it is, who it’s for, the benefits it can bri
316: 6 Proven Tips to Boost Last-Minute Holiday Sales for Your Indoor Playground
Schedule an Aluvii Demo: aluvii.com/play-cafe-academyRead this episode's blog article: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/last-minute-holiday-tipsOTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDGetting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZUWhat's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQASPl
315: Recorded Coaching Call With Playgrounds Play Cafe Owner Natalie Goodall
In today's Profitable Play Podcast episode I have a coaching call for you to listen in on with Natalie Goodall, owner of Playgrounds Cafe and at the time this was recorded Natalie had been open for just under 5 months.In this call we cover things like:-how to choose a business focus-how to maximize the revenue obtained from parties already booked-how to fill empty party slots-how to expand your ev
313: Pivoting From A Play Cafe To A Micro-school With Cultivate Studio Owner Sydney Loper
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
311: Recorded Coaching Call with Nicole Heritage, Owner of Magnolia Play Cafe
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 thr
309: Navigating Year One in Business With Playgrounds Cafe Owner Mackenzie Tyson
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 mod
308: How Indoor Playground Owners Can Get Sponsorships from Local (And Non-Local!) Businesses
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 busin
307: Are Your Retail Items And Vendors Compliant With Safety Standards? Find Out Now With The Toy Coach Azhelle Wade.
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
306: Enhancing Accessibility in Your Playground: Insights from Inclusion Specialist and Advocate Kayla Coburn
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 chi
305: Harnessing Social Media for Local Business Growth with Leslie Presnall
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 Pr
304 : How Indoor Playground Owners Can Leverage the "Underconsumption Core" Trend This Holiday Season
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 "underconsumpti
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Join The Bootcamp: https://www.michelecaruana.com/bootcampEpisode With Heather: https://bit.ly/3Z1lsKiJoin Amy, myself, and thousands of other aspiring & experienced course creators for this $47 bootcamp-- doors close TOMORROW!TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS:Wellness Living PO
303: A Real Look Inside The Life of An Indoor Playground Owner with Alyssa Fox
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 app
302: Navigating Job Sharing for Aspiring Play Cafe Owners
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 lo
(BONUS) How to Turn Your Knowledge Into A Digital Course That Can Generate REAL Income (Even As A Side Hustle!) With Amy Porterfield
Register For The Course Creation Bootcamp (and unlock my bonus training): www.michelecaruana.com/bootcampFREE Guide to creating digital classes or products: https://bit.ly/3Mfg7aCLearn About Heather's Course Story & Her Kindergarten Readiness Program: https://bit.ly/3Z1lsKiHow "Play" Coach Juliana Took Her Skills Online, Increased Her Impact, Retired Her Spouse, and Designed Her DREAM Business
301: My BEST Tips And Strategies (That Almost NO ONE Takes Or Implements!) Part 2
FREE Guide to creating digital classes or products: https://bit.ly/3Mfg7aCGet 50% Off WellnessLiving (My POS System of Choice): https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademyTo celebrate my milestone of reaching 300 Profitable Play Podcast episodes-- I did something a little different.I dedicated my 300th episode (and 301st episode!) to rounding up some of (what I consider to be) my BEST piec
300: My BEST Tips And Strategies (That Almost NO ONE Takes Or Implements!) To Celebrate 300 Episodes of Profitable Play
To celebrate my milestone of reaching 300 Profitable Play Podcast episodes-- I did something a little different.I dedicated my 300th episode to rounding up some of (what I consider to be) my BEST pieces of advice, that (and here's the catch)-- almost NO ONE takes or implements.For links to all videos and resources mentioned here, visit the blog for today’s episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/b
299: Recorded Coaching Call with Katie from Adventure Brews Play Haven That Highlights Using a MOBILE Business as a Pre-Launch Runway!
In this episode, Michele Caruana chats with Katie from Adventure Brews Play Haven, a mobile business offering classes and activities as she prepares for a brick-and-mortar location. They discuss the advantages of starting as a mobile business to build revenue and a customer base, delve into effective crowdfunding strategies, and explore ways to secure business sponsorships. Michele provides tailor
298: How To Add COWORKING As A Revenue Stream In Your Indoor Playground Business
Blog for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/add-coworking-to-your-indoor-playgroundFREE Wellness Living Demo With 50% Discount: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademyIn this episode I am SO excited to talk about one of the HOTTEST trends in the indoor playground industry right now– and that is adding COWORKING options to your space.In the evolving landscape of work and
297: What Causes MANY Indoor Playground Businesses to Fail (And How To Avoid These Pitfalls) with Georganne Youngclauss
This episode features a coaching session with Georganne Younclaus, the soon-to-be owner of Mama's Play in New Jersey.In this unique coaching session, we take a high-level approach to discuss critical aspects of running a business. Georganne and I delve into essential questions like how to create a business that serves your mission without being dependent on you, maintaining personal life and relat
296: How to Amplify Your Mission By Transforming Your Playground's Story into a Children's Book with Jody Dyer
Wellness Living FREE Demo + 50% Discount: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademyIn this inspiring episode, we are thrilled to welcome Jody Dyer, the visionary owner of Crippled Beagle Publishing. Jody reveals the secrets behind transforming your indoor playground mission into a captivating children's book. Drawing from her own experience as a writing coach and author, Jody provides st
295: Recorded Coaching Call With Indoor Playground Owner Sarah Kobin from Sunshine Play Cafe!
We have another recorded coaching call for you on the podcast today!Today we are talking to Sarah Kobin who is the owner of Sunshine Play Cafe in Kentucky. And while Sarah’s space is what I would consider “fully staffed”, meaning she has a team running the place without her needing to be there unless she wants to be, she is still feeling that overwhelm– because even just managing a team is a LOT,
294: 14 Things I LOVED About The New-And-Improved Friendship Fortress Indoor Playground Facility
BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/14-things-i-loved-about-this-play-cafe-businessYouTube Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKtCgkmvI5I&t=296sPre-Vacation Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/prevacationplaylistFree A.I. Training: https://www.michelecaruana.com/using-ai-for-your-play-cafe-businessCafe Kiosk Ordering: https://bit.ly/3QPEUViOTHER RESOURCES:Play Ca
293: Simplifying Social Media Marketing For Indoor Playground Owners with Jerry Potter
Introduction:Welcome back play makers! It’s me, your host Michele Caruana, and I've got an exciting guest expert interview lined up for you today. One of the most common challenges I hear from my community is the struggle to effectively market their business while juggling numerous responsibilities. We understand the importance of marketing, yet finding the time to do so can be daunting. In previo
292: 8 Tips For Surviving The Summer Slow Down (Even If You Did NOTHING To Prepare!)
BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/8-tips-for-surviving-the-summer-slow-down-in-the-indoor-playground-industryIn this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, host Michele Caruana tackles the summer slowdown that many play cafe owners face, offering valuable insights and practical tips to navigate this challenging season. Drawing from her own experience of facing an 80%
291: Recording Coaching Call With Play Cafe Owner Jessica From Little Hart's Play Cafe in Indiana
FREE "Hire Your Kids" Guide: https://bit.ly/hireyourkidsguide"Hire Your Kids" FULL Toolkit (Step-By-Step): https://bit.ly/hiringkidstoolkit Indoor playground owner business coaching call with Little Harts Play Cafe owner Jessica!In today's episode, you get to listen in on a recorded coaching call with indoor playground owner Jessica who will be opening Little Harts Play Cafe later this year.I
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