Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Claytor
Hi Morgan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My sister-in-law, Jo, took a trip to California in early 2023 and stumbled upon a coffee shop with beautiful interiors and an open-ended play space for the kids to stay busy while the adults enjoyed coffee, snacks, and connection. She came home from that trip wondering why no one has created this kind of space in Orlando, considering our weather forces us to be inside so much of the year. So with 5 littles between us (and one that was born during this project) we decided to jump in and try it ourselves. Two years later and we’re open! The project has and always will be an evolving concept based on what the community needs, so we are trying to stay open and flexible to accommodate those looking for their third place. Our mission is to create a safe and relaxing space for kids and adults to escape the overstimulation and isolation of our modern world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haha not at all. Many of the big pieces have fallen into place for us, which we are so grateful for and creates a sense of flow that makes us feel like we are on the right track. However, we’ve hit many roadblocks along the way. We originally put a contract on a building near Sodo that fell through, and then a month later we found our current location which is just absolutely perfect for us. Although our backgrounds (sales for Jo /marketing & design for me) serve us very well on this project, neither of us have ever gotten a small business loan, worked to design a space, managed a construction project, or opened anything like this. We want to know the ins and outs of it all, and have learned so much through this process. But through this messy process, we have made mistakes that have helped us to grow and learn.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I went to the University of Florida for Graphic Design and graduated into a recession, so my husband and I created our own design studio called Hatchet Design in 2009. We got to work together with some amazing local clients and restaurants on branding, marketing and websites. I ended up freelancing when my kids were little so that I could be flexible and stay at home with them part time. I think of this project as a creative project as well, just a different kind of creativity than graphic design.
Jo’s background in bartending has been an amazing asset to our bar program and being in hospitality in general. She graduated from bartending to sales, and sold cruises and insurance prior to opening The Burrow. She’s my numbers gal 😉
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We are excited to bring a new concept to Orlando and are grateful for everyone’s patience and support as we work through the kinks of opening a new business. Our mission is to be a support for our community members, for those with and without children, to lift up artists & creatives, local makers, stay at home parents, working parents, families, grandparents, students, and our neighbors.
Pricing:
- $15 hour pass to play (reservations recommended)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theburrowcafeandplay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theburrowcafeandplay/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/theburrowcafeandplay
Image Credits
Sydney Marie Co. https://www.sydneymarie.co/
Zoe Heafner Films https://www.zoeheafner.com/
