Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Turner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I had been in the corporate world for years. To be honest, I felt uninspired by work and always wanted to spend more time with my kids. I initially explored opening an indoor play center with the idea that they could simply come with me to work. But, I quickly realized how unrealistic this idea was knowing all too well that if I was running a brick-and-mortar business, I would never be able to focus on their needs.
I did not give up on the idea that I wanted to be involved in children’s entertainment. For whatever reason, it was an idea that called to me. I have always loved creating something for my kids that they could marvel at. I wanted to offer a service that would provide little ones with that same feeling.
So, with more exploration, I came across several businesses in the U.S. that offer mobile soft-play entertainment for parties, events, and playdates. It was just a natural fit!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, my business is still pretty new. So yes, lots of struggling to get it off the ground. The biggest issue is that not many people know what “soft play” is.
The challenge is that it’s hard to market to people when they don’t know what it is or how it can fulfill their party’s needs. I have done a lot of boots-on-the-ground marketing. It is hard work! But, little by little I am seeing word spread, the excitement generated, and my reservations ticking up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Birdies Pop-Up Play?
Birdies Pop-Up Play is a mobile play and party service for crawlers ages 5 years old. We offer soft-play rentals, ball pit rentals, and even a digital photo booth in the Central Florida area. Soft-play is a specially designed play area for crawlers to older toddlers that incorporates padded areas and foam-based play equipment. This provides children with an environment to explore, play, climb, and tumble that is safe and soft. Our soft-play comes in either natural beiges and whites or soft pastels.
The color selections were intended to offer a more stylish look to play areas. This was an element crucial to me when selecting my equipment! I did not want my play areas to look like a primary-colored rainbow exploded, a look I found to be so common in children’s play equipment. I sought to blend style and fun so that our play areas could blend seamlessly into the landscape of any party or event.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
Christmas time. Always Christmas time.
Pricing:
- Soft Play Spaces – $250-$350 for a 5-hour rental
- Ball Pits- $125-$350 for a 5-hour rental
- Digital Photobooth- $300-$500 for a 5-hour rental
- Add Ons are also available
Contact Info:
- Website: www.birdiesorlando.com
- Instagram: @birdiesplay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091846582642
