Meet Maya Ghanem | Founder of Petite Guests, a premium children’s event experience company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maya Ghanem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a mom, I started to notice something at almost every event I attended. The adults had beautiful, well-thought-out experiences, but the kids were often an afterthought. They were either left bored, overwhelmed, or placed in spaces that didn’t feel intentional or safe.

That didn’t sit right with me, because I’m very intentional about how I raise my children. I care about their environment, their emotional safety, and the experiences they have. I wanted something better not just for my own kids, but for every child attending these events.

That’s where the idea for my business came from. I didn’t want to create a typical babysitting service. I wanted to create a space where children feel seen, engaged, and cared for, while also giving parents true peace of mind. Something structured, thoughtful, and elevated.

So I built a service that focuses on both sides. For parents, it’s professionalism, safety, and trust. For children, it’s creativity, connection, and joy. Every detail matters to me, from the team I hire to the activities we provide.

At the core of it, my business is a reflection of how I believe children should be treated. With intention, respect, and care.

What should our readers know about your business?
Petite Guests was created to fill a gap I kept noticing at events. While so much thought goes into the adult experience, children are often overlooked or placed in environments that aren’t engaging, structured, or truly safe. As a mother, that never felt right to me.

What sets my business apart is that we don’t offer typical babysitting. We create intentional, well-designed spaces where children feel comfortable, engaged, and cared for, while parents can fully enjoy their event with peace of mind. Every detail is thought through, from the team we hire to the activities we provide and the systems we put in place for safety and communication.

Getting to this point wasn’t necessarily easy. Like many businesses, it started with an idea, a lot of trial and learning, and the challenge of helping people understand that what we offer is different. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying clear on your vision, even when others don’t immediately see it.

What I’m most proud of is building something that reflects my values. A service that prioritizes children, supports families, and brings a level of care and intention that isn’t always present in this space.

What I want people to know is that children deserve to be part of the experience, not an afterthought. When they are given the right environment, it changes everything not just for them, but for the entire event.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d want her to experience a mix of Houston’s energy, good food, and relaxed, meaningful moments.

We’d start the mornings slow with coffee and a light breakfast at a cozy café, somewhere calm where we can actually talk and ease into the day. Then we’d explore different parts of the city depending on the mood, whether that’s walking around The Heights, visiting local shops, or spending time outdoors at places like Hermann Park.

Food would definitely be a highlight. Houston has such a diverse food scene, so I’d make sure she experiences a mix of cuisines, especially spots that feel both elevated and comfortable. Some nights would be more dressed up with a nice dinner, and others would be casual and fun.

I’d also include something a little more intentional, like a relaxing spa day, a scenic walk, or even attending a community event. I think those are the moments that make a trip feel special, not just where you go, but how you feel while you’re there.

To me, the best experiences aren’t rushed or overly packed. It’s about balance, good company, beautiful spaces, and creating moments that feel easy, meaningful, and memorable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my children. They are the reason behind everything I do and the inspiration for creating intentional, safe spaces for kids. Being their mother shaped how I see the world and how I approach my work.

I’d also thank my community for trusting and supporting me early on, and for giving me the confidence to grow something from an idea into something real.

My faith has also played a quiet but important role in keeping me grounded, reminding me to lead with intention, care, and purpose in everything I do.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petite_guests?igsh=bnI2Y241ZGsybjBk&utm_source=qr