Meet Sophia Hall | Owner & Manager

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

Hi Sophia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The reason why I decided to open an Indoor Playground was because of our daughter Kennedy. She had just turned two and we found ourselves having to travel to find somewhere indoor and safe for her to play. Most of the times I was going alone because of my husbands work schedule. It was difficult with both of our work schedules. We had just one weekend where he wasn’t on nights and was off.

I really wanted somewhere local where I could take her and not have to worry about her getting hurt. In Texas, it’s hot and this momma wasn’t going to a park. I wanted a place she could walk or run around kids her age and I wouldn’t have to worry about bigger kids trampling over her.

One day, I had a really bad day at work. Like really bad that I debated if I was going to return the next day. I ended up returning but did zero work that day and the following day. Instead, I started reseaching Indoor playgrounds and party venues. I had worked up this crazy idea on my way to work that I was going to open an indoor playground & party venue for kids. Our community didn’t have something like this and I couldn’t have been the only mom out here that was interested in a fun, safe and clean place for our kids to play and party. I didn’t mention anything to anyone. I kept working and brainstorming for about another year. I had it all planned out.

I finally mentioned it to my husband at dinner. I had made one of my most delicious meals in hopes that he would be 100% on board. He said “do what you want” but you can’t quit your job. This would set me back a little. I continued to plan out and pray that God would make a way for me and my dream.

My daughter was now almost four. We had planned her party at a local park. Weather had been so crazy the entire week. It rained everyday. I was now looking for a place to have her party with just 3 days until the event.
In our area that was incredibility hard. We found a place and made it work. I had never been so stressed over a party. I never wanted to feel stressed about a party again.

That night I opened my business plan and in big bold font I typed “CONVENIENT”. Southern Brazoria County Moms needed convenience. I wanted it to be so easy and hassel-free. I wanted party hosts so that moms can enjoy and celebrate with their child. Birthdays are to be celebrated and enjoyed about all!

A few months later, I really hated going to work. I was calling in, wasting my vacation and comp time. I really wasn’t trying to be there. I knew my husband wasn’t going to allow me to stay home. I had obligations and a family I was responsible for. I had dinner with my parents and finally told them about my plans. My mom was reserved but my dad was 100% on board with me. I knew if anyone would support me, it would be my dad. He was ready. He wanted it to be a family business. This would mean that my sister and brother would be involved. If he was going to supply the cash, we were all in as a family and well I love my siblings so I was ok with that.

I finally made the decision that I was going to leave my job and work Kids Party Planet full time. My husband was not on board with this plan. We started going to small business seminars at our local college, they helped us in every way they could. That process was fast. It was a few months later that we found a location and finally opened.

Kids Party Planet is a great place for littles. We strive to give outstanding customer service and maintain a clean, safe and fun enviroment for kids.

What should our readers know about your business?
I believe what sets us apart from others is that we’re the only indoor playground that caters to the little kids, 6mths-10years in our area. We offer open play Tuesday through Sunday if we do not have a facility rental. We offer different party packages for any budget. We offer full service parties. We do all the work. Something that makes us different is that we do not include your set up time in the party time. You get a full two or three hour party. We offer unlimited play so you can stay long as you want. We have a toddler section and a big kid area. We have cornhole, air hockey and an arcade game for dads. We try to have things for the entire family to enjoy.

We also provide foam parties for Birthdays, Gender Reveal, Family Reunions, Weddings Corporate Events.
as well as Character appearances and Interactive Walking dinosaurs.

We have definitely faced challenges. After five months Covid shut us down! It was a rollercoaster. We didn’t know if we would open again. Bills were piled high and everyone was frustrated. Having to pay for bills out of pocket was extremely stressful. When we got the ok to open it was extremely difficult. We had one employee and we operated with one party at a time. That was if we had a booking. We cleaned, cleaned and cleaned some more. Mask mandate. That was the biggest challenge. We basically didn’t know what to do. People came in a just disregarded polices and the others came in and walked out because people weren’t following the mandate. Small businesses all over were suffering and closing. We tried our best to nagivate the unknown. Everyday was different.

We still face the post covid challenges. It’s hard to get people to come back. We try so hard to have sales, character appearances, parties and help support other kid-friendly vendors by booking them for events we host. If we learned anything from this pandemic is that we need to support small local businesses.

What makes me most proud is seeing families come together and celebrating special events. The smiles on kids faces when they walk in and see their favorite character greeting them. Kids Party Planet has brought lots of smiles to families and myself. I reminds me that hard work pays off. We have some many plans for upgrades and renovations. We are excited about the future of Kids Party Planet.

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?
Phat Boys or Brew N Bake for Breakfast, Wurst Haus or The local for Dinner and Drinks. Places to check out I would recommend is Lake Jackson Farmers Market. Let the kids take a ride on Barrel of Fun Train Rides, Crocodile Encounter, Sea Center and of course Play time at Kids Party Planet.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A few people deserve a shoutout. I couldn’t do this without them.

My husband, Kenneth. He has given so much of himself to me and our business. He has help keep us open after Covid and continues to help us stay afloat. He is the person that fixes everything. He supports me in every way. He listens to me vent on stressful days. He gives me extra encouragement when I feel like giving up. He is the perfect partner. I couldn’t imagine doing life without him.

My parents. They have given us the opportunity to have this dream. They believed in me and have risked it all. My dad told me that we would never know if we did take a risk. I think of this everyday. Because I would never be able to pay them back if we ever have to close. My mom is here everyday, she picks up the slack. She shuttles my daughter when I need her too. She picks up orders. She helps clean the facility. I don’t think she knows how much I appreciate her. My dad is always a phone call away and backs me up whenever I need him too.

My brother, AJ. He left his job to open with us. Although, covid changed that for us and he had to go back to work. He still comes on the weekends, picks up the pizzas for parties and helps train employees. I appreciate him so much. Ladies, he is single and ready to mingle.

Veronica and Patrick. They take characters to parties and show up when needed. Not only do they work full time, they also have their own business on top of co-owning Kids Party Planet.

Finally our employees. Past, Present and Future. You guys are amazing. You help navigate the daily operations of Kids Party Planet. You help provide such a fun place for all. We all appreciate you!!

Website: www.kidspartyplanet.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidspartyplanet_lj/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidspartyplanetlakejackson

Image Credits
Photo credit: Miguel Garcia with @themonstermedia85