Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Esquivel.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2019, our family relocated to the Houston area, settling in Cypress, TX. Our relocation blessed me with the opportunity to become a stay at home mom and raise my 3 boys. Soon after we moved, I began noticing that my one year old son was having a difficult time with transitioning due to all the changes we had made in that year. Specifically, he was struggling with his social skills and his separation anxiety was hard to ignore. I decided to enroll him in a play and learn class which included playing, climbing, and exploring different soft playground equipment. I learned that soft play was not just a playground but it had many benefits for babies and toddlers providing cognitive, social, creativity and motor skills development. I immediately noticed improvement and increased confidence around his development and social skills as a result of his play and learning experience.
In March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic hit and his classes were cancelled. As months went by with uncertainty when classes would reopen I decided to invest in our own personal soft play equipment for him to use at home. While looking into soft play for my son I then realized there was a big market for mobile soft play rentals. Not only was soft play beneficial to babies and toddlers, but now there is rental options that can be delivered and set up in your home for a play date, special event or to celebrate your little one. It was then and there where the “Dream” of my little dreamland started. I pitched the idea to my husband and my family and they quickly supported me.
We launched My little dreamland in May 2021 and just about every weekend since we’ve been booked! We are extremely blessed with all the love and support we have received from our community. My little dreamland has given us the opportunity to meet some amazing clients, families, new friends, and vendors. But the best reward I have received is being able to share this experience with my sons. We enjoy what we do and love to see the reaction of the little ones on their special day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not. As my new equipment arrived I soon realized it wasn’t going to be easy. There was no way I could deliver and setup by myself. I recruited my 13-year-old son AJ and luckily he agreed to be my right-hand man. Balancing everyday mama duties and building a new business at the same time definitely has its challenges. I am grateful for the support of my family, as I would not have been able to introduce My little dreamland to other parents to celebrate with their little ones.
As you know, we’re big fans of My little dreamland. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My little dreamland mobile soft play is mama owned and operated. Our company is committed to delivering the best toddler in-home play experience for little one’s ages 0-5. We enjoy helping parents make their little one’s event fun and memorable!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
This past year I have learned so much and even though there were moments of doubt, I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish so far. I had to learn how to start a business, learning everything such as marketing, inquiries, delivery and set up, social media content, and much more. If you were to ask me “Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur?” A few years back my response would have been “Never”, however, this experience God has given me is by far my biggest learned lesson, which is that you can do anything if you set your mind to it. You just have to have faith , Always trust God, and work hard. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Contact Info:
- Email: mylittledreamlandtx@gmail.com
- Website: www.mylittledreamland.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylittledreamlandtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mylittledreamlandtx
