May 1, 2017

Meet Kristina Trevino of Houston Party Playland in Webster

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Trevino.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kristina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I used to be a Banking Center Manager for several different banks before deciding to become self-employed. My career at the bank really helped me learn financials, get to know business owners, customer service, and making sound business decisions. I really enjoyed working in banking. I liked the challenge of sales and meeting goals and leading my staff into success.

When I started planning for my son’s first birthday, I had a difficult time trying to find a venue for his party. There were only a handful of choices, and I had already had my daughter’s parties at their places. Growing up I never really had birthday parties, so I treasure every birthday I am able to plan for my children. I try to make elaborate decorations, cakes, entertainment, and party favors for the guest. I started to become very passionate about the process after my son’s party in January 2014. So much so, that I decided to pursue that passion. I immediately began researching, analyzing data, and developed a thorough business plan.

With my banking connections, I was able to use a realtor that I trusted to help me find the perfect location for my vision. And with a leap of faith and a click of a button I ordered all of my equipment and began the journey! The road to success has been a very difficult one. A lot of trying and challenging one. I think if I did not have my banking experience, I would be very lost. I also have a ton of family support. My dad helped me every day in building my dream and helping me get to where I am. I would definitely not have been able to do anything without him. I couldn’t even change a 12-foot light bulb! So, he showed me how to do so many things.

A lot of people think it’s easy building a business and just put an open sign out front. There’s so much more involved, and every day is a new day to make a difference in what you do.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was definitely not a smooth road at all. There were a lot of struggles in the beginning because I had a serious lack of knowledge when it comes to construction. I was the general contractor because of my shoestring budget, so I had a lot of learning to do. With the guidance of my father and a few key construction guys, I was able to make things happen with perseverance though. I also had to learn requirements of the city and what was expected to be up to code on such an old unused property.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Houston Party Playland – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Houston Party Playland specializes in indoor playground fun and birthdays. I take a lot of pride in us being the biggest indoor playground in all of the Houston areas. Since I am a mom of young children, I am more genuine to my customers. My marketing focuses on the fact that I’m a mom just like them looking for a clean indoor place to take the kids. I try to accommodate a little something for all ages to enjoy.

I also take pride in my prices. I make everything very affordable. I want them to not feel price gauged when they already pay a fee to come in, and so they shouldn’t then have high prices in my cafe.

Finally, I take pride in the value the customers receive when they visit the Playland. The admission (over 18 months) is $8 and they can stay however long they’d like and play in several different sections (separated by ages). We are more affordable than any other indoor playground in Houston, but yet, we offer the most in options for the kids to do.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future include expanding my brand. I just recently, (March 1, 2017) opened a small preschool gymnastics facility next door. As a child, I never really had the opportunity to pursue gymnastics to the extent I had always wanted. I was self-taught and did one or two classes, but never a thorough opportunity to excel in something I loved. So, I followed my dreams and opened a place where small children can be introduced to an exciting sport that I know is so much fun.

I plan to also continue my Playland expansion goals. I hope to one day have another facility similar to this location.

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