How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have two girls, ages 4 and 2 years old.
How long have you lived in the Columbus area and what brought you here?
I grew up in Worthington before going off to college and came back to the Columbus area after earning my post graduate degree to be close to loved ones and raise a family! Family and friends have always been a big part of my life and I truly enjoy all that Columbus has to offer.
What does your family enjoy doing together in your spare time?
In our spare time my family enjoys being outdoors, going for walks and checking out new parks. We love anything sports related- watching and playing! I love baking with my girls as well!
Tell us about your new business Little Town and how the idea came to be.
Little Town is a new indoor play space in combination with a pediatric therapy office where we offer speech and occupational therapy. Our play space is open to the community for open play and we also host birthday parties and events. I am a speech-therapist myself and I know the importance of play in learning and development which is one of the main reasons that Little Town came to be. As a mom, I also know the importance of finding a sense of support and community as we go along the journey of motherhood which is another reason we wanted to bring Little Town to the Columbus area.
What made you decide to be a Speech Therapist?
My brother received speech therapy as a kid and I was able to see the difference it made in his life. The impact and independence of being able to communicate for himself with the help of speech therapy was what made me want to be able to do the same for other children.
Tell us more about what you offer for Columbus area families at Little Town.
Little Town offers a place where parents and caregivers can bring their children to learn, grow and develop all while building a sense of community. We want families to have a safe, clean and fun place where they can relax, grab a cup of coffee and connect with others in their community. With our birthday parties and private events you get the entire space to yourself which allows you and your guests to feel relaxed and comfortable knowing it is just your group to celebrate and spend time with.
What do you love about your business and what you do?
I love walking around the play area and cafe and seeing moms meeting for the first time and bonding over motherhood. I love to hear the kids excitement as they get ready to go into the play area! I love that we are able to provide families with a place they feel safe and comfortable to let the kids be kids while they are also learning and developing all through play. Lastly, I love the opportunity to be able to connect with other small businesses with similar visions.
How do you juggle your work and being a mom?
I use the phrase “be where your feet are” to help focus on where I am at the moment. When I’m with my kids I want to be present and give them the best of me and the same goes for when I’m at work. I want to be engaged and focused on my work as a speech therapist and ensuring our guests are enjoying their time at Little Town.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day usually starts with coffee (of course!) and making breakfast for my kids. After breakfast together I get ready and head out the door to open Little Town! I get things set up in the cafe and my materials ready for my therapy kiddos. Throughout the morning and afternoon I balance seeing my therapy clients and checking in on the play space (cleaning, talking with moms/caregivers about their days/experience). I am lucky to have a wonderful business partner who is also my childhood best friend, so we support each other to make sure everything gets done throughout the day and she allows me to step into our therapy room and give my kiddos my undivided attention. Once afternoon rolls around I finish up therapy notes and email and go to spend the rest of my day with my kids!
What is one piece of advice you would give to a new mom?
Try and enjoy each and every phase because it all goes by so fast. During the tough times, lean on your village and take the help when it’s offered to you!
