2 TICKETS LEFT FOR PLAY MAKER SOCIETY LIVE: https://www.michelecaruana.com/playmakerslive2025 Is your indoor playground or play café business ready for more freedom, flexibility, and revenue? In this episode, I share how a simple keypad entry system can completely transform your business operations. Whether you're hoping to reduce your reliance on staff, offer after-hours access, or turn your space into a community hub, this upgrade might be the highest ROI decision you make this year. 💡 What Y...
Jun 10, 2025•23 min
If you’re listening in real time, you know that summer is just around the corner—and if your foot traffic or bookings are starting to dip, you’re not alone. This season can catch even the most prepared indoor playground owners off guard. But here’s the good news: even if you didn’t get a summer plan in place months ago, it’s not too late to make a real impact on your revenue. In this episode, I’m sharing creative, actionable, and low-lift ways to boost income quickly—even if you’re starting from...
May 19, 2025•46 min
Play Makers Live 2025 Registration and Information (6 Tickets Left!) In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast , I’m diving into Part 2 of our AI mini-series, and this time it’s all about how to get better results from ChatGPT. I’m sharing the exact tips and strategies I use as an indoor playground owner to write better prompts, train ChatGPT to match my voice, and streamline my content creation and operations. I’ll also walk you through how I use other AI tools to automate tasks like sched...
May 13, 2025•35 min
If you’ve ever joked about being the “lazy” play cafe owner—this episode is for you. (And if you’re offended by that term… take a deep breath and trust me on this one.) I know you're not actually lazy—you’re just juggling everything : your business, your family, your sanity… and trying to keep it all together. So in this episode, I’m sharing 8 of my favorite next-level AI hacks that help me save time, reduce stress, and focus on what actually matters. This isn’t your basic AI 101. These are prac...
May 06, 2025•31 min
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast , we’re diving into what success can look like for indoor playground owners who are introverted, non-confrontational, or just prefer to lead from behind the scenes. I’m sharing practical strategies for managing staff, setting boundaries with customers, and marketing your business—even if you don’t love being on camera or in the spotlight. You'll learn how to build a thriving business that aligns with your personality, avoids burnout, and still attra...
Apr 28, 2025•36 min
In this episode, I'm sharing three unique yet proven event ideas to help indoor playground owners boost revenue during the tricky spring season, bridging the gap between winter excitement and summer camp busyness. From hosting a fun and profitable "Mom-Friend Speed Dating" night, to a practical "Busy Bag" crafting event, to a strategic "Summer Camp Sampler," you'll leave this episode with a specific plan of action and ready to energize your community and drive business during typically slower mo...
Mar 26, 2025•37 min
Considering opening a play space in a mall OR thinking of starting a very NICHE indoor playground concept? Watch this honest interview first! In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Karla, the owner of Eat and Be Hoopy, a unique business in Vermont. Karla shares her inspiring journey as a single mother who turned her passion for hula hooping into a brick-and-mortar business. Initially offering classes and parties in clients' homes, she eventually rented a dedicated space to accommod...
Mar 10, 2025•52 min
FREE Book More Birthdays Challenge: https://www.michelecaruana.com/birthdaychallenge BLOG for this Episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/increase-birthday-party-bookings If you're an indoor playground owner looking to increase party bookings, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help fill up your calendar. Birthday parties are one of the most profitable revenue streams in your business, but if bookings are slower than you'd like, don't panic! In this episode, I walk throug...
Feb 17, 2025•46 min
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy Welcome back play makers! I'm excited to bring you another insightful recorded coaching call today with Meghan Hopkins, co-owner of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe. At the time of this recording, Jungle Jamz had been open for just over 3 months. In this episode, we cover: Strategies for booking more summer birthday parties Tips for increasing café sales during parties and events Using email marketi...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice (WellnessLiving): https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy I am excited to bring you another recording coaching call with a very-soon-to-be indoor playground owner! Today we are speaking with Ashima who is located in the Boston area and recently signed her lease to open a business called Stem Spot, which you can hear more about in Ashima's own words if you tune in. Ashima is finalizing all of her pre-opening details and so in thi...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this episode, I'm sharing 16 creative and profitable ways play cafe owners can celebrate Valentine’s Day while uplifting their customer base. From Mom "speed dating" to parent-child craft workshops and “Date Night Drop-Off” services to themed play dates, these ideas are designed to boost revenue and strengthen community connections. Tune in for actionable tips to make this Valentine’s Day a memorable and rewarding one for your business and your customers! Read this information on the blog and...
Jan 20, 2025•33 min
Today I have a coaching call for you to listen in on with business partners Jordan and Alexis of Nurture to Play which is a soon-to-be play cafe in Minnesota. YouTube video of today's interview: Jordan and Alexis are deep into the planning phase of their business and back when this was recorded were about to sign their lease so in this call, we talk about things like: -how to space plan effectively, particularly for a strangely shaped piece of property -money making square footage versus non mon...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 3 min
My annual TRENDS prediction episode is here! From custom gross-motor structures to more classes and online offerings, I am detailing what I expect more businesses will (or should!) do in 2025. Thanks to ALUVII for sponsoring this episode! Book a free demo and get our exclusive discount when you use this link: https://aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy 2024 Trend Predictions: https://bit.ly/4j3Q853 2023 Trend Predictions: https://bit.ly/4a9bJoH 2022 Trend Predictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG...
Jan 07, 2025•46 min
Schedule an Aluvii Demo And Unlock the Play Maker Discount: aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy In this episode, I’m sitting down with Casey McGuire Davidson, a Life & Sobriety Coach and host of The Hello Someday Podcast for Sober Curious Women , to talk about how alcohol can affect both our personal and professional lives. We’re diving into Dry January—what it is, who it’s for, the benefits it can bring to your life and business, and some tips for making it through an alcohol-free month successful...
Dec 30, 2024•49 min
Schedule an Aluvii Demo: aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy Read this episode's blog article: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/last-minute-holiday-tips OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Fund Your Indoor Play Business...
Dec 13, 2024•26 min
In today's Profitable Play Podcast episode I have a coaching call for you to listen in on with Natalie Goodall, owner of Playgrounds Cafe and at the time this was recorded Natalie had been open for just under 5 months. In this call we cover things like: -how to choose a business focus -how to maximize the revenue obtained from parties already booked -how to fill empty party slots -how to expand your event revenue to other types of events like family reunions, baby showers, nfl watch parties, and...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In today’s episode because we are getting into another hot topic amongst families and the play and education industries in general and that is the concept of Microschools. Now by definition, a Micro-shcool is a small, independent learning community that typically serves a limited number of students. These schools are characterized by personalized, student-centered education that is often tailored to the needs, interests, and pace of the individual students. Sydney Loper, owner of Cultivate Studi...
Nov 18, 2024•55 min
In this episode I'm joined by Nicole Heritage, the owner of Magnolia Play Cafe in Louisiana. We recorded this coaching call back in July, just a few weeks after Nicole opened her doors. In this conversation, we dive into Nicole’s vision for her business, the challenges she faced during the opening process, and her invaluable advice for new business owners. During our coaching session, we explore three main topics: Retaining Memberships: Strategies to maintain memberships through slow seasons. Bo...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of opening a brick-and-mortar play cafe with Mackenzie Tyson, owner of Playgrounds Play Cafe in Ohio. Mackenzie shares her experiences from the first seven months, including the hurdles of launching a business, unexpected expenses, and slower-than-expected bookings. We discuss the importance of pivoting and optimizing your business model, especially focusing on improving party and membership offerings for increased revenue. Tune in a...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Two of the biggest roadblocks we face as indoor playground and play cafe owners are funding and sustaining cash flow- right? We need the money to get our business started and launched successfully and we need a constant flow of money to keep our business running. And one tactic to help overcome either or both of these roadblocks that I feel is pretty underutilized is B2B sales in the form of business sponsorships. In this episode I break down exactly what I mean by "business sponsorships", give ...
Oct 14, 2024•55 min
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, we dive into the crucial steps every indoor playground owner must take to ensure a safe and profitable holiday season. With the gifting season fast approaching, it’s essential to not only curate an appealing retail inventory but also to vet your vendors thoroughly. Your reputation is on the line, and selling unsafe or non-compliant products can have serious consequences. We welcome back a fan-favorite guest, Azhelle Wade, AKA The Toy Coach, to guid...
Oct 07, 2024•47 min
In this essential episode of the Profitable Play podcast, host Michele Caruana sits down with Kayla Coburn, Inclusion Specialist and Educational Consultant and the owner of Inclusion Starts Now, to explore how indoor playground owners can make their spaces more accessible for all children. Kayla shares her expertise on creating inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs, ensuring every child can enjoy and benefit from the play experience. She offers actionable tips on modifying layouts, ...
Sep 30, 2024•51 min
Social media can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially for small business owners who wear many hats- like you might if you’re listening to this podcast. From creating engaging content to figuring out the best platforms to reach your audience, it's a lot to juggle. But fear not, because in today's episode, we're going to break it all down for you. In this episode we hear from Leslie Presnall, a social media marketing expert who specializes in helping local, service-based businesses (like...
Sep 23, 2024•49 min
As entrepreneurs, we are always looking for a way to increase sales, especially during what should be our busiest months. And as the holiday season approaches, even though we are still many weeks away, we as indoor playground owners have a unique opportunity to align their marketing strategies with emerging social trends to ensure this happens. One such trend gaining momentum is the "underconsumption core" movement, which encourages consumers to focus on experiences and meaningful engagements ov...
Sep 16, 2024•31 min
Join The Bootcamp: https://www.michelecaruana.com/bootcamp Episode With Heather: https://bit.ly/3Z1lsKi Join Amy, myself, and thousands of other aspiring & experienced course creators for this $47 bootcamp-- doors close TOMORROW! Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy...
Sep 10, 2024•28 min
In this episode, host Michele Caruana sits down with Alyssa Fox, owner of Wiggle and Play in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Alyssa shares her journey of transitioning to a larger space for her indoor playground business, discussing the launch process, funding, and overcoming unexpected roadblocks. Learn about the various revenue streams that sustain her business, her hiring philosophies, and her hands-on approach to management. Whether you're an established indoor playground owner or considering entering t...
Sep 09, 2024•56 min
In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of job sharing with Melissa Nicholson, the visionary creator of Work Muse. As many of our listeners are on the brink of launching their own play cafes, they often face the daunting challenge of balancing their current full-time jobs with the demands of starting a new business. Melissa shares how job sharing can be the perfect solution for those looking to mitigate risk while transitioning into entrepreneurship. For aspiring play cafe owners, the...
Sep 02, 2024•44 min
Register For The Course Creation Bootcamp (and unlock my bonus training): www.michelecaruana.com/bootcamp FREE Guide to creating digital classes or products: https://bit.ly/3Mfg7aC Learn About Heather's Course Story & Her Kindergarten Readiness Program: https://bit.ly/3Z1lsKi How "Play" Coach Juliana Took Her Skills Online, Increased Her Impact, Retired Her Spouse, and Designed Her DREAM Business: https://bit.ly/3APttrp Launching, Growing, and Scaling an Intentional Indoor Playground Busines...
Aug 28, 2024•47 min
FREE Guide to creating digital classes or products: https://bit.ly/3Mfg7aC Get 50% Off WellnessLiving (My POS System of Choice): https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy To celebrate my milestone of reaching 300 Profitable Play Podcast episodes -- I did something a little different. I dedicated my 300th episode (and 301st episode!) to rounding up some of (what I consider to be) my BEST pieces of advice, that (and here's the catch)-- almost NO ONE takes or implements. For links to all ...
Aug 26, 2024•51 min
To celebrate my milestone of reaching 300 Profitable Play Podcast episodes -- I did something a little different. I dedicated my 300th episode to rounding up some of (what I consider to be) my BEST pieces of advice, that (and here's the catch)-- almost NO ONE takes or implements. For links to all videos and resources mentioned here, visit the blog for today’s episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/episode300 OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7f...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min
