Indoor play space Alara and Zane closing this weekend

Store owner owner Sanaa Alyemeni announced the closing in early January to her email list.

"I created this business to bring families together through play, classes, and uniquely curated events (and let's not forget the awesome retail side). It has been a wonderful and challenging journey. I have been fighting to grow Alara+Zane for the last four years as a female small business owner. It is with a heavy heart that I write to announce that we will be closing our Alara+Zane North Hills store on January 27th, 2024. It is no longer financial sustainable, and now we must say goodbye," she wrote in her email.

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She created an upscale, light-filled playground for kids to play, shop, celebrate birthday parties and enjoy summer camps.

When I interviewed Alyemeni in 2021, I asked her what she wanted her children (whom she named the store after) to learn from her venture.

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At the time she said, "I want them to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. I want them to learn how to persevere through challenges and to not be afraid of thinking outside of the box. I think most importantly I want them to learn to balance their time as that can be so difficult as an entrepreneur. It's so important to not lose sight of little family moments, spontaneous game nights, completely unplugging, keeping up with friendships, and having time for yourself."

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I did reach back out to Alyemeni via email, but didn't hear back. Obviously, it's been a busy few weeks hosting final play sessions and selling inventory in the store. Many fans have thanked her for the beautiful space she provided families on the Alara and Zane instagram page.