A story of survival: How this mompreneur manages business ownership amidst the pandemic

As summer draws to an end, parents are facing a new back-to-school reality – and trying to figure out how to navigate work, homeschool and whatever other chaos 2020 may bring. Local business owner Jaime Adams of Little Doodles Play Café in north Raleigh has seen her share of mayhem as she manages to continue running a very interactive, people-focused business during a global pandemic – all while raising three children of her own. Here’s how she and her business have survived.

Go Ask Mom: For those who have never been, tell us what Little Doodles Play Café is.

Jaime Adams: During non-pandemic times, we are a creative play space with a cafe that serves local coffee, pastries and kid-friendly snacks. We are a popular birthday party spot for ages 1 to 6ish. We also have an art studio where kids can get messy and create their own masterpieces. We hold art classes, special events, story times, and more. We offer family memberships to make sure the space is as affordable as possible and remains a place that families can visit often.

GAM: How have you had to change your business model in light of COVID-19?

JA: It’s definitely been a crazy year. Many may remember us as Snickerdoodles – our former location which we closed in September 2019 so we could expand to a larger space with more amenities. After months of construction delays, we FINALLY opened the doors in our new location March 1 with great support, fun and celebration. Two weeks later, we closed due to COVID-19.

With all the changes the pandemic has brought, we’ve had to shift our strategy to fit the needs of our members while balancing strict social distancing and sanitation guidelines as set forth by local and federal health agencies. When Phase 2 began, we started offering 3-hour summer day camps for small groups – and have been so grateful for the many families who trusted us with their children for these fun sessions.

This fall, we’re offering four half-day camp options for kids aged 2 through 8 – featuring themes such as art, science and reading. On September 1, we’re restarting Open Play and Messy Art three days a week at 50% capacity from 9 a.m. to noon. Lastly, we offer 90-minute Private Play sessions for groups of up to 10 kids. Throughout everything, the support we’ve seen from the community has been great and we are so incredibly thankful for that.

GAM: How did you get the inspiration for this concept?

JA: As a mom, I recognized that our area lacked a place where young kids could play safely while grown-ups could actually sit and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or finish a conversation with a friend, without worrying their child is going to fall off equipment, escape out of their sight or get into something they're not supposed to. I remember what it was like when I had my second son and had an active two-year old. Trying to feed and care for a newborn while making sure my two-year old wasn't falling off playground equipment was stressful!

Also, I am a big believer in learning through play and that's what our play space is all about. Kids can learn through playing, interacting and creating art. And of course, the teacher in me loves that we have been successfully adding classes and story times! I also wanted to have a party space that feels like "home" without the work of getting your house ready or needing to play host. We take care of anything and everything so that the parents can actually enjoy their child's party.

GAM: School has started – what will your life look like this fall?

JA: I try not to think about exactly what it will look like because it seems like things are constantly changing. As of now, my youngest will be going to her small preschool and the boys are doing virtual learning at home for kindergarten and first grade through Wake County Public Schools with my husband and I "teaching" them from home. I also plan for them to do reading and science camp at Little Doodles so they get some supplemental lessons and social interactions. I have educators and counselors hired to teach at Little Doodles but I am also there daily to oversee the camps and classes.

GAM: What do you love about what you do?

JA: I love getting to know all the families who are so loyal and love our space as much as I do. It is truly a community space. My favorite part about it is seeing the friendships that grow between kids and adults from just coming in regularly. It is so great to see two moms who have never met before, exchange numbers or plan a play date after chatting while their kids play. I also love our special events – we’ve done Dinosaur Discovery Day, Ties and Tiaras (Valentine's Events), Mickey's Lucky Breakfast (St. Patrick's Day), character breakfasts & Noon Year’s Eve parties. They are so fun to plan, teach and watch the kids (and adults!) have fun!

GAM: When all of this is over…what lessons do you think you will have learned?

JA: Flexibility in every aspect of my life. When things don’t go as planned, it’s time to think differently and shift accordingly. Pre-pandemic, I hadn’t considered camps as part of my business plan – but it’s been a wonderful experience getting to know the kids and their families, and we love planning the activities. We’re fortunate to be small enough to remain nimble as we work to help parents like us navigate the many challenges and opportunities COVID-19 has brought.

Little Doodles is at 6548 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh.

Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.