Inspiring Conversations with Tiffany Kim of My Play Café

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Kim.

Hi Tiffany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
As a mom of two under two at the time of my discovery, there were not a lot of places I could bring my toddler to play without worrying about him running out the front door or touching things that were not for children. It was even stressful going to the park because there were so many blind spots. Finally, I discovered Kinderland Play & Cafe during a trip to Las Vegas. It was the most relaxing day of my motherhood career. There was a gate after check-in, so there would not be any escape artists. Soft play for the toddler, while also providing a cafe for me to sit and care for my three-month-old.

Sitting there I realized there was nothing like this in Kansas City! I texted my husband about the idea and he was totally supportive. Six months later; we got our loan approved and signed our lease. Moms found our FB Page and it went viral in the Lee’s Summit Community. We grew from 100 to 500 followers before we even launched. We knew that we were meeting a need that many parents with young children could relate to.

Scheduled to open April 2020, our plans were redirected as a week before opening, the national Stay at Home Order began. We started with Curbside coffee, then progressed to Private Play Dates. Soon we were able to open with a lower capacity. Our monthly members began to grow and we started a community within a global pandemic.

We have been the hub for all things for the young family – music class, Storytime, Lactation support, and more!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We opened during the pandemic. We were not able to open at full capacity for half a year. But we were available for families that were ready and needed a place to play and socialize.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about My Play Café?
We are an indoor playground for ages 0-6. While also a full coffee shop, serving Messenger coffee. As Kansas City is a Coffee Hub, it was important to us to serve one of KC’s best local coffee roasting companies. We also serve Boba/Bubble Tea, we carry the largest selection of flavors in Lee’s Summit.

We are most proud of our party packages! As a Private Party Venue, it is perfect for families. We offer DIY to All-inclusive Birthday Parties. Our Party Team focus’ on providing families a stress-free celebration with their guests, allowing them to focus on the birthday child. Adults love our open coffee bar and children love our imaginative play space.

During the week, we offer Open Play, where children can socialize, while adults can take a mental break or get some work done. We have music class, Storytime, art class, tummy time, babywearing class, and Lactation support groups.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Owner, Tiffany Kim, has an Associate in Arts in Montessori Early Childhood Education and taught preschool and kindergarten for 6 years. Following this, she has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, where she was an RN at Children’s Mercy Hospital for 5 years.

Pricing:

• Open Play $10/child six mo-six years
• Unlimited Open Play Memberships $34+/mo
• Private Party Venue begin at $249
• Retail Toys $5 and up

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.myplaycafe.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/myplaycafe
• Facebook: Facebook.com/myplaycafekc
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/7zx4iJKc2kb

Image Credits
Lacy Hensley Photography