Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Woods.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I previously worked in home health care, specializing in caring for elderly and hospice patients. It was a fulfilling and deeply meaningful field, but emotionally challenging as well. In 2017, my daughter was in college, and my son, who was 12 years old and in the sixth grade at the time, tragically and unexpectedly passed away over Memorial Day weekend. It was the most devastating period of my life, one that completely changed my perspective and sense of purpose. The grief I experienced was overwhelming, and in the aftermath, I found myself unable to return to the emotionally demanding field of home health care.
During this challenging time, a close friend of mine, who owned a local Pump It Up franchise, was looking to sell her business. Although the idea of shifting careers felt daunting, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued by the possibility. The opportunity to step into a new chapter in my life, one that involved joy, laughter, and positive energy—especially after such a profound loss—was incredibly appealing. I saw it as a chance to build something new, to channel my grief into something positive, and to create a space where children and families could experience happiness and fun.
After careful consideration, I made the decision to purchase the business in 2017. Although it was a significant departure from my previous line of work, I quickly found that running a children’s entertainment business brought a unique sense of fulfillment. The ability to create a safe, fun, and welcoming space for families, especially children, became both a source of joy and healing. Over the years, this journey has not only allowed me to rebuild my life but also to reconnect with my community in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Every day spent in the business, surrounded by the laughter of children, serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on so many families.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Purchasing a business is always a challenge, but it was a challenge I welcomed. years after acquiring the business, we faced a significant setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us to temporarily shut down operations. It was a stressful time, However, once we were able to reopen, we implemented a number of important changes to ensure the health and safety of our staff, customers, and the facility itself—while still providing an enjoyable and engaging experience for all who visited.
Another ongoing challenge has been staffing. Finding young individuals who are both willing to work and able to take on responsibility has proven to be one of the most persistent obstacles in managing the business. Recruiting, training, and retaining dependable team members requires constant effort and adaptability, but it remains essential to maintaining a positive and safe environment for our guests.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Pump It Up – Where Birthdays Come to Life!
Pump It Up is a premier private birthday party facility located in Shelby County. We specialize in hosting fun, safe, and personalized celebrations that create unforgettable memories for children and their families. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to privacy—each party is reserved exclusively for you and your guests, ensuring a more intimate and stress-free experience.
Our facility features an exciting indoor playground filled with towering inflatables, bouncy obstacle courses, and slippery slides—perfect for kids to run, jump, and play to their heart’s content. After the fun, the celebration continues in a private party room where the guest of honor enjoys food, cake, presents, and their own special seat on the birthday throne. Best of all, we take care of all the setup and cleanup, so parents can relax and enjoy the moment.
While we typically reserve weekends for private parties, we do offer open jump sessions during the week to let kids burn off energy in a fun and active environment.
At Pump It Up, we are most proud of the lasting memories we help create for families in our community. Seeing the pure joy on a child’s face during their celebration—and knowing we played a part in making their day truly special—is incredibly rewarding. We take pride in offering a safe, clean, and welcoming environment, and in building strong, lasting relationships with our customers. Many of our guests return year after year, and being part of those milestone moments is what makes this work so meaningful.
As the owner, I take great pride in being hands-on and involved in the day-to-day operations. I work in the store almost every weekend, allowing me to stay closely connected with our staff and customers. Over the years, I’ve built meaningful relationships with many of our returning families, and it’s always a joy to be part of their special celebrations time and time again.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to networking, consistency and authenticity have worked best for me. Attending local community events, supporting nearby small businesses, and simply getting to know the families who come into my store have all helped me build strong connections. In fact, some of my most helpful advice has come through casual conversations with regular customers or other parents who understand the challenges of running a family-oriented business.
Word of mouth has truly been our most powerful marketing tool. Happy families who share their positive experiences with others have helped our business grow far more than any advertisement could. That kind of organic, personal referral means everything—and it starts by building trust and relationships, one guest at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pumpitupparty.com/bartlett-tn/
- Instagram: pump it up_bartlett
- Facebook: pump it up Bartlett, Tn
