Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Hoskins
Hi Robin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My entrepreneurial journey began in 2019, while pursing my career in the supply chain field. Having a side hustle or business was always something I always thrived to do. As a mom of two small children, I wanted something that would keep them entertained at parties and events. Around my youngest child’s 3rd birthday, I started Tots Play World, initially offering just one type of soft play rental.
Balancing my full-time job and this budding business was challenging, but my passion and dedication kept me going. I focused on delivering excellent customer service and being consistently punctual, which earned me a high rate of customer referrals. My family and friends, even those without toddler-aged children, were incredibly supportive and helped spread the word. Additionally, I built strong relationships with other party planners, balloon artists, venues, and drapery companies, leading to mutually beneficial referrals.
However, in 2023, everything changed for me when layoffs were announced. I had a decision to make: either find another job in my industry or take a leap of faith and turn Tots Play World into my full-time venture. I chose the latter.
Transitioning from a corporate role to full-time entrepreneurship was challenging, but I embracing it wholeheartedly. Now some may call me crazy, but during this transition I found and opened a brick and mortar to offer indoor play & celebration options. This business expansion plan was well in the works a couple of years before the layoffs. Therefore, I was determine to not let that minor mishap stop my dreams from happening.
Today, Tots Play World offers a wide range of services from our new indoor playground to several mobile soft play rental options. My story is one of resilience and adaptability, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Over time my dedication will pay off through the experiences I have to community children, parents, and caregivers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Transitioning from a structured corporate environment to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and there have been numerous obstacles and challenges along the way. I faced uncertainties, financial pressures, and moments of self doubt.
Opening a brick-and-mortar location presented significant difficulties, especially navigating through all the coding enforcements and buildouts. The process was complex and time-consuming, requiring meticulous attention to detail and constant adjustments to meet regulatory standards. However, I kept pushing and officially opened doors in February 2024.
Balancing the operations of both the mobile and indoor playroom on my own was another major challenge. Managing logistics, customer service, and the day-to-day running of the business without a team was overwhelming at times. There were periods when orders were either non-existent or very slow, particularly during the initial stages of opening the indoor playroom. For about a month, we had little to no business, which was incredibly stressful and disheartening. To overcome challenges, I had to get creative with my marketing strategies. I introduced new ideas to get the brand out there, such as hosting character meet & greets, which helped attract more customers to our new playroom. It was a constant effort to come up with engaging and exciting events to draw in families and keep them coming back. I also partnered with a local non-profit to offer employment to teens and young adults within the community to help build my team.
Through persistence, creativity, and a lot of hard work, I was able to navigate these obstacles and grow Tots Play World into the business it is today. The journey has been tough, but each challenge has taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve to continue providing exceptional experiences for toddlers and their families.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Tots Play World?
As a mother of two young children in 2019,I started Tots Play World with the idea of a safe & fun toddler entertainment option in lieu of the big bounce houses that most toddlers are afraid to play in. Tots Play World is a toddler entertainment service that provides soft foam playgrounds, known as Soft Play, ballpits, slides, kids size tables & chairs, and party decorations. I found this entertainment solution to be helpful with my own children and just knew I wanted to provide these services to other parents and caregivers in my community. Our vision is to bring creativity and innovation through experiences that imprint memories, whether that’s for birthdays in the backyard, family gatherings at event spaces, or family, fun events within the community parks. Our mission is to transform playdates into unforgettable memories, birthdays into spectacular celebrations, and rainy days into indoor escapades. Our promise to the community is to provide kids with the most epic, bouncing, sliding, and exploring experience ever, all while making sure parents can kick back, relax, and enjoy the moment. We’ve been servicing the Memphis, TN area for over four years now with our mobile equipment rental services and I’m now proud to say that we’ve expanded into offering the community an indoor play space. We’ve received numerous inquires about an indoor play area from prospective customers throughout the years and have finally expand our offerings beyond just entertainment services. Our new playroom opened in late February 2024 and offers educational & creative play to help toddlers with physical, cognitive, and social development. Our indoor play space is the place for parents and caregivers to work while being able to see their children play, watch their children socialize, meet a friend, or just get out of the house and play in a new space throughout the week. On the weekends, we will offer the space for celebrations.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The toddler party rental and indoor play industry is poised for significant growth and evolution over the next 5-10 years. One major trend is the increasing demand for customized and themed party experiences. Parents are seeking unique and memorable events for their children, which means businesses like ours will need to continually innovate and offer personalized services to stay competitive.
Technology will play a crucial role in shaping the industry. From online booking platforms to virtual reality experiences and interactive apps, integrating technology into our offerings will enhance customer convenience and engagement. For instance, augmented reality could be used to create immersive party environments or interactive games for toddlers.
Sustainability will also become a key focus. As awareness about environmental issues grows, there will be a shift towards eco-friendly party supplies and rentals. Businesses that prioritize sustainability by offering biodegradable decorations, reusable party materials, and energy-efficient operations will likely attract more eco-conscious customers.
Additionally, the trend of ‘edutainment’—combining entertainment with educational elements—will continue to rise. Parents are increasingly looking for party options that not only entertain but also provide educational value. Incorporating activities that promote learning and development, such as sensory play, music sessions, or storytelling, will be essential.
Collaborations and partnerships with other businesses catering to toddlers, such as fitness programs, music classes, and book clubs, will also become more common. These partnerships can create a holistic experience for families, making our services more appealing and comprehensive.
Overall, the future of the toddler party rental and indoor play industry looks promising, with numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. By staying attuned to these trends and continuously adapting our offerings, we can ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.totsplayworld.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totsplayworld
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totsplayworld901
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tots-play-world-memphis
