We recently connected with Sana Khan and have shared our conversation below.
Sana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Dino Daisy Play Cafe is a truly unique name, and its origin holds a special place in our hearts. When my sister and I first floated the idea of opening a play cafe, we involved our entire family, especially our kids—ranging from 7 years old and younger. Since it’s a space designed for children, it was important to us to hear their input. We asked them to come up with a few fun name ideas, and when they suggested “Dino Daisy,” we knew it was the one. The excitement on their faces told us it was perfect, and we felt other kids would feel the same joy.
Our regular customers often tell us how their 2-year-olds love coming to “the dino place” or refer to it as “the daisy flower cafe.” We adore these connections, as they remind us of our mission: to create a safe, fun environment for kids to play while offering parents a relaxing space to enjoy coffee and connect with friends and family. The size of our cafe strikes a perfect balance—it’s not too big, not too small—just right for both play and peace of mind.
Sana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My sister Kinza and I (Sana) moved to the USA around 12 years ago to pursue our higher education. We both earned Master’s degrees and worked in the corporate industry for about eight years. Although we come from a science background, we’ve always shared a passion for kids, crafts, and baking. When the idea of opening a play cafe came to us, it immediately felt like our calling. We love children and wanted to create a space where we could share our love for making kids happy, brewing coffee, creating desserts, and organizing DIY projects. Everything just clicked.
Dino Daisy Play Cafe is located in the heart of Byron Center, Michigan. Even though we’ve only been open for six months, the community’s support has been overwhelming. Each review on our Facebook and Google pages is directly from our customers, and their positive feedback speaks volumes about what we’ve built here. As two sisters who had no prior experience in sales or business, we’ve learned a lot—from perfecting coffee and specialty lattes to managing the basics of running a business.
Our cafe serves multiple purposes: it’s a fun, safe play area for kids, a cozy coffee spot for parents, and a venue for birthday parties and event rentals. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and look forward to growing even more within this wonderful community.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What has truly helped us build our reputation in the market is our genuine connection with the community and our commitment to providing a personalized, family-friendly experience. From the very beginning, we’ve focused on creating a space where kids can play safely, and parents can relax. We put a lot of care into every detail—from the play area design to our coffee menu—making sure it reflects our passion for what we do.
We’ve also made it a priority to actively listen to our customers. Whether it’s feedback on how we can improve or simply chatting with parents during their visits, we value every interaction. This has helped us continuously adapt and grow based on the needs of our community. The overwhelmingly positive reviews we’ve received on platforms like Facebook and Google speak to the authentic relationships we’ve built with our customers.
Additionally, we’re hands-on in every aspect of the business. My sister Kinza and I are present at the cafe daily, getting to know families by name and making sure everyone feels welcome. This personal touch, coupled with our passion for offering a clean, safe, and fun environment, has helped solidify our reputation as a go-to spot for families. We’re proud to be known not just as a business, but as a community hub where parents and kids alike can enjoy themselves.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What really helped us build our reputation in the market was our focus on community engagement and consistently delivering a high-quality, personalized experience. From the outset, we wanted Dino Daisy Play Cafe to be more than just a business—it was about creating a welcoming, safe space where families could connect and kids could play while parents relaxed. This genuine approach, along with our passion for what we do, resonated with our customers.
Several factors contributed to build our reputation:
1- Attention to Detail: From the decor to the menu, we put a lot of thought into making Dino Daisy a place where both kids and adults feel comfortable. Parents love the clean, organized space, and kids adore the fun play areas. This attention to detail shows our commitment to offering the best experience possible.
2- Positive Word of Mouth: The love and support from the community, especially in the form of reviews and recommendations, have played a huge role in growing our brand. Families often share their experiences online or through word-of-mouth, and the glowing reviews on Facebook and Google have helped us stand out.
3- Consistency and Reliability: We’ve worked hard to maintain consistency in both service and quality. Whether it’s a casual visit for coffee or hosting a full birthday party, families know they can count on us to deliver a great experience every time.
4- Involvement in the Community: We’re deeply invested in our local community. From participating in local events to partnering with other small businesses, our involvement has helped us connect with people on a deeper level. This connection fosters trust and strengthens our reputation as a community-oriented business.
Ultimately, what sets us apart is the personal touch and care we bring to everything we do. We’re not just running a business; we’re building relationships, and that’s what has really helped establish our place in the market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dinodaisy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorNDdgZjlERpo5fsq2e50aHEMDGf5wm_tQgBR_AMN3EAUZzuiIJ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinodaisygr?igsh=Y3BscXoxNWw5bDBo&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinoDaisyPlayCafe
Image Credits
Image credits: Sukitta Photography