We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bynia Reed. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bynia below.

Bynia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to exploring the role of play in children’s development. Recognizing the widespread need for safe and nurturing spaces where children can play and freely express themselves, I knew this was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This passion resulted in Hyper Kidz, a unique fusion of my experience as a child psychotherapist and the established concept of indoor playgrounds.

At Hyper Kidz, we integrate evidence-based theories of child development with engaging play and recreational activities at each of our locations. Our mission extends beyond providing a fun-filled experience for children; we are equally committed to offering parents a comfortable, safe, and clean environment. Understanding the challenges faced by parents who are often stressed, tired, or overworked, we wanted to create an environment where children and play and parents can relax and join in on the fun.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a mother of two and a licensed child psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, I deeply understand the vital role that play has in a child’s development. As a play therapist, I have seen firsthand how play fosters creativity, social skills, and emotional well-being for children.

Hyper Kidz fulfills a unique need—offering year-round, climate-controlled indoor play that is completely screen-free. Our goal is to provide an environment where children can engage in active, imaginative play while parents can enjoy a stress-free experience. With affordable admission, free entry for adults, unlimited playtime, and no time restrictions, Hyper Kidz is designed to be an accessible and welcoming space for families.

Nothing makes me prouder than seeing a child reluctant to leave because they’ve had so much fun, made new friends, and fully immersed themselves in healthy, active play. Few places can simultaneously entertain both a two-year-old and an eleven-year-old, but Hyper Kidz achieves just that. And when it comes to birthday celebrations, we take the stress out of party planning, ensuring a memorable experience for both the child and their parents.

Play is essential for a child’s well-being, and at Hyper Kidz, we are committed to fostering a space where children’s natural curiosity and desire to engage with others can flourish—without screens. When parents play with their children, it strengthens the parent-child bond, promoting a healthy and secure attachment. At Hyper Kidz, we offer a safe, clean, and exciting play experience for all!

How’d you meet your business partner?

Embarking on this entrepreneurial journey, we initially faced challenges in securing funding from local banks, the SBA, county and state programs, and private investors. Collaborating with my local Economic Development Authority, I was introduced to a seasoned businessman who connected me with my current business partner. Despite being overseas at the time, he graciously took my call, and we arranged to meet a week later. During our meeting, he expressed interest not merely as an investor but as a 50/50 partner. This partnership has proven to be a harmonious and successful collaboration.

Our business journey has been filled with learning, growth, perseverance, and tenacity. We operate as a cohesive team, prioritizing the company’s best interests. Mutual respect and unwavering support for each other’s roles are the cornerstones of our partnership.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One year after opening and signing a lease for an expansion, the pandemic struck, bringing unprecedented challenges. As an indoor playground, our business model depends entirely on in-person visits, leaving us with no way to pivot to an online model. We were forced to close our doors, and construction on our second corporate-owned location had to be put on hold. It was an incredibly uncertain and frightening time, but I remained steadfast in my belief that our business would survive.

Determined to navigate the crisis, we applied for every available local, county, state, and federal funding opportunity. We endured countless sleepless nights, refused to give up, and became as resourceful as possible. Partnering with our County Health Department, we explored ways to reopen safely while balancing the financial strain. To keep our families afloat, we held onto our day jobs, while personally covering staff payroll to support our team. We worked closely with landlords, lenders, vendors, and contractors to negotiate payment plans, doing everything possible to stay afloat as a small business fighting through the storm of COVID.

Despite the challenges, we persevered. Post-pandemic, I knew that families and children would need social play more than ever. We worked diligently to rebuild customer trust, implement enhanced sanitation protocols, and create a welcoming environment for our community to return to. In August 2021, we proudly opened our second location. Today, we have seven open locations and an additional twelve in the pipeline—proof that resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in our mission can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hyperkidzplay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyperkidzplay/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyperkidzcolumbia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bynia-reed-1870b8143
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f1JlatEIw8
• Other: ✅https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f1JlatEIw8
  ✅https://foxbaltimore.com/morning/hyper-kids
  ✅http://www.hyperkidzfranchise.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2.mp4?_=2
  ✅http://www.hyperkidzfranchise.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/1.mp4?_=1
  ✅Hyper Kidz Alexandria, a Winter-Themed Playground, Opens in Franconia (northernvirginiamag.com)
  ✅Howard County’s Bynia Reed is opening Hyper Kidz playgrounds around the U.S. – The Baltimore Banner
  ✅Children’s Indoor Playground Concept Hyper Kidz to Open Third Maryland-Area Location at Waugh Chapel Business Park – Southern Maryland News Net | Southern Maryland News Net (smnewsnet.com)

Image Credits

Vijay