We were lucky to catch up with Dana Tufo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

People probably think I wish I had started my business later given COVID-19 hit right after we signed our lease to get started, but I actually wish I had started my business sooner. I’ve met SO many amazing people not only in this great community but from all over Houston. I love every single one of my guests. I say it all the time, but I truly believe we have the best guests in the world. So, because I love being here and what I do so much, I wish I had started it sooner. I came up with this idea of an indoor play space/party venue/toy store three years before we opened, but it took a while for me to research and get everything ready.

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?

We are an indoor play space for the littles, specifically six-year-olds and younger. Most indoor playgrounds don’t have a cap or cap it at a much higher age. Lovebug’s Playground was built for infants to preschoolers. Due to our gear towards the littles, our space was designed to be smaller so caregivers can see each of their children anywhere they are wherever they are in our facility. We also try to stick to Montessori-like toys and equipment to help with children’s emotional, intellectual, physical and social development. Keeping in mind our friends with special needs, we also have mainly primary colors and no flashing lights or loud music, except parties (if the party wishes). Here, kids can be themselves and play how they want; we don’t tell them how to play.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot several times during the pandemic. It probably made me stronger. One of the ways, I did this was offering play equipment rentals. During COVID, people were hesitant to go anywhere (and be around others), and wanted small parties at home. Lovebug’s Playground gave them a way to bring the indoor play space to them, so they could still have a party and celebrate their little one’s special day.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

We are so lucky that word-of-mouth has been our best advertiser. When we ask new guests how they heard about us, 90% say friends/relatives/neighborhood or mom groups. We also LOVE when returning guests tell us that the child asks to come here–DAILY. And we enjoy seeing each and every one of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lovebugsplayground.com
• Instagram: @lovebugsplayground
• Facebook: @lovebugsplayground