We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelli Geilow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kelli , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
Certainly! Let’s dive into my journey from idea to execution! It all began with a tiny spark of inspiration during your travels in 2019 when you discovered the concept of tiny tent parties in Europe. The idea intrigued me, and upon returning home, I couldn’t shake it off. The first crucial step was acknowledging this idea and allowing it to take root in your mind.
After a month or so from returning home, I found myself researching. I explored the market, trying to understand the demand for such a service in my area. Hours turned into days as I delved into the logistics of setting up a tent rental business. I made lists, sketched designs, and calculated potential costs. This phase involved a lot of groundwork and brainstorming sessions.
With a basic plan in hand, I decided to take action. The following weeks were a whirlwind of activity. I made a few tents to gauge the reaction of my target audience. Using my children and their friends as test subjects they were crucial to understanding if there was a genuine interest.
Once I saw how much fun the kids had, it was time to build the foundations of my business. Setting up a legal structure, registering my business, and sorting out the initial costs were vital steps. I spent hours consulting with an accountant and a legal advisor, figuring out the paperwork and legalities involved in starting a business.
Understanding my limitations, I outsourced tasks that were not your expertise. I hired a professional to create my business website, ensuring it looked appealing and was user-friendly. Simultaneously, I explored rental management solutions like Booqable, streamlining my rental process and payment systems.
With my business basics in place, I delved into marketing. I utilized social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, crafting engaging ads to reach my potential customers. Finding the right tone and imagery to represent my brand was a significant focus during this period.
The initial months after the launch were a mix of excitement and anxiety. I put my tents out there, started receiving bookings, and learned from every rental experience. Dealing with customer feedback, all constructive, helped me refine my services and improve customer satisfaction.
Then came the unexpected challenge – COVID-19. With the world in lockdown, I had to pivot. Adapting to the situation, I involved my family, especially my kids, in turning what could have been a setback into an opportunity for them to learn and contribute to the business.
Despite the challenges, my business not only survived but thrived. With time, my dedication and hard work paid off. My ability to adapt, learn from experiences, and involve my family in the business created a unique and heartwarming story of entrepreneurship.
My journey from the initial idea to a successful business stands as a testament to determination, adaptability, and creativity. It’s a story of overcoming challenges, learning from experiences, and embracing the unexpected, ultimately shaping my business into what it is today.
Kelli , 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?
Hello, my name is Kelli! I’m the proud owner of Tiny Tent MN, and I’d love to share my journey into this business and what makes us stand out. Our story begins with a personal passion for creating memorable moments and magical celebrations for kids. Being a parent of three energetic girls, I’ve always treasured the magic of childhood and the joy of sharing those special moments with loved ones. My journey into this industry started when the COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives. As we navigated through lockdowns and restrictions, I was determined to make my oldest daughter’s birthday a memorable one. With creativity, love, and a little DIY spirit, I crafted four magical tents for her and her friends. To my delight, it was an instant hit, and Playtime Party Tents, soon-to-be Tiny Tent MN, was born.
At Tiny Tent MN, we specialize in creating magical experiences for children and families. We provide beautifully themed tents, bedding, and décor for a wide range of celebrations, from birthdays and holidays and cousin sleepovers. Our services are designed to bring enchantment, fun, and bonding to your child’s special moments.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to making each celebration an unforgettable adventure. We understand the importance of children’s milestones and aim to enhance their world, especially in challenging times. Our personalized and meticulously designed tent setups are crafted with love, ensuring that every detail resonates with your child’s dreams and interests.
WE ARE FLEXIBLE AND EASY TO WORK WITH. We understand that life with kids can be unpredictable, and sometimes, little ones fall ill at the last minute. We want to reassure our valued customers that we’re here to support them through those unexpected moments. If a child is feeling under the weather and unable to join the party, we’re more than happy to adjust payment or reschedule for a later date. Your child’s well-being is our top priority, and we believe in making the experience as stress-free as possible. Additionally, if clients find that they need more tents to accommodate additional guests or siblings at the last moment, we’re always ready to adapt and ensure that every child can enjoy our magical setups.
Our commitment to flexibility and customer satisfaction is at the heart of what we do. I’m here to make celebrations special and stress-free, no matter what life throws our way.
I take immense pride in creating magical moments for children and fostering their imaginations. Our mission is to share these enchanting experiences with our community. We believe that in every tent we set up, we’re not just providing a service; we’re crafting memories that will last a lifetime. Our proudest moments are the smiles on children’s faces as they step into their dreamland.
What We Want You to Know: For potential clients, followers, and fans, we want you to know that Tiny Tent MN is not just a business but a passion project. We’re dedicated to making your child’s special moments extraordinary. With safety, creativity, and love at the core of our services, we invite you to join us in creating magical memories and unforgettable experiences for your children and your community. Together, we’ll bring dreams to life, one tent at a time.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Running a business while being a dedicated mother and wife has always been a balancing act, but this spring brought unexpected challenges that redefined the meaning of resilience. My husband’s diagnosis with a rare lung cancer, directly connected to his military service in the Iraq war, was a life-altering moment for our family.
As a mother, my children’s well-being is my top priority, and as a wife, supporting my husband through this journey is an unwavering commitment. Balancing these roles while managing a business has been an intricate dance, one that requires immense flexibility, patience, and strength.
For a period, I had to put a pause on my business to be there for my family, especially my husband during his treatments and recovery. The uncertainty, the fear, and the emotional weight were significant. It felt like the world had suddenly shifted, and the ground beneath us was unsteady.
But true resilience lies in the ability to adapt and rise again. I’m incredibly grateful for the flexibility that my business afforded me during this time. The pause was not a step back; it was a necessary pivot. And now, as we pick back up, I see the strength that has emerged from this experience. The courage to continue, to keep moving forward despite the odds, is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
I want our community to know that my journey, like many others, has been marked by unexpected turns and challenges. But in each twist and obstacle, there is an opportunity for growth and for demonstrating the unyielding strength of the human heart. I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and the unwavering love of my husband.
As a business owner, a mother, and a wife, I’m here to share my story and provide a message of hope and resilience. Life is full of surprises, some beautiful, and others challenging, but through it all, we find the strength to keep going, to keep celebrating the milestones, to keep creating magical moments, and to cherish the love that binds us together. Thank you for being a part of my journey.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When I embarked on the journey of starting my business, I was fortunate to have minimal startup costs. I knew that in order to turn my dreams into reality, I had to invest in myself and my vision. So, I turned to my personal savings as my primary source of capital. Using my personal savings to purchase the equipment and cover the initial costs was a significant step in my entrepreneurial journey.
As I look back on this decision, I feel proud of the path I’ve chosen. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all you need to get started is your own belief, determination, and the willingness to take a chance on your dreams. It’s a testament to the power of self-investment and the immense potential that lies within us when we believe in our own capabilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: playtimepartytents.com
- Instagram: tinytentsmn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glampingintinytents
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-geilow-28b09296/