We were lucky to catch up with Kim Skulavik recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The mission behind Toucan Play began with a simple observation: Parenting, while incredibly rewarding, can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for a safe, clean, and fun place where your child can explore and grow. As parents, we understand the need for a balance between providing your child with enriching activities and finding those rare moments of peace for yourself.

The inspiration behind Toucan Play came from a desire to create a space that was more than just a playground. It was about building a community where both parents and children could thrive. A place where parents could relax, work, or learn, while their little ones explored a world designed just for them — safe, clean, engaging, and stimulating for toddlers and crawlers.

We saw the need for a space that encouraged play but also valued parent support. From classes that foster developmental growth to workshops that guide parents through the challenges of early childhood, Toucan Play is a space for both parents and kids. Our goal is to give parents a break while knowing their children are in a nurturing environment that fuels imagination and learning.

The mission of Toucan Play is simple: to provide a safe haven where toddlers can play, explore, and grow, and parents can find the support and connection they need. We believe that by investing in play and education for our children, we are investing in a brighter future, one tiny human at a time.

Kim, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Toucan Play, founded by Kim Skulavik, was born from a deep passion for family, learning, and community. Kim, a mother herself, saw firsthand the challenges parents face in finding safe, engaging spaces where young children can explore and learn while parents can take a break or connect with others. She envisioned a place where both kids and parents could thrive—where children could enhance their sensory and motor skills through play, and parents could have access to enriching classes, workshops, and a supportive community.

At Toucan Play, it’s not just about providing a clean and safe environment; it’s about creating meaningful experiences for both children and their caregivers. Whether it’s a toddler’s birthday party, a drop-in daycare session, or a parenting workshop, Kim’s goal is to make every moment special. Her mission is to provide a space where families can build memories and grow together in a nurturing and fun environment.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A powerful lesson Kim Skulavik had to unlearn while building Toucan Play was the belief that building an audience would naturally lead to immediate success. Early on, she discovered that despite her hard work and dedication, things didn’t always fall into place right away. There were moments when she felt she had done everything possible—creating a safe, welcoming space for families and putting her heart into every detail—only to find that people would sometimes leave her hanging.

It was a tough realization that no matter how much effort you pour into something, not everyone will respond with the same enthusiasm, and that’s okay. This experience forced Kim to learn how to separate her personal emotions from the business side of things. She had to shift her mindset, understanding that running a business means there will be challenges, and not everything will go as planned. By keeping business, business, Kim found the resilience and clarity needed to push forward with her mission. This lesson helped her stay focused on her vision and build Toucan Play into a trusted space for families—knowing that success doesn’t always come overnight, but through perseverance.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Currently, Toucan Play is actively working to grow our client base through a variety of strategies. We leverage Facebook and Instagram marketing to connect with parents and share updates about our events, classes, and services. Our social media presence allows us to engage with the community and create a space for parents to share their experiences.

In addition, we advertise through Groupon to attract new families looking for fun, affordable activities for their toddlers. We also have local ads placed in the Athlone grocery store, ensuring that families in our immediate area know about the safe, clean, and exciting event space we offer for toddlers and crawlers. Beyond these efforts, we are consistently sharing information about Toucan Play with local parent groups and exploring partnerships with schools, daycare centers, and other family-oriented businesses to expand our reach. Our goal is to make Toucan Play a go-to destination for families seeking a fun and enriching environment for their little ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.toucan-play.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toucanplaycv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toucanplaycv

Image Credits

Kim Skulavik

Sophia Alimi