We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yolonda Tyler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Yolonda , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

We are on a mission to empower early learners to imagine the possibilities through mindful play. Founded in 2013, Mindful Play Learning was conceived to offer an enriching curriculum centered around the fusion of mindfulness and play-based learning. We recognized the imperative of fostering mindfulness through interactive play. Crafted with the principles of Montessori (independent learning) and Reggio Emilia (collaborative learning) educational approaches, we pioneered a comprehensive framework known as the “3 C’s of Play.” This innovative model emphasizes the facets of community, creativity, and cognitive development. Blending the harmonious convergence of mindfulness, yoga, circle time, and play, the Mindful Play Learning methodology comes to life.
Our team is fervently dedicated to equipping children with the tools to establish profound connections and discover delight in every fleeting moment. We firmly believe that our program wields the potential to effect positive transformations – one child, one family, and one community at a time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a self-proclaimed PLAYologist, driven by my love for play, mindfulness, holistic wellness, and childhood development. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and have earned certifications in Life Coaching, Meditation, Prenatal Yoga, Kidding Around Yoga, Advanced Children’s Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga, and Mental Well-being in Children. My career has taken me on a unique journey, working as a counselor, health educator, business consultant, project manager, and the proud owner of Amaya Papaya Playlounge, a brick-and-mortar family entertainment center. This is actually where the Mindful Play Learning curriculum was conceived. There, I really got to observe how parents play with their children. Some parents find it challenging to tap into their inner child and experience Play. So, then, I decided to develop a curriculum that was achievable for all. Our curriculum is a play-based mindfulness methodology that uses yoga and imagination to promote social-emotional learning, support cognitive development, and enhance creativity for early learners.
What truly sets me apart from others is my commitment to making a meaningful impact within my community, particularly among early learners and those who support their development. I take immense pride in my role as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the profound importance of Play in our lives.
My motivation is deeply personal and rooted in my journey as a mother. My work is fueled by my purpose, to create a world that nurtures the growth and development of my child. This drives every aspect of my mission, as I strive to teach mindful practices to all children.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Absolutely! The book “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” written by Melissa Gilbert. She also wrote Eat, Pray, Love. “Big Magic” has played a major part in helping me develop my mindset as an entrepreneur and creative.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Mindful Play Learning is uniquely crafted to allow me to maintain strong and meaningful client relationships. I make sure to be a loyal asset to my community; including active involvement in the county PTA and local PTA. My involvement within the community and with my clients allows people to actively learn about my history and contributions. We also make sure to keep up with our social media, guaranteeing all information is up to date.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindfulplaylearning.com/
• Instagram: @mindfulplaylearning
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulplaylearning
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindful-play-learning

Image Credits
Amanda Murphy