What’s it really like to buy an existing play café instead of starting from scratch?In this candid conversation, I sit down with Kaylinn from Kay’s Play Days — former owner of Monkey Around Play Café and now floor manager at Wise Wonders Children’s Museum — to talk through the real behind-the-scenes of purchasing, running, and ultimately closing a play space.Watch on YouTube instead: https://youtu.be/FV7nwc-nBZAShe shares what she wishes she had verified before buying, lessons around finances and leases, and the operational realities that don’t always show up in a business plan. We also talk about the personal side of ownership — how the long hours and stress impacted her family — and why stepping into a museum leadership role has given her more balance without leaving the industry she loves.If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply questioning whether ownership is right for you, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and practical lessons you can apply immediately.We Cover:• Buying vs. starting from scratch• Due diligence and financial transparency• Lease and landlord challenges• Hidden operational realities of ownership• Why she’d skip bounce houses next time• Simple ways to empower your team• Creative staffing partnerships• The personal and family impact of ownership• Pivoting into a museum leadership roleConnect with KaylinnFollow @kaysplaydays on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and FacebookReady to Open Your Own Play Café?Get the complete step-by-step blueprint inside Play Café Academy + a free month of Play Maker Society.Start here!More Resources:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS