When Your Dream Turns Into… Well, Reality

Yes… I’m another mum who bought a soft play business.

But honestly, it was never just about soft play. I had huge plans for my brand “Raising Thriving Kids.” I wanted mothers groups, mum parties, baby playtime sessions (not allowed to call it “baby sensory,” because yep, trademarked), playgroups for older kiddos,

you name it, I dreamed it. My brain being the creative beast that it is, I just went hardcore on the possibilities.

I could picture it all so clearly: balloons, bubbles, music, mums making friends, little ones giggling while crawling over rainbow foam shapes. It felt like magic. And in a way, it was.

The thing is… just because you think it’s a good idea, doesn’t mean people will buy it. Especially not in this economy.

I remember one night chatting with my husband.

Me: “I think this could be it. This could be my thing. Look at all the ideas I’ve got: baby playtime, sensory fun, mum parties, I can run this whole empire!”

Him: “It sounds amazing… but are you sure people will pay for it?”

Me: “Of course they will. Look at the joy it brings. People need this.”

(…Fast forward a few months and he was the one reminding me, gently, that maybe flogging myself on social media just to get a handful of ticket sales wasn’t really the dream after all.)

Here’s the truth:

Was it worth the grind? Not really.

Did I take for granted my steady, well-paying job as a teacher? Absolutely.

Would I have been happy if I didn’t try? No way.

Because in the depths of depression, this little business gave me something to wake up for. It gave me my spark back. They say the brain needs a project so it doesn’t turn on itself and I couldn’t agree more.

And honestly, I’m proud I saw reason quickly. Being a small business owner is huge. I really take my hat off to anyone who can make it work. But I’ve realised: I don’t actually want to sell. I want to share. I want to have fun on TikTok, shine a light on other small businesses, and enjoy the security of teaching.

The best part? I got to spend more time with my little one while she’s still small. I made amazing friends through the experience. And I proved to myself that I was brave enough to try.

So if there’s one lesson in all this, it’s this:

Dreams are beautiful but know when to stop. A dream doesn’t have to become a business to change your life.