Local Spotlight: Meet Alexia Kelsey from The Play Group

We are excited to introduce you to local mom Alexia Kelsey, owner of The Play Group.

Tell us all about you and what inspired you to start your business.

I have worn many hats over the years, but most recently, I co-owned the boutique floral design studio Kindred Blooms with my sister for over a decade. Having small children can make working in the wedding industry a real challenge, and as my oldest entered elementary school, I quickly realized it would not work with our lives anymore. As a mom and long-time entrepreneur, I saw a need for a space for parents of young children to connect and an engaging and beautiful facility for children to play. The Play Group was born from the idea that meeting other parents and making meaningful connections are equally challenging(especially in Minnesota). I wanted to take the awkwardness out of these introductions and give people a safe space to talk about the challenges and joys of parenting. Having strong relationships with other parents during the early years of becoming a mother was so important for me. I want so badly to give other people that same community and know that The Play Group will be just that!

Could you tell us all about your business? What can families expect?

I did a ton of research to design a Montessori-inspired space to nurture open-ended play. Somewhere that honed in on the developmental needs of babies and toddlers. Play equipment and toys will be switched out for each group, to foster age-appropriate play and routine sanitization. There are so many amazing indoor play areas in the Twin Cities, most of which are designed for school-aged children, with very little geared towards those younger ages. Parents will meet in a class format in 12-week sessions with parents of children the same age as their own. Classes will be led by moderators to facilitate conversations on different parenting topics each week. Offering early morning through evening classes to accommodate the schedules of both stay-at-home and working caretakers. We will also be offering open play by reservation on the weekends.

What do you love about the Twin Cities? Why is this a great community for local small businesses?

The Twin Cities is an amazing area for a small business owner. After working in the wedding industry, I can truly say we are a big city(s) with a small town feel. Everyone has been so supportive and truly wants to see other people’s businesses succeed. I have about a million ways I see to collaborate with other businesses, and I cannot wait to see what we can do together!

What is the best way for the Minnesota Parent community to support The Play Group?

Become a member of The Play Group! There are so many perks to having a membership here: the community, amenities for parents, and gorgeous play space for littles. We want to bring people out from behind their screens and create real-deal connections, share resources, and create lasting relationships.

How does your business inspire parents and their children?

My hope has always been that this is a safe place for both the parent and child alike. A space where you can unload your fears and doubts about the tough job of being a parent, and surround yourself with people who can both normalize and validate that experience. As far as the children are concerned, sourcing a variety of play things to expand their brains and encourage independent play at each stage has been at the forefront of this concept—simple and high-quality play equipment with an emphasis on a Montessori style approach.

Tell us about you! Your family, why you love being a parent. What brings you joy?

Being a mother has forever changed me. Watching my husband become a father also altered our relationship in a way I hope to never take for granted. Our two girls (ages 2 and 7) have been the most challenging and rewarding job I have ever held. They teach me more about who I am daily, and I hope to provide them with the love and encouragement to become the best versions of themselves. My greatest joy is watching them learn new things. Every skill and piece of knowledge they acquire inches them closer to the person they will become. It is an absolute gift to be able to help them on that journey.

Tell us about your favorite places to go with your kids—restaurants, road trips, parks, etc.

I love getting out of the house with my kids. One of our favorite things is visiting the Minnesota Zoo(huge bird show fans). We love the Minnesota Children’s Museum and the amazing parks run by the Three River Park District(French Park and Elm Creek are faves). We will never turn down a trip to a splash pad, and we love all the free ones run by the Minneapolis Parks and Rec facilities. I have to say the Blue Plate restaurants have some of the best kid’s menus in the state. We love The Lowry and Longfellow Grille, to name a couple. They’re also always pretty loud and busy, so you don’t feel judged with a screaming toddler.