Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Green.
Hi Erica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a teacher by trade, having spent 14 years in the classroom. And then, Covid hit. At the time, I had a third grader and kindergartener. I knew I could not go back to teaching, and try to help my kiddos with online classes as well. So I started a small online party business, creating favors, banners, Elf Kits and other decorations.
About a year and a half ago, my daughter went to a tent sleepover party and wanted the same thing for her birthday. As I started looking for companies and getting quotes, I realized there were not any sleepover tent rental businesses in south Austin. I decided to try and do it myself for my daughter’s birthday. So I joke that it’s the business that found me!
I posted a few of the things I was creating and making online. Within days, I had friends reaching out for details, and asking who I was using. And as they say, the rest is history. I saw a need for this service in the south Austin area, and I went for it! I service the entire Austin area, but specialize in the south Austin area.
I currently offer 15 party themes, and I’m continuing to build my repertoire of parties. I’m always open to creating a custom party theme as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with most things, there was a learning curve. I sort of just jumped right in, and have been learning on the fly! I’ve tried to be as open, responsive and flexible as possible. In many ways, I feel like I’m still learning and growing. I love the creative side, designing and creating new themes.
My struggle has been the business side. I jumped in without a business plan or much thought for a business model. It’s been a big learning curve for me as far as owning and running a small business. It is one area I’ve really tried to focus on for personal growth this year. I’m also working on improving my technology skills – website design, social media marketing, etc. I do it all!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is South Austin Sleepover Tents. We transform an ordinary sleepover into a magical experience. Our sleepover tents are perfect for birthday celebrations, a special occasion, holidays, a weekend with your girlfriends or just because. Our tents and services eliminate the stress and hassle of a sleepover for parents.
We are a full service tent sleepover company. We deliver, set up and style, and pick up the sleepover tents from your location. My most popular tent rentals are the Swiftie Par-Tay, Wicked and Tiffany’s. I also offer themed tents for various holidays – Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and July 4th.
We pride ourselves in offering the best customer service, and making each sleepover experience stress free for parents and magical for the kids!
We are unique because we offer several enhancements to our sleepover experience. Guests can add a Cookies and Milk package for late night snacking, or a Bed and Breakfast package that includes breakfast the morning after a sleepover. We also offer a variety of personalized party favors, including painting cards, bead kits and sleepover kits.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to be flexible. Each party and customer is different and unique so it’s important that I’m able to adapt to every situation. I want each party to be magical for the kiddos and hassle free for the parents so my flexibility is key.
Working parents are busier than ever, but still want to create a unique and memorable experience for their children. We help busy parents host the party their child will cherish and remember for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southaustinsleepovertents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southaustinsleepovertents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southaustinsleepovertents/
