Special Education Teacher Turned Small Business Owner

Through the power of social media, I was lucky enough to cross paths with Nicole. A former special education teacher now small business owner of the newest indoor playground in Washougal, Washington. I first showed up at her place with books to share and I was there a week later with 2 of my kids to enjoy the fun!

Nicole has free coffee for parents, specific times of the day to watch the kids so parents can run some errands or do some work peacefully, and strives to make an inclusive place for all. Let's learn more about Nicole and her business, Little Otter's Play Cafe.

Kayla (me): Hi Nicole! I am so happy to see another indoor playground in the PNW. They are so necessary for so many families, especially during our winter weather. Can you give us a little background of who you are and how you decided to open Little Otter's Play Cafe?

Nicole: Of course! I’ve been a teacher professionally for over 10 years, but I’ve been working with children since I was 19! That’s back since 1999 in case you’re wondering! When my family moved here 4 years ago from Utah, the school system was much much different than what I was used to, and I just wanted something different for myself. I really fell in love with the communities in Camas and Washougal…the families, the kiddos…. and I always knew I wanted to create something involving children and families. I’ve had many ideas swirling around in my head for many many years, but the inspiration for Little Otters came when we visited a space outside of Nashville with my niece and nephew. My little nephew has down syndrome, and my sister is good about introducing him to so many new things and having him experience different places. They visit indoor play spaces and museums all the time. We checked out a place called Nido’s, and the vibe there was everything I wanted in whatever it was I would create someday. At this point I hadn’t been thinking seriously about anything, but this visit, and the time I spent talking with the sweet owner, Katrina took me down this rabbit hole that I clearly just never climbed back out of! I come home from that trip and wrote a 52 page business plan, researched everything I could about indoor play spaces, and cafes, profitable small businesses, and all the numbers to make this work in Camas or Washougal. And then everything else is a blur! 

I’ll never forget though…I was at a Camas First Friday, set up with sensory bins and some flyers, and during conversation with parents, one mom said, “Parenting is so lonely.” And she said it in this way that just broke my heart. From then on, my focus for Little Otters has always been the parents. That’s when I decided to offer free coffee, and my Drop ‘n Shop service. I even changed the esthetic of the front of the space to have a more “grown-up feel”. It’s easy to please a child….but being a parent is tough. I want Little Otters to be a space where parents feel less lonely…. where they can “find their raft”. Check out our website to find out what that means! {wink}

Kayla: I absolutely love how you came up with the name and all of the beautiful metaphors it comes with. Can you tell the readers more about your reasoning behind the name?

Nicole: The story behind the name….well for one, otters are the cutest things ever! But I chose otters because not only are they prevalent here in the PNW, but they also symbolize curiosity, playfulness, and social connection, all things we promote here at Little Otters. And if you want to dig a little deeper into their symbolism, they are also seen as an indicator species for a healthy ecosystem. Kinda cool, huh? I want to help create a healthy community here in the Camas/Washougal area.  

Kayla: I love that so much! Now as someone who has raised 3 kids and educated many more, what activities were you inspired to bring to your space?

Nicole: I love making art with the kiddos in The Den. That’s probably my favorite. The Den is

the little art studio in the back. During open play, I try to always  have a little art  project going on back there, and I usually try to go back there to help the kids and parents do it. And then of course, I love teaching my art classes. I’m enrolling for January really soon. And then, as far as toys, I love our Jungle Jumparoo! Kids have so much fun on that thing!

Kayla: You have so many amazing toys in your space. My kids had such a blast climbing and jumping and trying to swim in the sensory bin! Other than scheduling time to play, what other events do you have coming up?

Nicole: We have so many events coming up! Right now, we’re doing a “Find Your Raft” Clothing, Toy, and Food Drive. We’re collecting items from now until November 21st. And then the local elementary schools will be sending their families in need over to Little Otters to collect items and have a free session of play. When you donate, your name goes into a raffle for our “Beach Party in December” event on December 6th. We’re so excited about this! The playroom will be transformed into a beach theme and Santa will be here to hang out and play with all the kids. Families can register for that even on our website. There are 4 sessions that day to choose from. And lastly, enrollment starts for our 4-week art sessions that begin in January. Those are also online. I’m so excited to start teaching art again!

Kayla: So much fun! As a California girl, I am very excited to see how you turn your space into a beach party. Personally, I love sand not in my house and at other spaces. You are too kind to build a safe space for families and clean up after our messy kids! haha! Ok, last question, of course I have to ask, what are your favorite books, kids and adult books are welcomed!

Nicole: My favorite children’s book is King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood for two reasons. The first is because my boys made me read that book every single day of their childhood! They all loved it so much! So many memories! But I absolutely love the artwork. Each page has so much to look at, so much to hold your attention. And then every time we read it, there was always something new we discovered. I have great memories reading that book with my boys!

Kayla: Thank you so much Nicole for spending the time sharing your journey with us!

If anyone is interested in checking out Nicole's new business, click the link below! Maybe I will see you there! ENJOY :)

Little Otter's Play Cafe

Interviewed and written by Kayla Coburn

Founder of Bigfoot Books