Today we’d like to introduce you to Jolaine Otey.
Hi Jolaine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a new mom in 2021. I had worked through the pandemic as an emergency room nurse and was having a difficult time leaving the house with my young daughter. I had introduced sensory play to her to help develop skills. I then signed her up for a few local sensory classes to get us both out of the house. It became a passion for both of us. I loved developing new sensory trays for her and she loved exploring. I decided one day to sell some of the extra playdough jars I had made my daughter in a mom’s group. Otey Play was born.
It has now a business that sells ready to play kits as well as provides birthday parties and events services.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road.
I had a hard time saying no at first. I would undervalue myself and not take account how much of my time in my pricing. Leading to feeling burnt out and excess product I would not be able to reuse.
Learning small business finances has been hard. Taking into account all small purchases and necessary purchases, such as gloves, stickers, printer ink are all things that add up fast and took me by surprise!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Otey Play began as a ready to play sensory kit business. Focusing on playdough, rice bins and potion kits. That allow kids to have hand on play while reaping the benefits of sensory play.
We soon entered into the birthday party portion of our business. My goal has always been to bring accessible, fun, themed, engaging party entertainment to parents.
I want parents to know with Otey Play products and parties they are receiving thoughtfully, curated products created by a mom who has parents and kids in mind.
I pride myself on my local collaborations with other small businesses. That has helped build my recognition around North Jersey. From party favors, whole sale and events each of the small businesses I have partnered with has helped me grow and allowed me to learn from them. I am very passionate about supporting local small businesses and I’m grateful to those who have allowed Otey Play into their space.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe this industry will continue to grow. Families are continuing to see the benefits of adding sensory play into their daily routine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oteyplay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oteyplay?igsh=ZnFtYmoxMDd6aTVr&igsi=ZnFtYmoxMDd6aTVr&utm_source=qr
