Houston, We Have a Founder: A Chat with Ria

We thought our first blog should tell you a little more about the person behind Little NASA. You've already read the About Us page, but we're a nosy bunch... and we're guessing you might be too. So, here we are!

1.      Let's start with the obvious one... why on earth did you decide to open a soft play?

Mostly covered in the About Us. But I guess the main reason is I've always been passionate about creating mutually beneficial businesses. I wanted a safe space as a new mum and I couldn't find it, so I decided to create it instead.

2.      Was there a particular moment when you thought, "I'm actually going to do this"?

I'd wanted to do this since 2022, but recent events made me think... why not? My family are incredibly protective of me and only ever want what's best. By the time I'd reached version six of my business plan, I'd finally convinced them all, so it was time to get ready for launch. Yes, I'm cheesy, and no... I won't be changing!

3.      You often say Little NASA is about much more than soft play. What do you mean by that?

Umm… I think Little NASA has become my safe space, alongside my family, during some really difficult times. If it's helped me, why can't it become that place for other parents and guardians too?

I'd also love to work alongside charities, midwives, family mediators, solicitors, local businesses and the local council to see how we can support one another.

4.      You've been very open about the challenges you've faced over the last couple of years. How have those experiences shaped Little NASA?

I’m in a unique position from my past lives, I have a lot of contacts and experience in lots of different sectors. I’ve ran successful businesses, I’ve had businesses fail, not everyone has an “Ian” (my dad) that they can call up to just listen to them and offer business advice. OR a “Mandy” (my mum) who'll drop everything just to let me vent until I find my own solution.

Also, I'm not doing this alone. We have Bethany too, and she's bringing her own experiences, perspective and expertise to Little NASA.

Bethany was there for me during one of the more overwhelming times after my youngest son was born. I honestly don't know what I'd have done without her. Her knowledge and experience in SEN education are invaluable, and she'll play a huge part in helping us make Little NASA a place where every family feels welcome and supported.

Those people have shaped me, and they've shaped Little NASA too. If we can build a place where families feel even half as supported as they've made me feel, I'll be incredibly proud.

5.      If you could change one thing about the way parents/guardians are supported today, what would it be?

That we're better educated about the support that's already available. I don’t mean financial with benefits etc, (which obviously is helpful) I mean actual support from doctors, charities, groups…

For example I only found out this week if you have a child with a medical condition that requires “more water” than the average house hold, you could potentially be put on a lower tariff? My mind was officially blown!

6.      Why did you choose a space theme?

My cousin is a rocket scientist! She’s chatted to me about her job on and off for years, she actually worked on the Mars rover… so, I just found it fascinating. Plus blue is my favourite colour 😉

7.      What are you most excited for children to experience?

The role play section, If I pull this off it could be so cool. If I don’t, then I’m going to go for the slide down from the café. AND if that doesn’t come off then the cakes… because I’m a comfort eater and I’ll need them to survive.

8.      What are you most excited for parents and carers to experience?

It would be naïve of me to think that we are going to get the community spirit I’m going for straight away BUT I am excited for the day it clicks. If there’s just one parent or guardian that reaches out and says I’m overwhelmed with this problem, can you help me… and we do help! We’ll have succeeded.

9.      You've mentioned working with local organisations and professionals. Why is that so important to you?

When I set up my first ever company in 2008 I said that my ethos was that every deal had to be mutually beneficial. If it didn’t work for the client then it should work for me. What's happened over the last couple of years; the greed, the animosity and, quite frankly, the stupidity, could easily have made me cynical.

It hasn’t, little Nasa can be a softplay but it could also contribute to the community that ultimately will fuel it.

10. Running a business while raising two young boys can't be easy! What's the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Urgh I’m cheesy but this question is the worst! My bestie Jody told me you’ll hit your breaking point and still some how find the energy to show up for your kids. She also was an advocate for me to take a massive step back before I burnt out, which I massively appreciated!

Mum guilt is real, you can’t possibly do everything but we can create boundaries to protect what we find is the priority…. Maybe, I don’t know I’m still learning and cant wait to chat with more parents and guardians about how they handle it!

11. What's one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m fluent in Italian, and speak a little Napolitano… cheeky.

12. Imagine it's a year after opening. What would make you sit back and think, "We've done it"?

Oh gosh, I really don’t know. Part of me wants to jump to the corporate side of “ when we are fully booked for a day”. The sentimental side of me says it’s the first time we actually help someone who’s feeling overwhelmed.

Maybe the feeling will come when we’ve got repeat customers, charities for all different needs coming in person to do talks on whatever people need. The mediation family room set up so separating families have a neutral environment that’s comfortable to talk about changes.

13. Finally... what would you say to someone who's thinking about visiting Little NASA for the very first time?

Pfft! From everything I’ve said above… That you don’t need to be in emotional turmoil to visit us haha! Come on in, enjoy yourselves, and if you need us, we're here. If you've got ideas or suggestions, we'd love to hear them. Let's build something brilliant together while letting the little astronauts explore.

💡 One extra question

14. If you could go back and speak to the version of yourself sitting in that café with a newborn and a toddler, what would you say to her?

“It’s time to live with the losses, and celebrate the wins”

God that was a bit too deep wasn’t it? Haha!

Disclaimer: Ria had no idea what questions were coming... or she'd probably have prepared better answers ;)