Small Business Saturday: Stomping Grounds | Katy Moms

 

Missy & Tom Meyer, owners of Stomping Grounds in Katy, TX

 
Just a little over three years ago, Missy Meyer was a stay at home mama focusing on taking care of her family, never dreaming she’d be a business owner.
However, the idea for her business was born out of the mouths of stay at home/work from home moms in the Katy area.  Every time Missy tried to plan a play date with her fellow mom friends, the conversation was the same: “There is nowhere we want to go as much as the kids!” After visiting an indoor playground that offered coffee, Missy knew just what Katy needed, and her husband, Tom, agreed. The Meyers dreamed of a place where parents could get a quality cup of coffee, some food, and relax (or get work done) while their children played safely.
With their love of entertaining at home, the Meyers set out to create an experience where both adults and children enjoyed themselves and wanted to return again and again.  They had enough of overcrowded party rooms, and lack of comfortable seating for parents, so Stomping Grounds aimed to alleviate all of that in the initial design phase. The cafe offers bar and lounge seating areas designed with adults in mind.  There is an additional lounge area for older kiddos to relax, and a separate toddler play area. In addition, Missy’s husband has added TV’s above the coffee bar for his fellow sports fans.

The menu at Stomping Grounds is simple, straight to the point, and delicious:  coffee shop fare, delicious Illy coffee selections, smoothies, and the friendliest service around.
After finding just the right space and opening their doors just over a year ago, Stomping Grounds is also able to offer private rooms for birthday parties, baby showers, and meetings of all types!
We got to talk to the inspiring, hard-working mama behind it all about her journey in motherhood, her future plans for her growing business, and why Katy is a pretty magical place to have both a family and a small business!
 

Read our interview with her below:

 

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Katy?

I am originally from Houston proper, and moved to Katy six years ago.

How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?

Lexington Joyce, our little fashionista, is 6 and Davis William, our comedian and resident heartbreaker, is 18 months old.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…

My previous career was as a social worker. I have run both domestic violence and homeless shelters. My passion has always been to help children and families in need.

Favorite local things to do in Katy?

My family really enjoys activities at our church, and being outdoors together. Supporting other local businesses is very important to me.

What’s your favorite thing about Katy and why did you choose to raise your family here?

My favorite thing about Katy is that it really is a small town at heart. I chose to raise my family here to be close to my sister and parents. We all live within 5 minutes of each other.

Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant in the area?

Stomping Grounds 😉 If we aren’t there, we really love Local Table and Antonia’s. The food and service at both are impeccable!

What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?

I love, love, love massages and pedicures! Relaxation is the best medicine.
 

 
 

Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?

My family is thoroughly amused by my “bath bucket” (Wash Pod). I swear by it. When I was pregnant with our first child, a friend recommended it. She was so right! It is soothing for babies, and meant to make them feel like they are back in the womb. If you ever have a gassy or fussy baby on our hands, get you a bucket!

Best mom hack?

I married a man that is an AMAZING father! Life is so much easier knowing I have a partner. On any given day we split our time between work, kids, dishes and diapers. I could not run my own business without someone that is willing to jump in wherever he’s needed.

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

Small business owners in Katy are incredible. When we were first getting started, we had so many people reach out and welcome us. It is an amazing feeling to be part of such a strong community.

What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business?

Do what you can when you can. There are days I have it all figured out, and days I’m barely keeping my head above water. As long as I have told my family I love them, and done the best I can that has to be enough.

Who most influenced you to be the mom you are?

My mother. She taught me everything about selflessness. She stayed home with us when I was small, and worked as we got older. I appreciate having an example of both. My mom always made time for my sports, school, and fun extra stuff. She always made sure everyone was taken care of before she got to what she needed to do for herself. I find myself doing things all the time and thinking “I guess this is how Mom felt.” I am so lucky to live close enough to her that my kids get to grow up with her and my dad as well.

What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?

It isn’t as scary as you think. Becoming a mom terrified me. I did not have dreams of having ten kids growing up like some women do. I honestly wasn’t sure I really wanted kids until I held my daughter for the first time. Then I knew in an instant that I would be an amazing mom simply because I would never let her down.

When did you start Stomping Grounds?

We started working on this project in February 2016, and opened the doors to Stomping Grounds in March 2018.

What was the inspiration behind starting your business?

At the time I was staying at home with our daughter, and there were plenty of places for her to play. I wanted somewhere I could relax and enjoy my friends as well. Our concept was born out of that need. I like to tell people we built this business for ourselves, and just invited everyone to join us.
 

 

Tell us a little bit about Stomping Grounds!

Stomping Grounds is Katy’s first parent-centered indoor playground. We serve gourmet Illy coffee as well as yummy breakfast and lunch items. We host birthday parties, play dates, and provide meeting spaces for different groups.

Name one thing that makes you unique in your space or industry?

We definitely see ourselves as a high end cafe. We are both a serious coffee shop and a seriously fun play place for children.
 

 

What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner in Katy?

The absolute best thing about being a business owner in Katy, is the wonderful people we get to meet. Katy is still a small town at heart, and we love getting to know our regulars as well as other small business owners.

How has the Katy area community had an impact on your business?

Our community is rich in family values. That emphasis on family time has truly shaped the way we provide our services.

What’s one thing you’d like to go back and tell the you before you were a business owner?

I would tell myself that nothing in life can prepare you for this, and that is OK “Just keep swimming.”

Advice for anyone wanting to start their own business?

Do it, and don’t be afraid to do it YOUR way. People still walk in and say “what exactly is this place?” Once we explain, we are often met with, “this is genius!”

When things get hard, what’s one thing you tell yourself to keep going when running a business?

“My children are watching.” We teach our children that giving up is never an option. I have to live that example.

Future plans for your business?

We are rapidly growing, and would love to open other locations in the future. With the help of our outstanding staff, we see this as a definite possibility.

Any special, sales, or deals our Katy Moms can look out for?

September 29th is National Coffee Day. We are celebrating by offering 50% off all coffee orders.
Also, be on the lookout for our Pictures with Santa Packages coming soon. We are so excited for our first Christmas in Katy!
For more information on Stomping Grounds visit their website
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

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