Samantha Schaub Photography
If you’ve lived in Katy for a while and have kids, you have likely heard of Hooray Indoor Playground, but did you know it’s a Mama behind the business? Anam, a mama of 2 boys, was new to the United States and wanted to create a business where she could have fun with her family and play a positive role in the community – so Hooray was born! Hooray is an indoor playground with a jungle gym, toddler play, ball blasters, interactive gaming floor, and ball bucket drop! Our kids love it! We have spent many hours at Hooray before learning about the Mama behind the business! They host birthday parties and special events as well. Their themed birthday parties (see pics at the end of the interview) really set them apart from other play facilities in the area. AND, Elsa is coming for a meet and great on the 29th!
We sat down with Anam to talk mom-life and more about Hooray and her inspiration behind her business. We loved learning more about this mama, her passion for her business, and bringing joy to Katy families!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Houston area?
Born and raised in the Middle East. Immigrated to the US in 2011.
How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
Two highly energetic boys, 6 and 3.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
Dealing with the endless cycle of laundry.
Best mom hack that makes life easier?
Weekly meal prep and grocery delivery help find me extra time to spend with my kids.
We’re big on self-care for moms, as hard as it is to find the time, what’s something you do just or yourself?
I spend about an hour at the gym everyday. That is my time, its guilt free and refreshing.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I love snow and cold weather.
When did you open the doors to Hooray Indoor Playground?
December of 2017
What was the inspiration behind starting your own business, and what made you decide to open an indoor play facility for kids?
My father inspired me to be entrepreneur. Growing up I saw how he was able to share his success as a businessman with the community; I am trying to follow his footsteps. As I was starting my family in the US, I wanted to provide my kids with a safe and fun environment. This idea took root and soon transformed into a business model. I knew Hooray was the business for me where I can have fun with my kids while playing a positive role in the community.
Samantha Schaub Photography
Why did you choose Katy as the location for your business?
As a woman owned business for kids, I wanted to select the safest possible environment. I have found Katy community to have strong family values and great sense of local pride. On the business side, Katy has a wide range of young families that are looking to create memories with their children.
For anyone that has not been to Hooray, what can a family expect when they come? What activities and events do you offer?
Our main attractions such as the jungle gym, toddler play, ball blasters, interactive gaming floor, and ball bucket drop. Our party setup is what really steals the show with fun colors and unique themes. We have meet and greet events, dance along, and book reading events all year round. Many more activities will be introduced in the near future.
What makes Hooray unique in comparison to other play facilities for kids?
What really sets apart from the other places is the cozy atmosphere. The facility is designed for kids to have unlimited fun while parents can relax with coffee and free WiFi. Our patrons have told us that when compared to other kid’s places we are much cleaner and safer. Our custom themed birthday parties are meant to be hassle-free setup for the parents.
What did you do before starting your business?
I was busy being a homemaker as I was settling down in the US.
How do you balance being a mama and a business owner?
It’s a juggling act daily. Following a morning routine and prioritizing task everyday maintains a good balance.
Samantha Schaub Photography
Do you ever feel the dreaded mom guilt? If so, how do you deal?
Yes! A lot! But knowing that my boys are watching me work hard everyday gives me the motivation to keep going. When all else fails, a trip to Target and Ice cream with the kids solves most problems.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
My Mother, the strongest woman I know has taught me to be compassionate and loving. Without her I would not know how to reach my true potential. She always makes time for her kids and family, I aspire to be a mother like her everyday.
When parenting gets hard, what’s something you tell yourself that gets you through?
- If parenting isn’t hard we aren’t doing it right.
- Good parents fight for and sometimes with their kids.
Any special deals or events Katy moms be on the look out for?
We have special events and deals going on all the time. We do group deals, play dates, field trips, and spirit nights for discounted rates.
Upcoming events:
- Meet and Greet with Elsa on November 29th 5pm – 6pm
- Milk and Cookies with Santa Mickey and Minnie on December 19th 5pm – 6pm
Elsa’s coming!: https://www.facebook.com/events/2422883264619560/?ti=icl
Check out Hooray’s website and follow along with them on social media:
Website: www.hoorayplayground.com
Facebook: @HoorayPlayground
Hooray’s themed birthday parties are so fun!!
