Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Schraufnagel.
Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to helping others, which naturally led me into a career in health care. Supporting people in meaningful ways has always fulfilled me, but I also have a creative side that never quite felt satisfied in my day-to-day work. That led me to search for ways to satisfy that desire in other areas.
About ten years ago, I picked up some power tools and started building furniture as a hobby. It gave me a much-needed creative outlet and let me work with my hands. But after having my two daughters, I noticed my passion shifting. I began finding more joy in crafting experiences than in building physical things. Watching their eyes light up as they experienced something for the first time was the kind of magic I wanted to chase. I realized I wanted to help other families create those same glowing moments.
When I discovered the sleepover party business model, something just clicked. I loved the idea of creating themed setups that bring joy to children while taking the stress off parents. A party that magically appears and disappears felt like the perfect combination of fun and convenience.
I launched Dream Away Soirée in March of 2025 with the goal of helping families create core memories their kids will carry with them for years to come. I’m still at the beginning of this journey, but my hope is to bring something truly valuable to my community. Through joyful setups and stress-free party tips, I want to make it easier for families to connect, celebrate, and make magic together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think that’s uncommon when starting something from the ground up, especially without a business background. I never took business classes, so there’s been a steep learning curve when it comes to things like budgeting, pricing, and marketing. I’ve had to teach myself everything from CRMs to SEO, and I built my website myself while figuring it all out along the way.
On top of launching a business, I’ve continued working as a part-time program coordinator and raising two young daughters. Time is always tight, and balance is a constant work in progress. I’ve had to be incredibly intentional with every hour I spend on the business.
One of the most difficult parts has been marketing on social media. I try to keep things simple and stay true to my brand, but it can feel overwhelming to compete for attention online with all the ever-changing trends and algorithms. Getting found is tough when you’re introducing a new concept to a local market that might not be actively searching for it yet.
There are definitely days I feel like giving up, but I’ve put so much heart and hard work into this. I know this will be a successful business and I might just be a little early for my area. But I believe in the value of what I’m offering, and I’m committed to showing families how magical and stress-free celebrating at home can be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Dream Away Soirée is a sleepover party rental business that creates themed, magical sleepover experiences for kids, all with the goal of helping families create core memories together. I specialize in beautifully styled teepee setups that come with cozy bedding, themed decor, and thoughtful little touches that make the night feel truly special.
What makes me especially proud is that I’ve built this business to be both magical for kids and easy for parents. Whether a family chooses the DIY kit or the full-service setup, I want them to feel supported and stress-free from start to finish. I think parents are often the unsung heroes of parties, and I want to give them an experience where they can actually enjoy the celebration too.
What sets Dream Away Soirée apart is the level of care that goes into every detail. Not just in how it looks, but how it feels. I focus on creating moments that kids will remember, and I design each experience with a mix of creativity and comfort. I also offer optional add-ons like themed crafts, balloons, and invitations, which help families personalize their event even more without the overwhelm.
At the end of the day, I’m not just in the party business, I’m in the memory-making business. Helping families celebrate their kids in meaningful, joy-filled ways is what lights me up the most.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say a combination of persistence and genuine care.
Persistence has carried me through all the challenges that come with starting a business from scratch: learning things I’ve never done before, balancing a job and family, and continuing to show up even when growth feels slow. I’m determined to keep moving forward because I truly believe in the value of what I’m creating.
But just as important is how deeply I care. I’m not just trying to sell a party setup, I care about making sure families feel supported every step of the way. I know what it’s like to juggle all the planning and pressure that comes with celebrating kids, and I want my clients to feel seen and taken care of.
That’s why I put so much effort into creating helpful content through my blog, too. I share sleepover tips, party planning ideas, and stress-saving tricks because I want to be a resource, not just a rental. For me, success isn’t just about beautiful tents, it’s about helping families connect and create core memories without the overwhelm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreamawaysoiree.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamawaysoiree/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamawaysoiree/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dream-away-soirée/about/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dream-away-soirée-rochester
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/DreamAwaySoiree/
