Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Nevalainen
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Sisu Play Café began as a personal quest to fill a gap I experienced as a mother in our community. After becoming a stay-at-home mom following my son’s birth, I noticed a lack of intimate, sensory-friendly play spaces suitable for young children. My son, being sensory sensitive, often found large, noisy play areas overwhelming. This realization inspired me to create a warm and inviting environment tailored for our youngest community members. Drawing inspiration from the Finnish concept of “Sisu,” which embodies resilience and determination, I envisioned a space where children aged 0-6 could engage in imaginative play with high-quality wooden toys and unique climbing structures. Located in downtown River Falls, Sisu Play Café also offers a curated toy and gift shop, along with a grab-and-go snack café, providing a haven for both children and their caregivers. Our mission is to foster a sense of community, encouraging children to explore and caregivers to connect in a comfortable setting.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Embarking on the journey of creating Sisu Play Café has been both rewarding and challenging. While some aspects unfolded more smoothly than anticipated, others presented unforeseen obstacles. Initially, our space exceeded our needs and lacked the necessary safety features for young children. Recognizing this, we took proactive steps to revamp our play area, refine our retail offerings, and relocate across the street to a cozier venue at 113 N. Main St., River Falls, WI 54022, which better aligns with our vision and the needs of our community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sisu Play Cafe, I blend my background in retail management, merchandising, space design, psychology, and hospitality to create a unique, inviting environment for young children and their families. Our Scandinavian-inspired space is thoughtfully designed to be warm and welcoming, resembling a comfortable living room rather than a conventional play area. This approach sets us apart, offering a calm and engaging atmosphere that encourages creative play and connection.
Our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures that we remember our guests and build personal relationships with their children, fostering a strong sense of community. I’m particularly proud of the community we’re cultivating—a space where families can come together, and I can continuously learn and grow. This journey not only fulfills me personally but also serves as a living lesson to my son, demonstrating that with determination and passion, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Throughout this journey, I’ve realized the critical importance of balance. As a small business owner, I juggle numerous roles—social media manager, scheduler, inventory manager, class curator, and event planner—all while being a mother and caring for my family. This experience has taught me that perfection isn’t attainable in every aspect; instead, it’s about setting priorities and managing time effectively. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and parenthood more harmoniously. It’s far from perfect, but it’s perfect for us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.sisuplaycafe.com
- Instagram: @sisuplaycafe
- Facebook: @sisuplayroom
