ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As soft play has become a growing trend to help support children’s physical development, one woman who is working hard and playing harder to help support families across New York state.
Starting her company, Petite Party Co., just over a year ago, Annie Majoka and her husband have been pioneers bringing soft play parties across upstate New York.
“What’s it like working with the husband?” Majoka said. “I mean, yes, he says amazing. I agree. It’s nice having support. I started putting things together in the house and I was like, you know, this could be like a little playground. I researched, found out more about it, and realized Rochester didn’t have many options here. So, we are one of the founding businesses.”
Gaining inspiration from her own children, she wanted celebrations to be inclusive for everyone.
“Sometimes kids are not able to go to the bigger venues,” Majoka said. “Some may have sensory issues, some may have motor issues. So, me bringing the space to them, it’s pretty much saying, ‘Hey, this is your own area. You got to play. You get to be a kid.’ I really pride myself on having my kids as my inspiration for this business. My kids are my inspiration. Every child deserves to feel included, loved and celebrated.”
She’s meeting families where they are and designing a custom party for kids of all abilities.
“In Rochester, we are blessed because we have the Strong Museum of Play,” Majoka said. “We have a lot of playgrounds. So, there is opportunities for the parents to go and experience play. But sometimes even just bringing this play to the house and meeting them where they are at is something different and new.”
They are enjoying both the work and “soft play” of it all.
“They say, ‘Oh I bought it on Amazon, or I have soft play equipment at home,’ but when you look at those materials and you look at those items, they’re not the same as the commercial grade,” Majoka said. “All this equipment is made sure to be nice and safe for the kids. It’s a play area that uses soft commercial-grade equipment that the children can then climb over. They can play on, they can use up all their energy and they can do it in a safe area. So it doesn’t hurt that. So if they were to tumble, you have soft mats. And in essence, really, they’re using their skills because they have to use all their motor skills and because then they’re meeting on their kids, they’re playing with them, they’re sharing the blocks, they’re going through the tunnels, they’re sliding down. So I definitely wanted this to be for every kid. So different kinds of different abilities, being able to use the space, being able to not feel like they are not able to go and use it.”
And although the birthday girl might not remember her first birthday party, Majoka says being part of a family’s core memories is the best present she can give.
“They’re not going to remember what the parents really are going to remember how the setup was and how the baby felt,” Majoka said. “And I think that’s great. Childhood is magical and I pour my heart into creating different experiences that bring joy and lasting memories for families.”
Petite Party Co. has been able to support at least 50 parties across upstate New York. Its services range for all ages and celebrations, even donating to causes and fundraisers back to the community that helps support Majoka’s business. The company will feature its next setup for free on June 14 at Miracle Field and June 20 at Rochester’s College Town Carnival.