From personal organizing to public relations careers, these Portland mamas prove that although running a business and raising kids is no easy feat, it’s totally worth it. We asked these eight enterprising entrepreneurs eight questions and got nothing but inspirational answers back. Click through our album to meet these fascinating women.

Kelley Peake: PLAY Boutique

Share with us a little about your family.

PB is a family Business for sure! With my husband, Tony of 16 years, we are blessed to have Kennedy 13y, Ella 10y, and Brooklyn 5y. They all help whenever the need arises. From helping with crafts, dancing with little ones, or taking out the garbage, I am so proud to have my family be part of this adventure and as we grow with it over the past 9 years.

What neighborhood/suburb do you live in?

We have lived in Lake Oswego for 15 years have raised our 3 beautiful daughters in our amazing neighborhood. Our quintessential street is one you dream of. Our girls walk and ride their bikes everywhere with friends, we walk our wagon to our easement to take the boat out on the lake and friends are seen daily when walking our dog Gino.

Please give a description of your job/business … as you would describe it to a friend.

I am the cultivator of an innovative lifestyle brand that offers opportunities for children to learn, parents to connect, and families to find balance. A teacher, barista, and party planner. But most importantly a team motivator to the best team any entrepreneur could have.

How long have you had this position, and what did you do previously?

Before launching PLAY Boutique 9 years ago, I led the New Business Development initiatives for KinderCare Learning Centers, a billion dollar corporation. I was responsible for generating strategic business plans for growth of new channel development within the Education marketplace. I was a part of creating unique business opportunities for and worked with quality educational companies that include, Hooked on Phonics, Lego, Scholastic, Leap Frog, Kindermusik, Computer Tots, Kinderdance, Early Advantage, Disney, and others.

Please describe one personal accomplishment that you are proud of.

My three wonderful daughters. I am so thankful everyday for the chaos, ever messy car, absent mindedness, and all that goes with trying to balance life and work. Being there for the little things that happen during carpool, after school snack time, and many firsts has pushed me to continue to build a model that will provide other parents the same opportunity to stay connected with their families, even in the midst of controlled chaos.

Please describe one professional accomplishment that you are proud of.

Creating a brand new concept that now other entrepreneurs see value in and emulate. PLAY Boutique was the first fun, modern space providing creative moments that inspire and enrich the lives of families while cultivating a strong sense of community. Unlike most family destinations, PLAY Boutique is designed for both children AND their parents, we make life easier for busy families, create fun memories for kids, and lots of opportunities for parents to connect.

What is your favorite thing(s) to do with your kid(s)?

We love being outside and feel very fortunate about living in Oregon. Walking to our easement on Lake Oswego to picnic and swim with friends, riding our bikes, hiking the beautiful parks, and visiting the stunning mountains.

Any tips on work/life balance. (In other words, how do you DO it?)

Balance is not about doing multiple things at the same time. Balance is about giving yourself the freedom to let go of the guilt when certain areas of your life feel like they are failing. Some days... work will win and your kids will lose... other days... your kids will win and work will lose... most days your marriage will take a back seat... and pretty much every day... your own needs are neglected. Balance is when you let yourself be OKAY with all this and know, that just because some things fail some days, you are never a failure! That is how I see balance and make it through my days.

PLAY Boutique
464 1st St.
Lake Oswego
503-675-5729

12345 SW Horizon Blvd.
Beaverton
503-352-5202
Online: playboutique.com

Who’s your favorite momtrepreneur?  Let us know in the comments below!

–Suzie Ridgway

Advertisement
phone-icon-vector
Your daily dose of joy and connection
Get the Tinybeans app