Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Kennedy
Hi Emma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Emma Kennedy. After high school, I completed a year of service with AmeriCorps in Kansas City, where I discovered my love for event planning and building community. I graduated from UMSL in 2019 with a BA in Communications with a minor in Spanish. During college, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Spain and intern with Stray Rescue of St. Louis, focusing on communications, development, and marketing. That experience deepened my passion for the nonprofit sector, as well as my love for helping animals and fostering community.
When COVID-19 hit, events came to a halt, and finding a job in my field proved challenging. Eventually, I started working at a local veterinarian office where I spent nearly five years, beginning at the front desk and growing into the role of marketing manager. While I still loved working with animals, I felt something was missing. I longed to be part of something bigger—something that brought people together and strengthened communities.
In August 2023, Wild Sprouts opened under a prior owner. By June 2024, the business was struggling and the owner decided to sell. That’s when I took a leap of faith. I saw Wild Sprouts as an opportunity to grow a space that would be a safe and welcoming community for moms and kids alike. I turned my world upside down and dove in headfirst—and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Seven months later, Wild Sprouts is thriving! We’re building the community I always dreamed of, and I couldn’t be more proud.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth, and I’ve faced my share of challenges. For one, I had no clue how to run a business. The first month was a whirlwind as I navigated redoing all the paperwork, revamping the website, and relaunching social media. While I had no idea what I was doing, I was excited! Then came the bigger question: would people even show up? I had to think creatively to bring in customers.
I leaned on everything I’d learned in school and from previous jobs, applying it all as I went. I embraced the “fake it till you make it” mentality, and after just a few months, Wild Sprouts has reached a stable and thriving place.
Today, I’m so proud of the community we’re building at Wild Sprouts—a safe, welcoming space for moms and kids alike. The journey has been far from easy, but it’s been worth every struggle.
We’ve been impressed with Wild Sprouts Play Place and Event Center, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wild Sprouts is an indoor playplace and event center designed for children ages 0-6. We focus on nurturing cognitive, emotional, and social growth through dramatic play and interactive activities. From cooking and farming to climbing and exploring, there’s something for every child to discover! Play is essential to a child’s development, and we’ve created a space where they can learn and grow while having fun.
To keep things as accessible as possible for parents, we offer affordable options for open play, including discounts for multiple children, punch cards, and memberships.
On the event side, we host unforgettable birthday parties and a variety of themed events, such as character meet-and-greets, craft nights, movie nights, pamper parties, and more!
My true passion lies in building a supportive community for moms. To foster this, I’ve partnered with a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in maternal mental health to host a bimonthly Mom Circle. These sessions provide a space for moms to share their experiences and connect with one another, guided by the expertise of an LPC—all while their children enjoy a safe and engaging place to play.
We also collaborate with local mom groups to host playdates and recently added a women’s self-defense class to our schedule.
I am most proud of the incredible community that has grown from our regulars. Many of the families who have come to play have become close friends with each other—and with me. I never expected to meet so many amazing people and build not only a true support system for the business but also some very special friendships for myself.
Wild Sprouts is more than just a playplace; it’s a thriving community where children can flourish, and moms can find connection and support.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was curious and imaginative, always eager to learn and explore new things. I valued friendships and loved finding ways to make people laugh or feel included. Overall, I was someone who thrived on discovering the world around me and finding joy in the little things.
Pricing:
- Open Play: $12 first child, $10 additional siblings
- Birthday Parties: start at $299
- Memberships: 1 child $35/month, 2 children $45/month, 3+ children $55/month
- Punch Cards: 5 vists $50, 10 visits $95
- Events: Vary by event, typically $15-25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wildsproutsplayplace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildsproutsplayplace/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090695032981
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wild-sprouts-saint-charles
- Other: https://linktr.ee/wildsprouts
