Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamean Flowers
Hi Jamean , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Kidz Play was born in 2018 in Georgia when my daughter was 2 years old and I first heard the words “your daughter has autism level 1 with a speech delay.” I myself, was dumbfounded, I didn’t know a soul with Autism, nor even knew what that meant. I took my daughter, who was nonverbal at the time, and took her straight to her doctor and said, “What now?” Speech started, and they told me to work with her at home, I had no idea what to work on, so I made flash cards out of printer paper, and notecards. She and I learned a lot through crafts, so I created a business, for her. Crafting has made it so that we can speak without words. Jayla is now 8 years old, and I have always pushed her to open up and be herself, despite what her diagnosis may say! Jayla actually graduated from speech last year, won 7 awards for different skills, and she is now a proud business & personal inspiration. Jayla doesn’t let her diagnosis define her, and we have created Kidz Play to ensure Jayla has a future in the space that gave her the feeling of safety which in return allowed her to grow through crafting.
One of the most common misconceptions people have about Autism is that every case looks the same. Jayla is sensory sensitive to noises, soft furs, and some food textures, where her friend who is also on the spectrum has sensory sensitivity to light, and crunchy textures. Another misconception is that kids with Autism don’t want or need people around them, or they don’t want to participate in parties or social gatherings. Which I can tell you is FAR from the case; they need accommodations and we at Kidz Play figured it out. We talk to each parent one on one, and we plant a party based on each child with the sensory sensitivity. The best thing about sensory sensitivity parties is you don’t have to have sensory sensitivities to enjoy them! I am not a doctor; however, through much trial and error I have noticed a positive change in behavior after working with each child.
Since 2018 in Georgia, we have brought Kidz Play to St. Louis this summer of 2024!
At Kidz play we craft to heal and explore imaginations in safe spaces, regardless of what they child is going through, or even if it’s just creating a positive memory, we work to make sure whatever adolescent we come across we leave a positive experience. We have over 25 party crafts to choose from, fueling their passion for fashion design, STEM, service industries, and the arts.
Kidz Play is a business for everyone no matter the circumstance or the diagnosis!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, Kidz Play was born out of hurt and uncertainty over my daughter’s diagnosis. Also, the trails and errors over the years have been tough, figuring out her triggers and realizing what to do about them. However, we have overcome, and now we can share our findings with the world. Will we always get it right? No! However, we are humble enough to learn.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What do we do? At Kidz Play Mobile Crafts and Events we do party activities for children up to 21 years old. We have over 25 parties to choose from & we have party rentals, party in a box, custom sensory sensitivity parties, & balloon decor.
We specialize in sensory sensitivity parties for children with sensory sensitivities, ASD, or any disability we will help make them feel special on their party day!
What are you known for? For having the most party activities for children/teens in STL. Also, for helping those with disabilities through crafting.
What am I the most proud of? That my daughter, who has autism, gets to help me run a business doing the same activities that helped her grow.
What sets me apart from others? Well, I work HARD, I am not too good to do anything, and I have the grit needed to succeed through all the triumph I have had to overcome. I will DM you, I will walk up to you, I want to succeed!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was always interested in the arts; I was a dancer and gymnast.
Dancing and gymnastics were what I did but my true passion is and always will be a tossup between event planning, fashion and interior design. See why I have so many parties to choose from? I cannot choose one!
Personality wise, I am loud, honest, spicy, positive, witty, and a self-proclaimed life of the party.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kidzplaystl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidzplaystl/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kidz%20play%20stl%20
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidzplaystl
