Today we’d like to introduce you to Georganne Youngclaus.
Hi Georganne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey to creating mamas play was born from one of the most difficult seasons of my life. While I was 20 weeks pregnant with my son, I lost my father to suicide. Not long after welcoming him, I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety, which made me realize just how isolating motherhood can feel. I found myself searching for connection, support, and a place where both moms and children could truly belong but that space didn’t exist.
At the time, I had spent years building a career in marketing and public relations, but those experiences completely shifted my perspective. I realized I wanted to create something with a deeper purpose, something that would support families in a meaningful way.
That’s how mamas play came to life. It was never meant to be just an indoor play café. My vision was to create a welcoming community where children can play, learn, and explore while parents build friendships, find support, and know they’re not alone. Today, seeing families make memories, children gain confidence, and parents find their village is the most rewarding part of what I do, and it continues to inspire our mission every day.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
From the beginning, mamas play was built during a season of grief, postpartum struggles, and a lot of uncertainty. While I was pregnant with my son, I lost my father to suicide, and after becoming a mom, I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety. Those experiences were incredibly difficult, but they also became the reason I felt so passionate about creating a space where parents could find connection and support.
On the business side, there were plenty of challenges too—permit delays, construction setbacks, unexpected costs, and opening later than planned. As a first-time founder, I had to learn a lot in real time and wear many different hats.
But every obstacle reinforced why I started mamas play in the first place. Seeing families walk through the doors, watching parents find their village, and knowing that someone feels a little less alone because of this space has made every challenge worth it.
We’ve been impressed with mamas play, 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?
Mamas play is much more than an indoor play café, it’s a community built with intention. Our mission is to create a space where children can play, learn, and explore while parents find connection, support, and a sense of belonging.
We offer thoughtfully designed open play, enriching classes, storytimes, special events, birthday parties, and opportunities for families to gather and build meaningful relationships. Every detail of our space has been created with both children and parents in mind, making it a place where everyone feels welcome.
What sets mamas play apart is that community is at the heart of everything we do. We intentionally partner with local businesses, healthcare professionals, educators, and family-focused organizations to provide resources and experiences that support the whole family, not just the child. Whether it’s a developmental workshop, a parenting event, or a simple morning of play, our goal is to make every visit meaningful.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that mamas play has become a place where people genuinely feel seen, supported, and connected. We often hear parents say they found lifelong friendships here or that they finally found their village, and that’s exactly what I hoped to create.
More than anything, I want people to know that mamas play isn’t just a destination, it’s a community. We believe childhood should be filled with play, parents should never have to navigate the journey alone, and every family deserves a space where they can belong.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have everything figured out to take the first step. When I started mamas play, I didn’t have all the answers, I just had a vision and a deep belief that families needed a space where they could feel connected, supported, and seen.
I’ve also learned that resilience is built through the challenges you never expected. There were countless moments when things didn’t go as planned, but every obstacle taught me something valuable and helped shape both me and the business.
Most importantly, I’ve learned the power of community. None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, our incredible team, our local partners, and the families who have embraced mamas play. Asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s one of the greatest strengths you can have. That’s a lesson I carry with me every day, both as a business owner and as a mom.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies depending on the experience, event, or membership. We invite readers to visit www.mamasplay.com for our most up-to-date pricing, membership options, birthday party packages, and upcoming events.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamasplay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamasplaynj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556703505591
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mamasplaynj
