Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Riboni.
Hi Erika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2021, I had been with my full-time employer for four years and had just welcomed my second baby in 2020. My husband and I knew we wanted to invest our savings into a business, but we had no idea where to start. What we did know was that our full-time incomes were barely covering our expenses, and with our daughter’s birthday approaching, we felt the pressure to create something more for our family.
While planning her birthday party—the first one we’d host in our newly purchased home—I ran into a major problem: there was no entertainment option that fit my vision for the birthday girl. During my late-night research, I discovered the concept of soft play. At the time, our area only had one soft play company, and their prices were far out of our budget. So I stayed up researching how to create an affordable setup just for my daughter, never imagining it could turn into anything bigger.
But the idea kept growing. I knew I couldn’t take it on alone. My coworker Rocio and I worked in the same office and had become close, so one day I simply asked her, “Let’s be boss babes.” I showed her the soft play concept, and she immediately loved it. That very same day, we came up with our business name and ran with it.
We built our first setup from scratch. Three weeks later, we booked our first client. A few months after that, our single setup had turned into five. Today, we offer multiple color options and countless customizable setups far beyond anything I imagined when this all started as a simple idea for my daughter’s birthday.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, there have been so many moments when I wanted to quit. People see the pretty setups, but they don’t see the countless hours spent washing ball pit balls, re-rolling a heavy bounce house because it came out uneven, or the endless cleaning that comes with this business. In the beginning, Rocio and I would meet every evening after our full-time jobs and work another two to three hours just cleaning equipment. Eventually, it became too much for the two of us, and we had to hire help to keep up.
And then there’s the Texas heat. Setting up in the middle of a blazing summer is no joke I had no idea how physically demanding this business would be. Some weekends felt like a marathon, juggling kids’ sports, family commitments, and the promise we made to our clients.
In those early days, Rocio and I constantly leaned on each other. We would remind one another, “I know you’re tired, but when you get home, give your family 100 percent,” and “Keep going, we’ve got this.” The journey has been anything but easy. It’s been full of trial and error, but each challenge has taught us something and pushed us to grow stronger as business owners and as women.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At ABC Soft Play, we create safe, stylish, and customizable play experiences for babies and toddlers—perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, and community events. We specialize in modern soft play setups that not only keep little ones entertained but also bring a beautiful aesthetic to any celebration. From ball pits and climbers to toddler-friendly bounce houses, every setup is designed with both safety and style in mind.
We’re best known for our attention to detail and our ability to bring a family’s vision to life. Whether it’s a themed birthday, a gender reveal, or a backyard celebration, we offer a wide range of color options and layouts so parents can create a unique look that fits their event perfectly.
What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come from where we started. What began as one setup built for my daughter’s birthday has grown into a full-service business that has served countless families across the DFW area. We’ve expanded our inventory, elevated our designs, and built a reputation for reliability, creativity, and exceptional customer service.
What truly sets us apart is the heart behind our work. As mothers, we understand how important your child’s big moments are. We know what it feels like to want everything just right. Our clients don’t just get a play area they get a team that treats their event with the same care we’d give our own children’s celebrations. From cleanliness and safety to communication and professionalism, we put our all into every setup.
At the end of the day, seeing little ones light up with joy and hearing parents say, “This made the party,” is what keeps us going. It’s more than rentals it’s creating memories families will cherish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ABCSOFTPLAYllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcsoftplayllc?igsh=MW9wYWp0dHgzZmF4cg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjaPTC8WY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
