Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Deville and Suzanne Fluke.
Caitlin, Suzanne – please share your story with us.
We dreamed up the concept for The Happy Lark in the summer of 2014. Suzanne already had young kids and Caitlin was thinking about starting a family too. We were both feeling nostalgic for our childhood playroom – we called it “the art room.” It was a big room in our childhood home where we spent hours pretending, imagining, and dressing up.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a big space where our kids and our friends’ kids could get together and play? Meet up for playdates and make new friends too? With fun, creative toys? inspiration for The Happy Lark was born!
Has it been a smooth road?
Neither of us had any formal business experience or training, so we’ve been learning the business side as we go! Luckily, we have had great support from a friend who owns several small businesses in the area.
Everyone told us we’d buy too much inventory in the beginning – and they were right. Figuring out what products we love and that our customers also love is sometimes challenging. But it’s so rewarding when we find something that’s a perfect fit!
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Happy Lark story. Tell us more about the business.
The Happy Lark is a modern shop & indoor play space for children ages newborn to 6. We’re located in Fort Worth, Texas.
In our brick and mortar shop, you’ll find children’s clothing, toys, books, and gifts that are fresh, fun, and encourage creative, “unplugged” play. If you’re not local to Fort Worth, don’t worry – shop online at thehappylark.com!
In our 1,400-square foot play space, we provide a clean, fun space with toys that encourage children to create, explore, imagine, and generally get their wiggles out. Parents can enjoy complimentary coffee while children play. Perfect for getting out of the house and meeting friends for playdates.
One of the things we’re most proud of is providing a space where parents feel comfortable bringing big brother or sister AND baby brother or sister. Mom or dad can hang out with new baby in our infant area while still keeping an eye on their toddler as well – our entire play space is within eyesight!
We specialize in being a go-to gift spot for babies and young children. We’re committed to providing the best selection of high quality clothes, toys, and books that you won’t find other places in town – and we love helping you pick out the perfect gift!
Last but not least – we’re known for our super fun birthday parties! As one parent put it, “it was the least stressful party planning experience ever… it was like having a party in your own home, but with wonderful women helping you and letting you use their amazing space.”
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We’re SO proud to be part of the small business community in Fort Worth. Being a brick and mortar retailer is a challenge in the Amazon.com era, but we’ve had such a positive response to our business. We’re excited about the shop local movement and the positive impact it can have on communities – we’re hopeful that trend will continue!
Pricing:
- Playspace drop-in rates: $10 for single child, $12 for multi child
- Playspace membership rates: $35/month for single child, $40/month for multi child
Contact Info:
- Address: 5816 S Hulen St, Fort Worth, TX 76132
- Website: thehappylark.com
- Phone: 206-708-9727
- Email: hello@thehappylark.com
- Instagram: @thehappylark_fw
- Facebook: @thehappylark
Image Credit:
Lori Sturman Photography
Maria Ciszek
House of Boston Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
