Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcia Morales.
Marcia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After 15 years of working as a business development manager and product management, I threw in the towel to follow my passion to be a children’s author. I quit my job as a business development manager in 2006 to become the author of the Can-I-C children’s book range, aimed at teaching toddlers and reconnecting families. As a parent working full time I found it difficult spending quality time with my six-year-old daughter, Chloe and I saw an opportunity to engage through reading. I was desperately seeking ways to engage my daughter with the limited time we had, so I began writing stories with her in our spare time. I read a book about various ways to increase adult’s intellectual capacity and it explained the numerous benefits of triggering the five senses in daily communication, so I began to practice this with Chloe at the age of two. The Can-I-C collection aims to strengthen the bond between parent and child. It’s staggering to witness the self-confidence it gives children. Working with children in this capacity overflows me with joy and it goes without saying that it fills me up to receive feedback that our children’s stories are making a difference! A few years ago, in the middle of a book launch the most radiant little girl shouted out loud into a microphone, “I love doing everything in the story,” I smiled for days. Our stories come to life with our vibrant illustrations created by Rizaldy Valencia, former Disney animator and illustrator. Together we strive to increase children’s self-esteem, emotional intelligence and make reading fun, interactive and educational. Having academically smart children is fabulous, but I want to educate the whole child. The transition from story-telling to creating EQ Kids Club wasn’t a big stretch. We basically took our stories to the next step.
I wanted to create an environment which mirrored our stories. Our indoor playground triggers the five senses for children. EQ stands for Emotional Intelligence. We understand that parenting can be challenging and overwhelming at times, so designing a space which helped moms de-stress while their children role play, experiment, explore and create in a safe educational environment was key.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of the struggles along the way were relocating from Sydney Australia to Dallas Texas. A family member fell ill and we had to build a new foundation in a new country.
Please tell us about EQ Kids Club.
EQ Kids Club is an indoor Safari playground which provides unstructured play for kids. Our attractions and activity tables trigger the five senses for children. We provide interactive playhouses, books and toys. We believe our difference is that cater to both parent and child. Addressing wellness for the whole family, upon arrival parent or carer is greeted and offered an herbal tea to relax while children play. We use diffusers with various essential oils to help parents de-stress.
Pricing:
- $12 per child for up to a 2 hour play. Includes snack for child and herbal tea for parent.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3245 Main Street, Suite 239, Frisco, Texas 75034
- Website: www.eqkidsclub.com
- Phone: 469-579-4926
- Email: [email protected]
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