Jenn Chan, our NJ Mompreneur of the Week, has been a planner since she was young. But for all her planning, she could have never predicted where motherhood would lead her. After toting her kids around to indoor play spaces over the years, it was clear the vast open spaces she was going to weren’t doing the kids or parents any favors. Jenn noticed kids were overwhelmed, and parents had difficulty keeping track of them and knew there had to be a better way. So she did something she had never planned—she started a business and mapped out Paper Street Play, a boutique children’s indoor play space with child-sized playhouses ideal for toddlers and young children. Today, this Park Ridge-based play space is a mini-world where kids are in charge, and their parents can feel good knowing they are in a small, safe place. We caught up with this Washington Township mom of two to find out what makes Paper Street Play’s layout unique, the one playhouse the kids cannot get enough of, and where she likes to go for a “taste of Paris” authentic French bite. (featured photo credit: Captured by Kristin)
Please share a bit about your family and background. Even though I was born in Taiwan, I moved to Rutherford as an infant—I’m a Jersey Girl! I went to Rutgers and lived in the city for about a year until my husband, Dan, and I married and moved back to Jersey before settling in Washington Township to raise our children, Oliver, 9, and Eloise, 6. It’s such a special place, and we feel like we hit the lotto. Aside from the incredible friends and neighbors we have here, we’re part of a community that looks out for each other, and I love that the town is so walkable. We can easily walk to and from school, the park, the lake, and the library. I love the feeling of independence that it gives my kids.
Please share your career background and the “aha moment” that led you to launch Paper Street Play. I double majored in journalism, media studies, and sociology, and then, for fun, I did a minor in criminology. After getting my degree, I worked in corporate America for around 10 years for companies like Hearst, Conde Nast, Forbes, and Time Inc.. However, I pivoted to real estate because I knew I’d want some flexibility in my career once we had kids. It didn’t give me the necessary flexibility, so I kept my mind open to other possibilities. When my son was little, we went to multiple birthday parties in one year in the same massive indoor play space—I had a lightbulb moment and knew I could do it better for this age group. I’ve always been an actual planner, but this business is probably the most impulsive thing I’ve done in my entire life. Because I was in real estate, I started looking for spaces and found something that would work well. I found vendors that built houses, and everything fit into the space. I truly felt this was what I was meant to do.
Tell us about Paper Street Play and what makes your business unique. Paper Street Play is a boutique indoor play space. My goal was to bring kids’ imaginations to life, allowing them to be in a world just their size. There is a house with a fenced yard for soft play, a market, an animal hospital, a diner, and a police car. As a parent, it was important to me to have a limited-capacity play area that feels more comfortable for this age group than larger indoor play spaces that can be overwhelming for young children. Additionally, I wanted the layout to provide sight lines for parents or caregivers, allowing them to relax while still keeping an eye on their kids without hovering. And if you book a party, the entire space is exclusively available to the host and guests during that time.
Is there a fan-favorite playhouse? They all get their fair share of love, but the diner is their favorite. Jersey is all about diner culture–I knew I had to have one!
Does your family ever get involved in your business? If so, please elaborate. The company’s day-to-day operations are all me, and I learned what I had to learn along the way, even building the website from scratch. My husband is consistently on board to help however needed, whether changing the lightbulbs from our 15-foot ceiling or hanging witch hats from those same ceilings! My kids also love “working” with me—any half day off school, they help me behind the desk and reset the space after the kids leave. I love overhearing them tell friends that they had to work that day.
Are there any particular charities or causes you’re involved in? It’s important to me that we support local causes. Many people go through hard times without anyone being aware of it, and the Triboro Food Pantry is indispensable to them because of the food, diapers, wipes, and more they share. Also, I’m a dog person, and we love supporting Pet Rescue, a foster-based dog adoption that is so close to my heart I’ve fostered with them.
What are some of your favorite local businesses? Il Freno Espresso Bar is our go-to for coffee and hot cocoa, and Marc’s Deli & Pizzeria has the best pizza and breakfast sandwiches—my kids love it so much they won’t eat pizza anywhere else. Another family favorite is Tons of Toys, which has a few locations. I get nostalgic there because it reminds me so much of how toy shops were when I was a kid, and the shelves were always overflowing with toys and games and spilling onto the floor. We also love Le Carre Café & Patisserie, an authentic French cafe and bakery with desserts that are not only delicious but pure art. Also, they have the most delicious crepes and sandwiches. I rarely refuse the prosciutto and brie sandwich, which is so tasty and generously sized that I usually save half for later.
What’s your best practical advice for a mompreneur just starting? My best advice is to have a business plan but be ready to pivot. Until you’re officially up and running, there’s so much that you won’t know. For example, you might have a target customer in your plan, but until you launch, that might change. Also, people in your life will have advice. Always be open to their advice, but know what your non-negotiables are. Know your boundaries.
For more information on Jenn Chan and Paper Street Play, please see their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
