Meet Kelley Geer | Toddler Party Rentals

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelley Geer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelley, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
This is honestly a question I had been struggling with internally for a while, until fairly recent. I think there comes a point in every small business owner’s journey where you want to give up. You may have certain goals you want to reach or project your business being at a certain point, then you realize things are not going as planned. For me, personally, I started off strong. I had a product that was new to most and I could not keep up with the demand. I was excited for what was to come, then things kind of plateaued for me. When this occurred, I began to doubt myself and had thoughts of maybe this is not the route I should be taking. It was not until we went through the pandemic, that I got my second wind. With the world being at a stand still, I had plenty of time to reflect on my journey. Although, I had specific goals in mind and I was hardly near reaching them, I had to take a step back and acknowledge that I was able to sustain my business during a time where most could not. It literally took sleepless nights and reaffirming myself that what I am doing is worth it, to muster up the courage to keep going. Every business goes through its peaks and valleys, but that is what creates the journey and a testimony specifically tailored for you. So when you ask whether or not you should keep going, I would say, if you make it over one hurdle, keep going. If you have ever gotten lost in the mere thought of the possibility, keep going. If ends have miraculously been met and you cannot answer the when, why, or how it happened, keep going. If your business is the first and last thought of the day, keep going. Eventually, you will have a full circle moment and understand that it takes every bit of the process to get you and your business on the other side of success. I suspect I have a lot more of the process to go, but I do know that everything that is meant to happen for Topplin’ Tots will happen at the exact moment when it is supposed to. Until that moment comes, I choose to keep going.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Topplin’ Tots is a party rental service, specifically tailored for toddlers. I think most parents or caregivers have had that moment where you could not find anything to entertain a curious two year old. Even events that are considered “family-friendly” still seemed leave out a large demographic, babies and toddlers. After trying to plan my one year old’s birthday and coming up empty handed on ideas, I did a little research and decided I would offer this service. I thought having a soft play party service was perfect for toddlers. Luckily, for me, other families thought it was a good idea as well. I have been in business for some years now and it is not the easiest thing in the world to do. My biggest challenge was getting over the fear of not having the stability of a 9 to 5 job. However, I worked through that phase and decided to bet on myself. The biggest lesson I have learned is that your business is only as good as the effort you put into it. The best business ideas still require you to invest your time and dedication in order to be successful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many hidden gems in Atlanta, and I have yet to discover them all. However, my favorite time to be in the city is the spring. I enjoy a good patio with a good atmosphere but still lowkey and without the Georgia heat. You can always find a place to eat on the beltline or just walk it. Jack’s for good pizza and cheap drinks. Lady Bird for best frose’ and backyard vibe. Ormsby’s for adult fun and games. Brunch at Barney’s. Festivals and concerts at Piedmont Park. Cru if you want to go out during the week and still make it to work in the morning. Twisted Dips if you want to hang out in EAV. The possibilities are endless in Atlanta on any day of the week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I specifically want to dedicate this Shoutout to my daughter, Ava. If I had not experienced the difficulties of finding activities for a small child, I would not have ever thought of going into business for myself. I continue to build my business in memory of her.

Website: www.topplintots.com

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Image Credits
Lookout Photography Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Atlanta Parent Magazine