Meet Karen Q | Owner of Little Leaf Play Studio

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

Hi Karen, how does your business help the community?
The heart of what we do is really about community. Parenting little ones can feel lonely sometimes, and I wanted to create a space where families could come together—not just for kids to play, but for parents to connect too. It’s been amazing to see friendships form, playdates planned, and parents just exhale when they realize they’re not doing this stage of life alone. I think that’s the biggest impact we have: giving families a safe place where they feel supported and part of something bigger.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Little Leaf Play Studio is a nature themed, open ended play ,indoor play cafe (think indoor playground meets coffee shop) designed for children ages 0–5. What makes us different is that we’re not just about play—we’re about community. I created this space because I saw how isolating early parenthood can feel, and I wanted a place where both kids and parents could feel at home.

I’m most proud of the way families have embraced it. Watching kids explore with curiosity while parents chat over a cup of coffee and connect with each other is exactly what I hoped for when I dreamed this up. It hasn’t been easy—like most small businesses, there have been a handful of hurdles. I am just learning as I go.

I’ve learned that flexibility is key, and communication is everything. I don’t try to act like I’ve got it all figured out. I’m share openly through our online social media platforms the ups and downs along the way. I think it keeps business more “human” and makes our customers feel like they are right alongside me in this journey.

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.
I’d definitely want them to see a mix of the little local spots that make Woodstock special. Of course, we’d spend some time at the play studio—I’d want them to see firsthand the space I’ve poured my heart into.

We’d probably start with coffee from Bizarre in Downtown Woodstock and head to the farmers market on Saturday morning. There are always events happening in downtown so that’s the perfect way to spend a weekend day. During the week, I think it’d be fun to go into Atlanta and do some touristy things like visit the aquarium or the Coca Cola factory. If time permitted, I’d love to sneak away to one of the cute hidden cabins up in North Ga. It sounds far away but its really only an hour drive or so from Woodstock. I think everyone should experience a cabin and hike up in the mountains if they come visit here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I have to give a huge shoutout to the parents who come to Little Leaf Play Studio. They’ve been so supportive from day one, They keep me going. The community we’ve built here exists because of them—they share ideas, encourage one another, and keep me inspired to keep growing the space. I also have to give a huge shout out to our business mentors through Cherokee Economic Development Center and the Small Business Development Center. They have been such a valuable sounding board though this whole process.

Website: https://www.littleleafplaystudio.com

Instagram: @littleleafplaystudio.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLittleLeafPlayStudio/

Image Credits
Leone & Gray – Photographer for Karen’s headshot