Part 8/10:
Lack of Business Knowledge
Finally, Kowana points out a common trend in the pool of aspiring play café owners: many come from backgrounds centered around childcare, education, or caregiving, with limited business acumen. As a result, they often face steep learning curves when transitioning to managing an actual business.
This disconnect between passion for working with children and managing a business can also lead to stress and complacency. Owners may spend extensive time dealing with operational aspects they had not initially accounted for, such as handling workforce conflicts, team management, and performance evaluations. The significant shift from being an operator to a manager is often overwhelming for those without prior experience or training.