As a teacher and a mother, Stephanie Hoskins has been around children for plenty of years. But it's her own childhood memories that sparked the idea for a business that's all about kids.
Hoskins, who lives in Wake Forest with her two kids and husband, is the creator of Hide and Seek Teepees and, more recently,
Happy Camper Parties, providing birthday parties and other celebrations that feature her teepees. Hoskins also teaches students with autism at Heritage Middle School.
I checked in with Hoskins to learn more about her businesses. Here's our Q&A:
Go Ask Mom: This started long before you ever had children - when you were a child. Tell us about your childhood memories of your mom making forts.
Stephanie Hoskins: As a mother of two and an educator for more than 22 years, I know a little bit about children. I am well acquainted with what sparks their imagination. I admit my own childhood ignited a business idea. One of my favorite memories as a little girl was constructing tents out of blankets and chairs with my mom and three sisters. Hours of adventures in a homemade fort fashioned out of patchwork quilts and furniture.
GAM: You brought along those memories when you became a mom and started making teepees. Tell us about the first one you made and how that business has grown over time.
SH: In 1999, I crafted a teepee for my own son when he was only one years old. The idea caught on. Neighbors, family and friends wanted a handmade teepee. I designed them in all colors and fabric. I set up at craft shows for years selling my Hide and Seek Teepees.
GAM: Now, you're offering parties. Tell us about Happy Camper Parties. What do you provide?
SH: A little over a year ago, I expanded my idea to Happy Camper LLC, an innovative party concept using my teepees. Currently Happy Camper has proudly set up over 175 parties. Happy Camper travels to the location of your choice and sets up complete with teepee, floor pillows, popcorn machine, movie projector, lanterns, helium balloons, "campfires" and other festive adornments depending on the "camper's party theme. I’ve designed packages that include spa treatments, movie nights and indoor/outdoor adventures. Each party is unique and accommodates the birthday child's wishes.
Meeting amazing families and sharing in their special celebrations is such a blessing, but seeing a child smile when they see their party all set up is PRICELESS!
GAM: What's your hope for your business for the future?
SH: My vision for Happy Camper LLC is to see it expand into other locations. Currently I ship parties all over the United States. I even had the honor of making teepees for the Stanley Cup championship party. Teepees were used as decorations.
Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.
