MOMpreneur: n. defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.
Welcome to our latest installment of MOMpreneur Monday, highlighting businesses and brands that were founded by female entrepreneurs and fellow Mommas!
Today’s featured Modern Boca MOMpreneur is Michelle Dansky, co-owner of Play Makes Sense sensory bin classes in Boca Raton!
Tell us a little about your background and how Play Makes Sense was started…
My name is Michelle Dansky. I am a teacher and a mom of 4, and also one of the owners of Play Makes Sense sensory bin classes in Boca Raton. I received my degree from FAU with a degree in elementary education with a specialty in ESOL education. Upon graduating, I got a job as a kindergarten teacher at a title 1 school in West Palm Beach. I then moved on to teach 1st grade for a couple of years and then 5th grade for several years at a school in West Boca.
Upon having my daughter and wanting to work from home, I started marketing for a hedge fund. It was there that I learned all about business and the entire world of finance, but always kept my love of teaching close to my heart. During the pandemic, I started teaching my older daughter from home and finding engaging activities for her and my son. I really got into ‘sensory play’ and learned about the benefits of it as well. Every morning, I would create a bin with a specific theme and would correlate the theme to our lesson and learning goal.
“I noticed my children being so engaged and how they would even play with some of the bins for an hour!”
I hired a tutor during the pandemic (because we all know it isn’t easy teaching your own child) and I met Lauren, who also loved sensory play. She was always interested to see what bin I would create each day. I took my background in finance and education and combined it to created Play Makes Sense with Lauren. She has been an early childhood educator for 10+ years and has a degree in Special Education. Lauren has worked as both a classroom teacher and also has provided support for children presenting developmental delays.
How did you get your business started?
Lauren and I thought that there was a huge need for open play sensory bin classes in Boca Raton. Everyone has heard of music class, gym class, etc. But, an open play sensory bin class that focuses on a specific learning goal each time? No way.
We wanted to create a fun (and messy) way to learn! In our classes, we always read a book, sing, sometimes incorporate a finger play and then we dig our hands into the bins. The children don’t even realize that they are learning and working on their fine/gross motor skills.
What’s unique about Play Makes Sense sensory bin classes in Boca Raton?
We make learning fun! We can incorporate reading, writing, math and science all in one class. I think that is probably the most unique thing about us.
Why should Modern Boca Mom readers become your clients?
I think that all children can benefit from sensory play. Whether you want to attend a class where your children will be engaged with a lesson/open play sensory activities, or perhaps order a take home sensory bin from Play Makes Sense, your child with benefit in so many ways! Sensory play can start at birth (even during tummy time!). It encourages the development of motor skills, supports language development and builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathway.
What exciting things are coming up for your business?
We are doing an exciting collaboration with a myofunctional therapist (OT). She is doing a specialized tummy time/sensory class and can even work with toddlers as well to strengthen their bodies! We are also doing a brunch event in The Dakota Clubhouse in West Delray! Parent’s can come and shop Pixie Lane and have some food and mimosas while their kids are entertained with sensory play!
What do you love about working and living in South Florida?
I love that the weather is so beautiful (most of the time) and you can just enjoy a day outside pretty much anytime! I feel like there is so much to do in every town in South Florida. From going out on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach to visiting Mizner Park in East Boca, there’s always an activity and you are never bored!
Connect with Play Makes Sense Sensory Bin Classes in Boca Raton:
WEBSITE: https://www.playmakessense.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/playmakessense_/
(561) 843-9160
(516) 315-7766
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