Jan is a very successful teepee sleepover business owner. In this interview she reveals her top tips for succeeding in this industry and shares her biggest problems too.
One of my very first friends in the teepee sleepover industry was Jan from Dolly Daydreams Party Caravan. I was really blessed to meet Jan at an awards event held by Theo Pathitis, from the UK version of Dragons Den and so it seemed only fitting that I interview her first. Today we are going to find out more about the owner of this well established UK business. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it
Tara
Who Are You?
I’m Jan aka ‘Pinkie’. I am mum to three children aged 40, 37 and 20. I also have 4 grandchildren, the eldest is 21 yikes! I’m a qualified nurse & took very early retirement from oncology. (Jan certainly doesn’t look like your traditional granny does she? Very glam!)
What Is Your Business Called?
My business is called Dolly Daydreams Party Caravan and I am based in Hull, East Yorkshire (which is in the UK) You can find my business at www.dollydreamspartycaravan.co.uk or on Facebook at Dolly Daydreams Party Caravan. I cover East Yorkshire and have travelled further further afield for those wanting to hire my services too
What Did You Do Before You Opened This Business?
I was a nurse doing night shifts for 20 years before I started this business! Some of this time was spent in oncology and palliative care, which as you can imagine involved a lot of consoling families at the worst times in their life. I loved being a nurse, however after 20 years I reached burnout and badly needed that shift from consoling to spreading joy. When I was at school I actually wanted to be a window dresser and worked in a variety of jobs before becoming a nurse.
Why Did You Decide To Open A Teepee Sleepover Business?
I first started a business 7 years ago offering parties in my beautiful pink party caravan as well as providing hire equipment for other events too. Like most people, I used the internet to search for inspirational ideas for styling my parties and events. It was then I came across the original Australian based sleepover company ‘Once Upon A Sleepover’. It was a perfect addition to what I already offered and so I decided to make some a-framed tents and offer the party idea here in the UK. Unfortunately at that time it was unheard of and so I had very little interest. Over the following couple of years I dipped into the sleepover idea a couple of times and I then got so busy with caravan parties & bell tents that by the time I started offering sleepovers again it was a growing business industry in the UK but mostly in the South.
What Is Your Most Popular Theme or Service?
Before the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the caravan parties were the main thing that people booked. It’s definitely what I am known for. When thinking about the teepee sleepover parties I honestly can not pick just one theme as they have all been as popular as each other. (Check out Jan’s Facebook page here to see all of her wonderful themes. I personally love the UV party and the Vintage Dreamcatcher Party)
Describe Some Of Your Favourite Moments Whilst Running Your Business
One of my favourite moments in business so far has been providing a pamper party for an 84 yr old lady, her 72 yr old sister, her daughter and granddaughters. It was the most fun I’ve had and they were really good sports trying everything I had organised. It was lovely to see so many generations all playing along together.
Another party I remember fondly is a party for a terminally ill nurse. It is still remembered by all her friends too. They ran around the caravan with the dressing up clothes on and one of them made a photo book for them all to keep. It was a really lovely and heartwarming celebration of life.
What Did You Find The Hardest Part of Setting Up The Teepee Sleepover Element of Your Business?
The hardest part for me was definitely trying to find suitable storage for everything. I have hoards of accessories for styling parties, as well as all the teepees, bell tents, picnic tables and other items that I have. Trying to find storage for the different shapes of items as well as air tight storage for things that couldn’t be stored in my home.
What Do Your Family and Friends Think About Your Business?
I am really lucky as my family and friends are really supportive although they do think I’m crazy! Thankfully this means that when I get a new idea they just laugh at me and go with it as it’s me.
What Are Your Dreams for the Future?
I’ve banked enough money to convert a 16 seater minibus into a purpose made pamper van, this will enable me to employ someone for that element of my business. It’s on hold due to COVID19, however I am looking forward to getting started on this project. Also employing more staff would be something I would like to do. I’ve no desire to franchise, and I never want to retire properly so this would allow me to do this. Out of the elderly patients I’ve nursed over the years, the ones that still worked into their retirement years were the brightest and happiest of them all. Thats what I want for myself.
What Advice Do You Have for People Wanting to Start Their Own Teepee Sleepover Business
Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back, expect honesty and the best treatment from your customers and they will rarely let you down. A bit of cosmic ordering goes a long way in my books, sorry if that’s a bit woo woo but it works for me! (Jan I completely agree that we should put out into the universe exactly what we would like in life and how we would like to be treated)
Is There Anything Else You Would Like To Say?
Collaboration is the key to longevity in this industry. Meeting fellow business owners provides you with a good support network and hopefully new friends. Always go first and offer help where you can!
As you can see Jan is a wonderful, warmhearted and charismatic person who has been running a successful party business for 7 years. Her work as a nurse at the worst points in peoples lives just makes me love her more. My main takeaway points from her interview have to be:
- Treat your customers as you would like to be treated and you will rarely have any issues
- Collaboration is the key to having a successful business
- Jan is one of Earth’s Angels that deserves all the success in the world
What are your takeaway points? Tell us in the comments below
If you would like to know how to start your own teepee sleepover business then take a look at a previous blog I wrote – Start Your Own Sleepover Business which details how you too could have a successful business like Jan. You can also visit www.dreameeteepeesacademy.com for more information on the way in which I can support you on this journey.