Exploring Life & Business with Valerie Block and Trena Courey of Building Block Play Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Block and Trena Courey. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Growing up overseas meant Trena had the chance to make new friends every few years. She developed a passion for people, community, and cities. Returning to the United States to attend Hope College, Trena met her husband, Gabe on the second day of orientation. After graduating, the pair moved to Chicago, where Trena completed her master’s degree in urban education. Two years later, they moved to Milwaukee, this time for Gabe to attend graduate school. While in Milwaukee, Trena enjoyed time as a middle school science teacher, administrator, and new mother. Her greatest passion remained cultivating creativity and community, a passion that grew stronger as she connected with other parents and families. 

In 2018, while Gabe interviewed at Wittenberg University, Trena brought their daughter Callie to the Springfield library. She struck up a conversation with another mom and, having four hours to kill, asked for some ideas of local kid-friendly attractions. The other mom hesitated before replying that, locally, the best place to take your kids was Rural King to see the chickens. While the Courey family has thoroughly enjoyed the King’s chickens, Trena kept thinking of the play studio they had left behind in Milwaukee. Three years and two more babies later, Trena met Valerie at a playground. 

Originally from Columbus, Valerie met her husband, Jeremy, originally from Pittsburgh, the first day of classes at Wittenberg University. Both Valerie and Jeremy are from big cities, but while at Wittenberg fell in love with the small town of Springfield, Ohio. Upon Jeremy’s graduation in 2011, the pair decided to make Springfield their home. In 2012, Valerie graduated from Wittenberg University and began teaching first grade at Snowhill Elementary. Valerie’s extended family is from Springfield, and she grew up hearing all about the booming industry and businesses in Springfield from her family. Around 2015, downtown Springfield began to take shape, and she loved seeing the changes and life brought back to the beautiful buildings. Fast forward to 2017, Valerie and Jeremy welcomed their first child. Together they continued to call Springfield home but often had to travel out of town to socialize, play, explore, and entertain their little one. Although Valerie always loved her job, she began to also wish to stay home with her new baby full-time. Valerie kept dreaming of opportunities that would allow her to explore her passions but also spend time with her kids. Welcoming a new bundle in 2020, Valerie’s longing to be with her kiddos increased, and she finally got up the nerve to share her plans with loved ones out loud, a play studio… but not just a place to play, a community-based play space for all types of caregivers to entertain, relax, and learn alongside their children. Since Valerie loved education, she also dreamed of incorporating classes, tutoring, storytime, etc. This idea swarmed around in her head before a chance meeting with her now very good friend Trena. Eventually, over time, Valerie shared her longing for a space for the kids to play IN OUR TOWN, and Trena exclaimed that she had the very same idea. From there, the pair has hit the ground running to make this collective idea a reality for the community of Springfield. 

As the dream has become a reality, Trena and Valerie have been overwhelmed by support from the community. Over and over, families who come to play express their gratitude at having a space to bring their little ones and connect with other families. The play studio makes downtown Springfield even more of a family destination. Weaving in classes, themed family nights, birthday parties, and private events, Building Block Play Studio is knitting together the families in our city, supporting our community from the newest members up. Trena and Valerie still can’t believe it’s real and are eternally grateful to be able to give back to Springfield in this way. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Everything has taken much longer than we expected! We are blessed to have families who support this crazy dream – from husbands who stay up all night laying floors and building play equipment to fathers who paint for three days straight – we would not have been able to do this without our village. 

It was discouraging when shipping for our play structure was delayed, but families kept coming to the space, memberships kept coming in, birthday parties kept booking – we are so grateful for the Springfield community and the grace and support they’ve shown us every step of the way. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Building Block Play Studio is an indoor play space for kids and their grownups to connect, create, and build community. Our hope is that families will come and connect in our mindfully designed play space. Whether your child needs a space to run and climb, a castle to play pretend, or a snuggly spot to read – we have everything you need for a perfect play date! 

Our cafe tables are intentionally positioned so you can monitor the fun … and get things done! Come grab coffee with a friend, send a few work emails, write that novel you’ve been dreaming of, or play your heart out! This is a space for grownups too! 

Our space is available for private rental – we’ve had the honor of hosting between 2 and 3 birthday parties every week we’ve been open! It is such a joy to watch family and friends celebrate milestones together. We are thankful to be able to provide the backdrop! Something that makes us unique as a party venue is our partnership with other local businesses. We strive to highlight as many small, local businesses as possible because we believe in the beauty of a community coming together to celebrate! 

As we continue to grow, we will be offering classes and a wide variety of family events. There are so many talented teachers in our area – we want to give them a space to share their gifts! 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
We went to SBDC right away with our business idea – Chuck Moorman, Mac Young, and Seth Evans walked us through every step, from business planning, marketing projections, loans, and marketing – we would not have been able to open without them! We highly recommend SBDC – they are a wealth of knowledge and will encourage you every step of the way! 

Pricing:

• Drop-in Play Pass $8 per child (under one free with paid sibling!)
• Individual Membership $175 (pays for itself in 2 visits per month)
• Family Membership $280 (pays for itself in about one visit a month for two children)
• Private Party $175+

Contact Info:

• Website: www.buildingblockplaystudio.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/buildingblockplay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.block.play.studio

Image Credits
Kayla Waldron
Fairy Godmother Events