-Tell us about your business.

I’m Hailey Piper, and my husband and I own Smashed Game and Grill in Broken Arrow’s Rose District! A retro 80’s/90’s arcade with console games & fun food!

-What inspired you to start your own business?

On top of Smashed we also own Nouveau Chocolates, also located in the Rose District. What inspired us to start Smashed was the amount of customers who would come in and want something to do after dinner. My husband and I being 90’s kids grew up with video games and all the classics. The amount of joy one can get from overcoming a game level is so rewarding! And what better way than to do it with friends and family!

-What’s been your proudest “I did that!” moment so far?

I think the proudest moment I’ve had is the joy from our birthday parties, young and old will play together and laugh.

-How do you juggle running a business and being a mom? Any secret superpowers?

Owning a business isn’t for the weak, but what helps is having a strong team for when you’re not there. I also have 3 boys who I homeschool so we’re definitely a busy family. But lots of coffee helps!

-What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other moms dreaming of starting a business?

The best advice I can give to anyone who has a family and who wants to start a business is, you have to prioritize your family. Own your business and do not let the business own you. I can say from experience it can be rough but the beauty of owning your own business is that YOU can control it.

-What’s your favorite way to involve your kids or family in your business?

Our boys love Smashed, they would come everyday if we let them. Video games, the fun game themed sodas, they often walk in like they own the place, well ya know. On days we need the help they often come to play while mom or dad works.

Tell us about your business.

Bluebird Art Studios is an award winning art school for kids ages 4-17. We offer weekly group classes, art camps, workshops and birthday parties. Students learn the fundamentals of drawing exploring all mediums such as acrylic paint, watercolor, oil pastels, and more! Each student has their own curriculum which allows them to excel at their own pace. Bluebird Art Studios is an advocate for all young artists, offering free art lessons and resources to children in foster care and patients at St Francis Children’s Hospital. We believe art should be for everyone, especially those who need it most.

-What inspired you to start your own business?

I have always been an artist ever since I can remember and the dream of owning my own art studio for kids has been a long time dream of mine, but didn’t become clear until March of 2020. I was an art director for a private school here in Oklahoma and when the pandemic hit, art was deemed nonessential and the program was removed. I was devastated because I witnessed the impact art has on so many children- it’s not just a creative outlet but it’s essential in a child’s education. I realized that many schools in the area didn’t have art and left children without access to quality art education. So I decided to do something about it and open up a studio dedicated to sharing my love for art with all young artists eager to learn!

-What’s been your proudest “I did that!” moment so far?

Honestly I feel this moment every day when I’m at my art studio setting up for a class. It’s that calm peace before the storm of kids rushing in. The feeling of accomplishment and peace. “I did this. I built this and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

-How do you juggle running a business and being a mom? Any secret superpowers?

People think that owning a business is a great side hustle or an easy way to make a little extra income- but it’s far from easy. You will be working 24/7 on top of your other daily obligations- being a mom, working and raising a family- where do you find the time?? I honestly wish there were 5 of me so I could truly get things done! But what I’ve come to realize is I can’t do it all on my own. I need help and it’s okay to ask for help. Look at the resources and talents around you. The first two years I was juggling everything all at once to the point I wasn’t getting any sleep and my family and my business wasn’t getting my 100% me. They were only getting sleep deprived, stressed, anxious me- and honestly it was not the best. So I had to make a decision- rather than trying to save a few extra dollars by doing everything by myself I decided to invest and hire a team. That team allowed me to take care of myself and my family so that my business can grow in the way it should. I always remember to take care of yourself first!

-What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other moms dreaming of starting a business?

Never give up. There will be people in your life who tell you – you can’t. There will be a million reasons why you can’t do it- but make them the reasons why you CAN. Following your dream is a journey with lots of twists and turns, but if you fight for what you believe in nothing can stop you from making them come true!

-What’s your favorite way to involve your kids or family in your business?

I love to brainstorm with them on what our upcoming art camp themes should be! I will watch a kids show with them or play video games just to stay in the loop of what being a kid is like! We come up with really creative ideas for art projects. It’s honestly one of the things I look forward to most!