Princess for a Day: Miss Lily’s Special Teas, Part 1
Once in awhile, I hear about an idea that makes me want to be a kid again. Miss Lily’s Special Teas is one of those ideas. Miss Lily and I connected through Twitter when she advertised her contest – a free special tea for a child with special needs in the Pittsburg area. After reading about it, I not only wanted to be a kid again, but also wanted to move to Pittsburg!
Meet Jennifer Ciptak of Miss Lily’s Special Teas
Since neither is possible, I did the next best thing. I contacted Jennifer Ciptak, the owner of Miss Lily’s Special Teas, and asked to interview her. She graciously agreed to share her story at DifferentDream.com. In today’s post, the first in a three part series, Jennifer acquaints readers with her business.
Describe your business for the readers.
Miss Lily’s SpecialTeas hosts themed tea parties (par-teas) for children ages three and up in the western PA area and specializes in hosting par-teas for special needs children. Our traveling tea party service brings princess, teddy bear or Girl Scout par-teas to the homes or halls of our clients. We staff our par-teas with princess hostesses who are teachers, college education majors and/or have extensive experience working with children in accredited institutions. We offer several par-tea packages and an A-La-Carte menu to give clients many options and the ability to custom design their own SpecialTea to meet their exact needs. A sample package includes princess hostesses, table settings, dress-ups, decorations, games with prizes, crafts, story time and of course, scrumptious “tea” and treats. Miss Lily’s SpecialTeas has been in business since last fall, November, 2009.
What gave you the idea for your business?
Having a nearly three year old daughter, I have rediscovered the world of princesses and make-believe – tea parties included. Watching her enjoyment of her daily activities, I started conjuring up this career in which I could utilize my teaching skills and have a flexible schedule. In part, I knew that children’s tea parties are popular in the south and I wanted to bring the custom – children learning and practicing good manners while enjoying an afternoon tea — to our area. I couldn’t think of any such service here, so I decided to create one. Then, with my experience in teaching and social work and compassion for people with special needs, I was inspired to take these par-teas to the special needs population. I wanted the children to have the comfort, familiarity and convenience of their own spaces and decided to take the par-teas to them. Thus, Miss Lily’s SpecialTeas, Pittsburgh’s Premier Children’s Traveling Tea Party Service, was born.
Anybody Else Want to Be a Kid Again, Too?
Bet you want to be a kid again, too, after reading about Miss Lily’s Par-teas. To learn more about the business, come back in a few days for Part 2 in the series. Jennifer will tell more about her teas for kids with special needs. Maybe you’ll get some ideas for a similar business in your neck of the woods!
Par-Tea On!
Jolene
Just wanted to say I am so happy and proud of Jennifer and her compassion for special needs children. She is a very good friend of mine and I am amazed at her inovation and inspiration to create such a little make-believe idea into a very popular and tremendous business venture. Good luck Jenn… I wish you the best!! ~Brian
Dear Brian,
Thanks for giving us another glimpse at Jennifer. I’ve only meet her via email and envy your friendship with her. The special needs community needs more advocates like her.
Warmly,
Jolene