Meet Chelsey Morales | Creative Director & Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsey Morales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsey, what do you attribute your success to?
The key to my success over the past year has been developing a mindset that allows me to perceive victories even in the face of apparent setbacks or failures. I truly believe embracing the opportunity to fail as a form of success is a crucial shift in thinking for entrepreneurs. I approach my endeavors with the understanding that any action, regardless of its magnitude, contributes to my progress. Success, in my view, does not follow a linear trajectory but rather manifests itself in sporadic bursts, at varying speeds. Whether I’ve landed a great high paying client, or I’m doing something completely free for a local mom group, I continue forward knowing that BOTH can lead to unimaginable possibilities and every step could be the catalyst that propels my business to the next level. All the finances and all the support in the world can not substitute emotional fortitude and grit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Pumpkin Play Studio offers a unique and imaginative environment for parents and children to engage in creative activities and imaginative play! At the root of the idea, is me, just a diy mom who loves decor! I truly seek to create a space where parents and children can come together and celebrate without the constraints of traditional birthday parties. The studio offers a perfect, fun-themed environment for families to connect, explore their creativity, and most importantly, enjoy each other’s company. While the concept appears wholesome, the journey to bring it to life has been challenging, requiring multiple strategic adjustments.

In 2023, I secured a substantial loan and embarked on a search for a commercial space that aligned with the studio’s vision. After a long search, I did find a suitable location within budget and had the necessary space and amenities, However, after 8 grueling months, despite my best efforts and significant financial investment, I encountered unforeseen obstacles in obtaining the necessary permits from the city. This setback left me feeling discouraged and facing financial strain.

After taking time to reassess the situation, I decided to adapt my approach and make the studio mobile. We have successfully organized engaging play dates in various cities, demonstrating the viability of the studio’s “pop-up” concept. While this was not my original vision, it displays the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges and creates a confidence in myself and my sense of business that an entrepreneur can only achieve through rough patches.

I know this will not be the only challenge I will face as I continue forward with THE PUMPKIN PLAY STUDIO, but I am hoping that the fortitude I show through the journey transfers a bit on to my daughter.
The thought of me OWNING MY OWN BUSINESS, hadnt even crossed my mind until the age of 32. Never did I believe I could be a business owner or was meant for anything special or unique. Now I see my daughter at 6, creating a business name for her and her stuffed animals as they play pretend, and it makes me tremendously proud!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love to hit local small business markets! There are so many hosts all around the area, from Pomona to Burbank and everything in-between, you can always find one on any given weekend and it’s a great chance to support and connect with other entrepreneurs. I’m also a sucker for good old Universal studios! I didn’t go until I was in my late 20s and the appeal for me hasn’t worn off compared to others who have gone all their lives. I’m also prone to searching through EVENTBRITE to find unique food and entertainment experiences! I loved the COLDPLAY themed piano by CandleLight series!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It is absolutely true that the unwavering love, encouragement, and support from my family, particularly my sister and husband, who have generously contributed financially and have dedicated their time and kind words, have provided the driving force behind my unwavering determination and focus!

Addtionally, the incredible “friendors” I have encountered during my journey, those who uplift my small business, do not “gate keep” trade secrets, and have assisted in generating excitement for The Pumpkin Play Studio, have provided me with a perspective on life and business that instills a belief in the enduring presence of genuine kindness in the world. This inspires me to embody that kindness in all my endeavors.

Instagram: @thepumpkinplaystudio

Image Credits
Profile Photo –
Photo Credit – Jennifer Morgan
JENNIFER NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY