Self-employment

New twist creates small biz success

Some aspiring entrepreneurs think they must come up with a completely original small business idea. In fact, it's easier to just add a twist to a business that already works. "I realized that other children's party centres just let the kids loose to run, jump and climb," entrepreneur Janet Kaschuk says.

ROGER PIERCE
[ 2005-11-09 ]

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Janet Kaschuk loves to kid around in her children's party centre.

Kaschuk owns I Wanna B Inc. (www.iwannab.ca), a unique children's party centre where children can "be" whatever they "wanna b." While at her Mississauga centre at 1170 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W., children aged three through eight can visit various career stations and experience what it's like to be a rescue hero by putting out a pretend fire, a paleontologist by digging for dinosaurs, a detective, a scientist, a hairstylist and others.

Kaschuk knew how popular party centres are with parents and their kids, but was determined to do offer something different from her competition. At I Wanna B, children interact with various career stations and Kaschuk's staff; for example, they do science experiments, solve mysteries and participate in a pretend rescue.

"Our kids get to explore career opportunities while they're having fun," Kaschuk says. "It's a learning party."

It's risky to launch a brand new product or service because people are afraid to try new things. Instead of introducing an idea people don't yet understand, new entrepreneurs should look at a working business and add a twist to make it better, faster or different.


It was easy for Kaschuk to get into the business of kids. "I love children, I love family and I love to play," she says. "The fact that we're doing things differently from other party centres has helped us to establish a recognizable brand."

While new small business owners often stray from their goals, Kaschuk intends to stick to her business plan. "We're going to work with schools to help kids interact directly with career professionals such as firefighters and veterinarians," she says.



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