Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are excited to feature Karla’s Creative Kidz, which offers classes for kids. It’s based in Bedford, NH and is owned and operated by Karla, a Bedford Mom herself. Learn all about her and her business below!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! I’m Karla Cooper and I moved to Bedford from Roswell, GA two years ago with my husband Alan and three boys (9,7, and 3). I enjoy traveling, baking, cooking, reading, dancing, exercising, planning parties, playing games, and of course teaching. I’m originally from Colchester, Vermont so we spend a lot of time there on Lake Champlain with my family.
Tell us about your business!
I started Karla’s Creative Kidz in 2010, primarily teaching dance and enrichment classes in South Riding, Virginia after having been a Nanny, Kindergarten teacher and working part time for a Parks and Recreation Department. My business immediately expanded into kids’ birthday parties, special events, traveling to a variety of daycares and preschools and even renting a dance studio during the day. After meeting my husband and moving to Gilford, NH, I ran fitness, sports, dance and cooking classes at the local youth center. Five years later we moved to Georgia where I continued Karla’s Creative Kidz doing special events for a variety of organizations, traveling to daycares and preschools while also renting out a Dojo studio to do daytime fitness classes for homeschool groups. Now I’m here in Bedford and just started teaching at Joppa Hill Farm and also have a location in Concord, Sensory Seekers… where I teach fitness, tumbling and hip hop classes.
What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
A day in the life for me is craziness and different every day. I typically start by getting the big boys on the bus, then fit in a quick BeachBody Workout video and a shower, then getting littlest to pre-school and/or heading to teach a class while of course fitting in all the errands. After school is crazy with all three in either soccer, lacrosse or both. I just started a Mom’s club in town for moms to meet up for coffee, drinks, fun events, play dates, volunteering, etc. so I am involved in planning the events and meetups. I also enjoy being a room mom and volunteering at the boy’s school as often as I can.
Safe to say that my days are far from boring!
What are your goals for your business in the next 3-5 years?
My goal for Karla’s Creative Kidz in 3-5 years is to further expand and have at least 7-10 locations. I hope to add a few older homeschool or after school groups eventually as well.
What are your favorites local spots in town?
My favorite spots in town with kiddos are Joppa Hill Farm, The Friendly Toast, the Town Pavilion, and The Village Scoop. My favorite spots in town without kids are Copper Door, Nail Indulgence, Vin 32, and Manchester Country Club.
What is your best piece of advice for people looking to start a business?
My advice for someone starting their own business would be to do your research and be prepared for anything. There are always going to be obstacles and setbacks but it’s worth it to keep moving forward and trying new things.
How can people connect with you and follow your business?
I recently updated my Facebook Page with my new location so please like and share and I will be updating with class info!