Meet Shelby Palmer

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shelby Palmer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shelby below.

Shelby, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I have always had a passion for working with kids and fostering their development. However, it wasn’t until I became a mother that I truly felt like I had a purpose in this world. They are my reason for everything that I do. Opening Little Lions Den allows me to bring my knowledge and experience to other families, but I think what makes it extra special is the nurturing environment that we apply to the families that come in. We have built a community here, helping each other through all motherhood challenges, and that is priceless.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the owner of Little Lions Den, an indoor playroom designed specifically for children ages six and under. Our space provides a safe, engaging, and imaginative environment where little ones can explore, socialize, and play freely, rain or shine. What makes Little Lions Den truly special is the sense of community we’ve built—it’s not just a play space; it’s a place where families connect, friendships form, and childhood memories are made.

One of the things I’m most excited about is how we continue to grow and evolve. We’ve introduced Creative Movement Classes in partnership with Maverick Dance Alliance, giving young children an opportunity to express themselves through dance while also enjoying open play. We also host birthday parties, which have quickly become one of our most popular offerings. We’re currently expanding our party options to include full-service packages with decorations and catering, making celebrations even more special and stress-free for parents.

We’re also gearing up for our one-year anniversary celebration, and I’m working on bringing together local businesses to make it an unforgettable event for our community. Beyond that, we have big dreams for the future, including expansions and toy rotations.

I’m passionate about creating spaces where kids can simply be kids, and I love seeing the joy on their faces when they walk through our doors. It’s an honor to be part of so many families’ lives, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three key qualities have been the most impactful in my journey with Little Lions Den: resilience, creativity, and community-building.

Resilience – Running a small business, especially one centered around families and children, comes with unexpected challenges. From navigating slow seasons to handling last-minute changes, I’ve learned that resilience is everything. My advice to those just starting out is to embrace challenges as learning opportunities. Things won’t always go as planned, but if you stay adaptable and keep pushing forward, you’ll find ways to grow through the tough moments.

Creativity – Whether it’s designing engaging play spaces, planning unique events, or coming up with fresh marketing ideas, creativity has played a huge role in setting Little Lions Den apart. For those looking to improve in this area, I’d recommend surrounding yourself with inspiration—follow industry leaders, visit similar businesses, and don’t be afraid to take risks with your ideas. Creativity thrives when you allow yourself to think outside the box!

Community-Building – One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about what you offer—it’s about the relationships you build. From connecting with families who visit Little Lions Den to collaborating with other local businesses, strong relationships have been key to our growth. My advice? Be genuinely involved in your community. Engage with people both online and in person, support others in your industry, and focus on making an impact rather than just making sales.

For anyone just starting their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to stay passionate and patient. Growth takes time, but if you’re committed to learning, adapting, and connecting with the people you serve, you’ll build something truly meaningful.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of my husband, my kids, and my incredible support system.

My husband has been my rock through this entire journey. He believes in me even when I doubt myself, encourages me to chase big dreams, and helps me problem-solve when challenges arise. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, offering a fresh perspective, or simply reminding me to take a break when I need it, his support has been invaluable.

My kids are my biggest inspiration. They remind me every day why I started Little Lions Den in the first place—to create a space where children can play, grow, and experience joy. Seeing the world through their eyes fuels my creativity and keeps me motivated, even on the hardest days.

Beyond my family, I’m incredibly grateful for my amazing support system—friends, family, and the wonderful community that surrounds Little Lions Den. From offering advice to lending a helping hand during busy seasons, their encouragement has made all the difference.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t something you achieve alone. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, lift you up, and push you to be better is one of the most important things you can do on your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.littlelionsden.org
• Instagram: @littlelionsdenchatt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560261662319