Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Adams.
Hi Jaime, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in the small town of Endicott, New York, surrounded by extended family throughout my childhood. I have one younger sister, Jennifer, whom regulars at Little Doodles will recognize as my right hand and manager.
After earning my degree in English, I became a teacher and later moved to Raleigh to pursue a master’s in education. While completing that program, I substitute taught and worked for Raleigh Parks. I went on to teach middle and high school in Franklin County for 12 years, during which I was honored as Teacher of the Year at two schools and also named Teacher of the County.
I met my husband, Shea—originally from Kentucky—after moving to Raleigh, and we married in 2009. We welcomed our first son, Henry, in 2013. Soon after, my parents, sister, and brother-in-law also relocated to Raleigh. Our second son, Hudson, arrived in 2015, and I decided to take a break from teaching to be a stay-at-home mom. With Shea running his own business and traveling often for work, life with two young kids (and a baby who didn’t sleep!) made that year at home essential.
In 2016, the opportunity to open SnickerDoodles came along. With Shea’s encouragement and support, I took the leap into business ownership—despite having a three-year-old, a one-year-old, and zero business experience. The first year of Hudson’s life had been challenging for me as a mother; I often felt isolated and struggled to find places where I could take Henry to play with a baby in tow. I knew Little Doodles would have been a godsend during that time, and I wanted to create that kind of space for other parents and caregivers.
The first few years of business brought their share of growing pains—plenty of mistakes, financial missteps, slow seasons, and moments of doubt—but I always believed in the potential of Little Doodles. I saw how much families needed a space like ours, not just for children to play but for adults to connect and build community.
In 2018, we welcomed our daughter, Violet—affectionately known as the “mayor” of Little Doodles. Balancing three kids and a small business can be challenging, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I thrive on being busy and cherish the flexibility that allows me to attend my kids’ events, do carpool, and never miss a baseball game or dance recital.
I love the friendships that have grown through Little Doodles, the joy of working alongside my sister every day, and the creativity that comes with running a play space. Most of all, I’m grateful to provide a welcoming environment that’s as much for grown-ups as it is for kids.
Little Doodles continues to evolve with the times. While we’ve kept our warm, homey vibe, the post-COVID era brought new opportunities to serve work-from-home caregivers and families in new ways. In 2022, Little Doodles Wendell—owned and operated by Hilary—joined our family.
In addition to Little Doodles, I now co-own and operate Sleek Transportation, a luxury transportation company, with Shea. We officially launched in 2024 and continue to grow steadily.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We’ve faced our fair share of challenges along the way. After operating in a tiny original location for three years, I found our dream space—one that allowed us to double in size. We rebranded and trademarked under the new name, Little Doodles Play Café. After navigating countless permitting hurdles during construction, we officially reopened in February 2020. Then… COVID hit. We were forced to close just one month later.
Thanks to incredibly understanding property owners, loyal customers, and the unwavering support of family, we made it through and are still here today. In 2022, I opened Little Doodles Wakefield, but due to high rent and limited foot traffic, we made the difficult decision to close when our lease ended in 2024. That same year, Little Doodles Wendell opened and has been thriving ever since—recently expanding to include a preschool program.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Little Doodles Play Cafe Raleigh?
Little Doodles Play Café is a family-focused community space designed for young children and their grownups. We provide a safe, screen-free environment where kids can explore, create, and imagine through hands-on play.
Our space features thoughtfully designed play stations—such as a house, veterinarian clinic, bakery, dress-up area, and more—all within arm’s reach of caregivers. Every area is created with safety and engagement in mind, minimizing fall risks while maximizing fun and creativity.
We also feature a dedicated Messy Art Studio, where children can freely express themselves through art—without parents having to worry about the cleanup at home! Beyond open play, we offer regular story times, creative crafts, and structured classes that support early childhood development.
Our café serves locally roasted coffee and fresh, local treats, giving caregivers a cozy spot to relax, socialize, or even get a bit of work done while their children play nearby. Flexible membership options make our space accessible and affordable for families of all kinds.
In addition to everyday play, we host birthday parties, seasonal camps, special events, and Parents’ Night Out programs. We’re also proud to partner with other local businesses, strengthening our community through collaboration and shared support.
Sleek Transportation is a luxury transportation company serving Raleigh and the surrounding areas. We provide premium services for date nights, airport transfers, weddings, day trips, and more.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’m extremely organized—running two businesses, a household, and keeping up with three very active, competitive children makes it a necessity! I handle all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our businesses running smoothly, even when it’s not the “fun” part. I’m highly task-oriented and genuinely enjoy the logistics and structure involved in business operations. At the same time, I’m creative and love thinking outside the box to keep both Sleek Transportation and Little Doodles Play Café unique within their industries.
Pricing:
- $12/child $10/sibling open play at Little Doodles
- $250+ for birthday parties at Little Doodles
- $120/hour+ Sleek Transportation
Contact Info:
- Website: www.littledoodlesplaycafe.com www.sleektransportation.com
- Instagram: sleektransportation, littledoodlesplaycaferaleigh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570299232159 https://www.facebook.com/LittleDoodlesPlayCafe
