Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyrie Rooks.
Hi Kyrie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
If I’m honest, WonderTree started a really long time ago, way before I had a name for it. I was incredibly lucky to have a childhood where I could get messy and explore freely. I have vivid memories of running barefoot through the grass, down to a little pond behind our house. I’d spend hours playing in the water, building things with sticks, rocks, and leaves, catching tadpoles, and just soaking in the wonder of the natural world. Those early experiences shaped me deeply.
Fast forward a bit, and I found myself working with children—nannying, teaching, even then finding joy in sensory play. I loved coming up with ideas that were open-ended, where the children could take the lead and let their imaginations guide them. There was always something so special about watching a child completely immersed in play, free to create, explore, and just be.
When I had my son, we started sensory play when he was about six months old. It began simply, just a dish of water with a few lemon slices during tummy time on a Boppy pillow. But even that small setup felt magical. Seeing him discover the world through texture, taste, and sound opened up a whole new level of appreciation for this kind of play. I wanted him to have more of it, alongside other children in a social setting.
That’s when it clicked for me, there wasn’t anything quite like this in our area, here in Charlotte. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and the idea kept growing louder and I couldn’t ignore the feeling that I was going to be the one to do it. So I told my husband “I’m starting a business and I’m having my first event in six weeks.” And that’s exactly what I did.
I put a date on the calendar, reached out to family, and invited kids I had worked with in the past. On June 15, 2024, we held our very first WonderTree playgroup.
Since then, it’s grown in ways I never could’ve imagined. My playgroups are now filled with families from all walks of life, and children of all ages. Every time I load up my car and head to a playgroup, it still feels like a dream. I’m humbled and excited that parents in Charlotte have opened their hearts to this style of messy, sensory-rich, child-led play. It’s not just play—it’s connection, creativity, and wonder.
Today, I offer monthly playgroups, birthday parties, school events, and community pop-ups. And through it all, I still carry that same spark that started back in my own childhood, the joy of getting messy, of discovering the world through play, and now, the joy of sharing that with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Even though I hit the ground running with WonderTree, full of motivation, passion, and a deep sense of purpose- I still experienced some mental hurtles.
I had never considered myself an entrepreneur. I really had to confront and work through some mental blocks that told me that I wasn’t someone who could really run a business.
What I’ve learned is that entrepreneurship is there can be swings of unwavering confidence and looming doubt. There are days when I feel incredibly sure of myself and my business, it feels like I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do. And then there are days when doubt creeps in-and I wonder if this idea is too unconventional, too “out there” . I sometimes ask myself, Does anyone care about this?
When those thoughts show up, I remember the families who come to the playgroup every month, the children who experience joy when playing in the trays, and the parents who tell me how grateful they are for this space. That’s what keeps me grounded. That’s what reminds me this isn’t a silly idea, it’s something meaningful, something that’s truly resonating with people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At WonderTree, I create sensory experiences for young children-
intentional, open-ended play that engages their senses and lets them explore freely. I create sensory trays that are made with food-grade materials, so even the littlest ones can safely join in. I host playgroups, birthday parties, private events, and school programs, all centered around sensory play that’s hands-on and very messy.
The trays start off beautiful and inviting, thoughtfully designed to catch eyes. But by the end of the session, they’ve been joyfully torn apart- dumped, mixed, splashed, spread, and explored in every way possible. That transformation is exactly the point. They’re meant to be destroyed, to be played with freely, and to be lived in.
I try to offer a variety of trays at each event because I know that children have different preferences and sensitivities. Some trays are dry and textured, others may be water-based, and then there’s usually one that’s very messy- maybe gooey, sticky, or just wildly fun to touch. I want every child to find something that feels good and safe for them, while also giving them a chance to stretch into new sensory experiences.
What I’m most proud of is the community that’s grown around WonderTree. It’s become a space where parents and children can come together and embrace the idea that mess is valuable. Children are washable. Clothes are washable.
I think what sets WonderTree apart, what I hope sets it apart, is the atmosphere I work hard to create. I show up to every event excited, not just to run a session, but to be with your children and mine, in a space that honors them. There’s no agenda, no instructions, just permission to play. In a world where children are so often told what to do and how to do it, I love offering a space where their imagination takes the lead.
More than anything, I hope families leave feeling welcomed, supported, and loved. That’s what WonderTree is all about.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Charlotte has truly become home for me. I’ve lived here since I was about eleven years old, and over the years I’ve come to really appreciate what a vibrant, growing, and welcoming city it is. Of course, like anyone who lives here, I’ll admit the traffic,especially on I-77, can be a bit of a drag. But that’s only because so many people are discovering what a great place this is.
One of the things I love most about Charlotte is its diversity. It’s a city full of people from so many different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. I love hearing different languages, meeting families with different stories, and seeing how those unique experiences all blend together here. One of my favorite things to hear at a playgroup is, “We just moved here.” I always find that so cool, knowing someone came from somewhere else and ended up here, to add to the fabric of Charlotte.
Charlotte is also such a kid-friendly city. There are beautiful parks, enriching programs, and so many activities for toddlers and young children. As a parent, and someone who works with little ones, that means so much to me. It feels like a place that really values early childhood and understands the importance of play.
All of that makes me feel incredibly lucky to be building WonderTree here. Charlotte has given me so much, and I love being able to give something meaningful back to this community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wondertreeclt.com
- Instagram: @wondertree.clt
- Other: 919-819-2352
