Escape Room Creation Workshop
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Interview with Abigail Wilson, Owner of Escape Room Creation Workshop in Seattle, Washington
1. How did you come up with the idea of starting an Escape Room Creation Workshop?
I have always been a huge fan of escape rooms and have visited many of them in different cities. One day, while visiting an escape room in Seattle, I thought to myself, "What if I could build my own escape room?" I started researching and realized there were not many places that sold escape room design and build services. That's when I decided to create my own workshop where I could help others design and build their own escape rooms.
2. What were some challenges you faced starting your own business?
The biggest challenge was getting funding to start the business. I had to take out a loan and also borrow money from family and friends. Another challenge was finding the right location for the workshop. I wanted a space that was easy to access and had plenty of parking. Finally, finding the right staff was also a challenge as I needed people who were not only good at building, but also creative and had a passion for escape rooms.
3. How did you ultimately overcome these challenges?
I started by creating a business plan and approaching potential investors. I also found a location that was perfect - it was close to a major highway and had plenty of parking for my customers. I recruited staff through social media and word of mouth, and created a fun and supportive work environment that kept them motivated to work.
4. What are some of the most popular themes for the escape rooms you design?
One of our most popular themes is a detective mystery where participants have to solve a murder case. We also have a pirate treasure hunt escape room that has been a hit with families. Another popular theme is an escape room based on a science fiction movie or TV show.
5. Can you tell us about a specific success story you have had with your Escape Room Creation Workshop?
One of our biggest successes was partnering with Shopify to integrate our online booking system with their platform. This allowed us to reach a wider audience and increase our sales by reaching new customers. In fact, after partnering with Shopify, we saw a 50% increase in bookings within the first year.
6. How has your business evolved over time?
Since opening the Escape Room Creation Workshop, we have expanded our services to include building escape rooms for other businesses as well as selling design blueprints and building materials online. We have also expanded our workshop to include a gift shop where we sell escape room-themed merchandise.
7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own escape room business?
My advice would be to do your research and find a unique angle or theme for your business. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help from experts in the field. Lastly, make sure to create an immersive experience for your customers, so they leave feeling satisfied and eager to come back for more.
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