Nelly Castillo | 2024 Living Color
Owner | Layla’s Little Neighborhood – Indoor Playground
Director | Little Manners Program
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing the joy and growth in children as they engage in play and learn valuable life skills. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching a child’s eyes light up as they make a new friend, master a new skill or express themselves confidently. Knowing that I’m helping shape a positive and inclusive environment where children can thrive is incredibly rewarding.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is breaking into a market with a unique concept that combines play, education and inclusivity. Convincing people of the importance of early childhood development and the value of etiquette and social skills in young children requires persistence and passion.