Meet Chevon Semmens, Perth mama of two and owner of Little Land in Balcatta. As a little girl Chevon dreamed of working with children one day and after becoming a mum in 2016 she started to dream bigger for her family – looking to create the ‘perfect job’ to suit her new-found priorities as a mum.
In early 2017 she came across a unique play concept offering role-play for children within a child-sized world, and two years later Little Land was born. Little Land is Perth’s most unique play space that offers a scaled down version of the real world inspiring your child to learn. through role-play.
First of all, we’d love to hear about your little family…
We have two energetic boys – Zack is five and half and about to start full time school, and my youngest Archer is three years old. Both very busy boys who love riding bikes and dressing up as superheroes!
My husband Kayne and I met in 2007, after he moved to Perth from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, and we’ve been married for seven years. Fun fact: he’s the clever designer and main builder of the Little Land town!
What were you doing work-wise before you created Little Land?
My background is in advertising, strategic marketing and brand development. In my 10 year career I worked for an advertising agency, marketing consultancy firm, completed a number of freelance research projects and also worked across State Government Departments.
I’ve always loved working with children, engaging with them while they play and learn, and spent more than 10 years volunteering with Radio Lollipop at Perth’s Children’s Hospital.
Little Land is set up into different play stalls. Tell us about these.
Little Land’s play stalls include our Little Growers Market, Busy Beans café, cosy home setting, doctors’ surgery, construction site, school and emergency services area, all complete with a wide range of play props and dress ups to get your child’s imagination thinking big! We also have an icecream truck and caravan for all your holiday dreaming.
What is the education value of play at Little Land?
Role-play is an important part of child development and a way for children to make sense of the world around them. Role-play builds confidence and creativity and enhances social skills, physical development and problem solving skills. It supports the development of language, communication and self-regulation skills.
In our town, shopping role-play reinforces the idea of responsibility while also improving children’s communication and negotiation skills. Role-play in a doctor’s surgery environment helps little ones become familiar with medical items in a non-threatening setting.
Our Busy Beans café provides hours of open-ended, imaginative play encouraging fine motor skills required to pour coffee, make a smoothie or toast a sandwich. Social and language skills are developed while placing an order and using the menu full of pictures, words, and numbers.
What was the hardest part about creating Little Land?
Trying to convince others that the business idea could actually work. From friends and family who didn’t quite understand the concept, to bank managers and real estate agents who met me at 40 weeks pregnant and second guessed my ability to get it off the ground whilst juggling a family – these doubters just made me work a little harder to make it work.
Thankfully I also had a large number of supportive people in my corner too who encouraged me to bring my vision to life and who continue to support me to this day.
What is your favourite part about running Little Land?
I love being able to inspire play and learning everyday. Watching little ones visit our town for the first time and their excitement as they wander and explore never gets old. Seeing them return again and again as they grow and develop just adds to the magic.
I also love being creative around the town and in the business marketing, and I love being able to choose my work around my passions and my family’s needs.
You offer low stimulus sensory sessions. Tell about those.
Our Sensory Sessions were developed in consultation with the Autism Association of Western Australia and provide a low stimulus environment to support the needs of children with Autism and specific sensory needs.
Limited to 15 Wanderers, our Sensory Sessions scheduled for each month incorporate additional materials including the ‘Going to Little Land’ storybook to help prepare your child before your visit, and play sequence guides to further support play and learning.
When you’re not at Little Land, what are some of your favourite things to do in Perth with kids?
I love to spend time outdoors with my boys so we’re often at local parks with a good coffee. We’re also big fans of AQWA and the Perth Zoo and have annual memberships for both making it an easy option on days when you just want to get out of the house!
Do you have a funny parenting story you’d like to share with us?
A little classic wires crossed situation that hasn’t yet corrected itself – my boys call mints for fresh breath ‘minced beef’ as that’s how they heard it many years ago. We’ve tried to correct it, but the new name has stuck! Funny hearing them ask for a treat of ‘minced beef’ in public!
And finally, where can we find you?
Little Land is located at 76 Erindale Road, Balcatta.
Our 90 minutes sessions run at 9am, 11am and 1pm Monday – Thursday and an additional 3pm session on Fridays and Saturdays. You can visit our town virtually via @littleland_perth on Instagram and at www.littleland.fun