Meet Dana Maciag | Founder, AZ Sleepy Teepee
We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Maciag and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dana, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
It was my daughters 10th birthday in 2018 and I was always the over the top party mom. I knew we were having her first sleepover party and wanted something different than the sleepover bags on the floor. I had googled some ideas and found the teepee setups from a company in Australia. I searched in AZ and there was nothing like it. At the time I was a soloprenuer painting murals all over the valley and thought the idea was perfect as a fun side hustle. So I go to work on creating a couple different themes and we hosted my daughters party as the first sleepover and the rest is history.
The business quickly took off and grew like crazy. So much I had to quit my other business and focus on this one. We have now been in business for 7 years, have over 30 themes, multiple rental options, a staff of 10 and warehouse to store all our inventory.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been a creative soul. From being a teacher to becoming a professional artist paint murals valley wide, and morphing that into making stylish memories that last a lifetime for other families. I believe I am most proud of the growth this birthday party idea of mine has done over the past few years. I don’t think I ever imagined it as being this full time career its become where I get to work with some of the best people in the event industry, plus meeting and forming relationships with the coolest clients around.
Growing a business isn’t easy. It takes a certain type of individual to be able to handle the stressors, growth, highs and lows, etc. With a lot of determination and dedication, this business has grown to what it is today, but don’t get me wrong…there were and are still plenty of tears, both happy and sad, that come with the different phases of business.
One of the hardest lessons I have learned with owning a growing and successful business is time management. For the first few years of business I did nothing but work on the business, and that tore everything else apart. But I was determined to be the best, build the best and have the best company. Knowing so many people in the entrepreneur world this happens to a lot of people and for good reason. You don’t want to stop the momentum, you’re afraid that things will go wrong if you stop doing things. But in reality, you need set time aside for yourself, you need to grow as a person (and an entrepreneur), you need to learn, you need to prioritize family and the spouse. I’m not going to lie, seven years in and I am still trying to figure out the perfect balance for it all. But setting schedules for myself and boundaries within my personal and professional life have eased the craziness and definitely help with making life run smoother.
AZ Sleepy Teepee provides luxury sleepover and glamping experiences across Arizona making stylish memories that last a lifetime. We started as a luxury sleepover business in 2018 and have since grown it to be much more than just unique sleepovers. From luxury picnics and glamping events plus balloon decor and full blown event planning, AZ Sleepy Teepee has set up over 2000 parties for people all over the valley. The Sleepy Teepee Brand has expanded to online event industry coaching and an online boutique. Our company connects family, friends and strangers in real life.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am born and raised in AZ and lived in all different parts of the Valley. I grew up in Scottsdale, went to ASU, taught in Anthem and eventually came back to Scottsdale because it’s what feels like home. There are so many things to do around here. During the cooler season of the year, I would take my friend to hike Camelback or the McDowell Mountains, eat brunch at OEB, hang out at the pool at one of the local hotels, go happy hour + dinner at Toca Modera and finish with a cool speakeasy such as 32 below or Undertow. Scottsdale and the surrounding areas are filled with so many different type of activities that are sure to meet anyone’s needs.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband…the man who is usually always up for my crazy ideas and supports them and helps implement them time and time again.
Website: https://www.azsleepyteepee.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azsleepyteepee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azsleepyteepee
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@azsleepyteepee
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
