By Danielle Galvin
It was over a casual catch up with a friend over 20 years ago when the idea was born for children’s entertainer Mary XXX’s alter ego, Fairy Mary.
Most people affectionately call the Little Creatures play space and party venue owner Fairy Mary.
It’s a name that’s certainly stuck.
After working as a graphic designer in the corporate world for a decade, Mary was looking for something else.
Over a coffee date with a good friend, Mary pondered what she could do, if she could have any job in the world.
She realised that it would be making children happy, storytelling, making children believe in magic, and to help them believe in the wonderful world of make believe for as long as possible.
Mary’s friend seized the moment at the cafe, ran across the shopping centre to an entertainer making balloon animals and the like for kids, and got the balloon hat off his head.
“She put it on my head and it was this ridiculous big balloon hat, and she said it’s time for you to wear a new hat, and she said if this is what you want, then the world needs to see you,” she said.
Armed with a bit of glitter, a costume and eventually the nickname Fairy Mary (courtesy of her husband) Mary set out to doorknock fairy shops across Melbourne in the search for a new home.
All she wanted to do was spread magic.
Eventually Mary got her start at the fairy shop in Fairfield, where she continued to work for 10 years.
“Twenty years later, most of my family and friends call me Fairy Mary,” she said.
Eventually, she fell in love with the space at Little Creatures in Balwyn, remarking to staff while teaching yoga there how much she’d love to own it.
A year on it was up for sale, and Mary felt the stars had aligned.
“It feels like it was meant to be,” she said.
“It’s got this beautiful energy, and I want to give it a magical soul.”
Mary has witnessed children’s parties grow into big business these days, but said it’s all about celebrating the children and for everyone to come together to enjoy the milestone in a child’s life.
“It’s not about what you buy and spend, it’s about what you provide in the space at the time and I believe that’s what lead me into yoga,” she said.
“I was automatically teaching children about being mindful and kind and looking after themselves, and their partners, their world and the earth.”
She describes Little Creatures as mostly an indoor play space for the children and partly cafe for the grown ups.
The most important aspect is the community feel.
“It’s not so much about owning a play space or being an entertainer, it’s more about what type of energy and space we create for our kids,” she said.
“And to bring back the beautiful world of make believe and role play.
“From the ages of 6 months and 5 years the only way kids learn is through play.
“I want Little Creatures to be a beautiful space where kids can be kids and live in this magical world and at the same time, parents in the room create a community and connect with each other.
“When it’s just people popping in, strangers become friends.”
Later this month, Little Creatures will host mum’s group sessions.
Mary says she is looking forward to helping bring back the village, and helping to “fill up the cups” of busy mums.@MUMSEMPOWERED will be running monthly workshops – see the Little Creatures Facebook or Instagram for more information.
