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Some say inspiration is born from new experiences. If so, it appears Coconut Grove-based Silly Monkeys Playhouse came to life through the lens of someone consistently seeking to expand her horizons.
The center combines owner/operator Georgia Corbin’s passion for the arts, music, and family which stems from her and upbringing. She brings this passion to her business every day to foster creativity, self-expression, and confidence in children of the community.
Among the bunch of classes and programs available to local youngsters, Silly Monkeys offers sensory classes that focus on early developmental skills, an important concept for children. The Playhouse also prioritizes cleanliness and provides a safe and comfortable environment for children and their families. Side note, they also host amazing family holiday parties.
So join us as we catch up with Georgia from Silly Monkeys Playhouse and find out how it is that her unique brand of kindness and love translates into motivating kids to be more mindful while learning, possess a greater sense of confidence and curiosity, and truly think outside the banana box.
Question: How long has Silly Monkeys Playhouse been up and running in Coconut Grove?
Georgia: We celebrated our grand opening during the 2010 Coconut Grove Arts Festival. And it’s no coincidence that the official festival poster that year depicted a “Grove Heart,” because since Day One, we’ve absolutely loved every minute of what we do.
Question: What inspired you to work with children?
Georgia: It was actually my son who made me realize the need for moms and families to have a place to bond and provide a fun learning experience for their kids. He also inspired many ideas for the classes and events that are now part of our itinerary.
Question: Where are you from and do you believe your upbringing helped shape who you are and how you approach your business?
Georgia: I have always been immersed in the arts. I’m originally from Italy, a country with an immense creative tradition. In my teenage years, I lived in the Dominican Republic, where people are usually in good spirits and music fills the air. Aside from where I’ve lived, I’ve had great opportunities to work in tourism, real estate, and I have a background in graphic design. These fields have helped me deeply connect with people I’ve encountered along the way. Creativity and happy people were core to my upbringing.
Question: With such a diverse background in the arts, are creativity and self-expression two skills you would like to help kids explore in themselves?
Georgia: Absolutely, art and music are vital forms of expression and key to the learning process for our little ones. Spaces like this are where they connect with themselves and in turn our communities. This is where they find confidence and learn to discover the world from the inside out.
Question: Speaking of our youth, they say “it takes a village” to raise a child. What about Coconut Grove? Is it the ideal location for your line of work and for kids to grow up in?
Georgia: Prior to opening, I researched where might be the best place to open an early childhood stimulation center, and all signs pointed toward the Grove. Not only is the area very kid- and family-oriented but there also is an extremely strong sense of community here. In fact, the very people of the Grove make it feel a huge extended family that cares for and supports each other’s endeavors.
Question: I notice you offer sensory classes, a field that certainly appears to be on the rise. Why are these early development skills so important for kids; and how popular are those classes in particular?
Georgia: I remember when I opened Silly Monkeys Playhouse, sensory skills were still a new concept to many parents. That said, it is also a great way for kids to learn in a more mindful way as they discover new activities to expand their minds. This in turn creates a stronger sense of confidence and curiosity that later in life helps you solve problems, be creative, and truly think outside the box.
Question: Who is Coco?
Georgia: Haha! Coco is our silly mascot that kids and adults love and have fun with during sessions. Coco is a loving monkey that likes to hide, give kisses, tickles, and other hijinx. FUN FACT: Coco’s name is actually in honor of Coconut Grove!
Question: Aside from classes, you also enjoy hosting parties. How to do gatherings like holiday events and such help your clients bond — and in turn with the Coconut Grove community?
Georgia: Events are probably the best way for families to enjoy the true magic of the holidays. We go the extra mile for all our festivities to make sure the families will have a wonderful time with their children ensuring all the magical moments we offer become lifelong family memories.
Silly Monkeys Playhouse is located at 3310 Virginia St., Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For information, visit the Silly Monkeys website. You also may call owner and chief Monkey Georgia Corbin at 305-444-4448.
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