We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Semenas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started The Sleepy Teepee Co. because I know how special it is to create lasting memories, but I also know how overwhelming it can feel—especially with the pressure of social media. These days, it seems like every celebration has to be Pinterest-perfect, and it’s easy to compare our own efforts to the beautiful setups we see online. But the truth is, planning a magical party takes time, energy, and a whole lot of work—and when you’re already balancing work, school, activities, and everyday life, it can start to feel impossible.

That’s why I wanted to do something different. I wanted to take the stress out of party planning and make it easy for families to create unforgettable moments without the late nights, endless errands, or overwhelming to-do lists. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having the “perfect” party—it’s about the laughter, the excitement, and the joy of seeing your child’s face light up.

So I pour my heart into every detail, creating cozy, magical spaces where kids can dream, play, and make memories that will stay with them forever. My hope is that you get to experience the fun without the stress—because these moments are meant to be cherished, and you deserve to enjoy them just as much as your little ones do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Starting The Sleepy Teepee Co. has been one of the most exciting and fulfilling journeys of my life, but my love for caring for families started long before that. Before launching my business, I spent years as a NICU RN, caring for the tiniest, most fragile babies and supporting families through some of the most emotional and challenging moments of their lives. That experience shaped everything about who I am—teaching me patience, compassion, and just how precious every moment truly is.

Working in the NICU, I saw firsthand how important it is to celebrate milestones, both big and small. Whether it was a baby’s first time breathing on their own, their first bottle, or finally going home after weeks or months in the hospital, every little victory was worth celebrating. That perspective made me even more passionate about helping families create beautiful memories with their children. Childhood moves so fast, and I wanted to give parents a way to slow down, soak in those magical moments, and truly be present—without the stress of planning.

That’s what sets The Sleepy Teepee Co. apart. It’s not just about throwing a party; it’s about creating experiences that feel special, meaningful, and joy-filled—because I know how important those moments are. Whether it’s a birthday, a best friend sleepover, or just a “because we can” celebration, my goal is to make it effortless for families to enjoy time together and make memories that last.

Building this business hasn’t been easy. Like any small business owner, I’ve faced challenges—figuring out marketing, navigating slow seasons, and wearing all the hats (from setup crew to customer service and everything in between). But my time in the NICU taught me how to stay resilient, adapt, and find solutions even in the hardest moments. That mindset has been key in growing my business and making it something truly special.

At its heart, The Sleepy Teepee Co. is about more than just teepees and party setups—it’s about cherishing childhood, making life’s little moments feel magical, and giving parents the gift of time to focus on what truly matters. If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my story, it’s that every moment with your child is a reason to celebrate, and I feel so incredibly honored to be part of creating those special memories for families.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love staying local to Erie—it has such a wonderful small-town charm, an amazing sense of community, and so many hidden gems to explore. If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got to experience all the little things that make this town feel like home.

We’d start with a meal at Piripi, my favorite spot for delicious gluten-free food (a must in my family with two Celiacs). The atmosphere is cozy, the food is incredible, and it’s the perfect way to kick off our adventures. After that, we’d test our teamwork with a local escape room challenge at Ten Letters—because what’s better than a little mystery and laughter while trying to break free?

A trip to Young Explorers is a must for finding the cutest gifts for the girls, followed by a slow, relaxed stroll through Old Town Erie, soaking in the charm of the area. To top off the day, we’d grab a drink at Echo Brewing, where we can sit back, catch up, and just enjoy the moment before heading over to Sweets Ice Cream—because let’s be honest, no day is complete without a little something sweet!

The best part of all of this? Everything is just steps away from each other, making it so easy to enjoy the heart of Erie. Whether we’re laughing over a puzzle, indulging in good food, or just appreciating the little things, it’s all about making memories together—and that’s exactly why I love this town so much!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support of my family. First and foremost, my husband, Keith, has been my biggest cheerleader from day one—believing in me, encouraging me, and helping in more ways than I can count. My daughters, Autumn, Ellie, and Emma, are my inspiration; seeing the world through their eyes reminds me why I love creating magical experiences for kids.

To all the families who have trusted me with their special moments, and to everyone who has cheered on The Sleepy Teepee Co., shared a post, or sent a kind message—thank you! Your support means the world, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey with such an amazing community.

Website: https://TheSleepyTeepeeCo.com

Instagram: @the_sleepy_teepee_co

Facebook: The Sleepy Teepee Co.

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