As part of our ongoing "Getting to Know Your Local Businesses" series, this week we sat down with
Troy Coleman, owner of PurposeFul Play Learning Academy!
1. Tell us a bit about your business: What does your business offer and how long have you been around?
PurposeFul Play Learning Academy offers fun, play-based, and social-emotional learning experiences for kids who
might not thrive in traditional classroom settings. We’re all about giving children a chance to learn in ways that feel natural to them—through play, exploration, and connection. While we’re still fairly new, we’ve already started offering virtual and in-person sessions, and we’re excited to grow and reach more kids who need this kind of learning environment.
2. How did you decide to get involved in this line of work? How did the business get started? I’ve worked as both a teacher and in mental health, and I saw firsthand how powerful play and emotional well-being can be for a child’s growth. PurposeFul Play was born from my belief that learning doesn’t have to be rigid or one-size-fits-all. I wanted to create a space where children feel free to be themselves 
while developing key skills—academically, socially, and emotionally. It started because I was seeing too many kids falling through the cracks, and I knew there had to be a better way to reach them.
3. Tell us a couple of things you are proud of about your business. What are you known for? What separates you from the competition? I’m really proud of how individualized our approach is. At PurposeFul Play, we focus on meeting each child where they are, giving them the support they need in a way that makes sense for them. We mix play with real learning—helping kids build problem-solving skills, creativity, and emotional resilience. What makes us different? 
We don't just focus on academics; we make sure children are growing emotionally and socially, too. And the fact that every day feels like a fun, engaging play date doesn’t hurt either!
4. What is your favorite part of running this business? My favorite part? It has to be watching the kids light up. When I see a child who’s been struggling suddenly connect with a lesson because it was taught through play—that’s everything to me. Every day is filled with laughter, creativity, and those “aha”moments where kids realize learning is fun. It’s why I started this in the first place.
5. Who is your target market or ideal customer/client? We work with families of children ages 3-12, especially those who feel like traditional schooling might not be the best fit for their child. Our ideal families are those looking for a more flexible, creative approach to learning, whether they’re homeschooling or seeking after-school enrichment.
6. Can you tell us something about yourself as the business owner? What is your background? I’m a former teacher who’s been in the trenches, working with kids who have had a tough time in school, and I’ve also worked in mental health. I’ve got a Master’s in Teaching and certifications in both Texas and Tennessee, so I’ve seen how education works—and doesn’t work—up close. That’s what pushed me to start PurposeFul Play—I wanted to 
create something different, something that really meets kids’ needs beyond just test scores.
7. Are there any special promotions, annual sales, or special events that you'd like to mention? Yes! We regularly host free virtual sessions to give families a chance to see what we’re all about. We’re also planning a virtual open house where families can meet with us, learn about our programs, and sign up for future classes. It’s a great way to get a feel for how we blend play with learning.
8. Is there any other information you'd like your potential customers/clients to know about your business?
At PurposeFul Play, we believe that every child deserves a joyful learning experience that feels right for them. We’re all about building strong relationships with both the kids and their families, and creating a community where learning feels like an adventure, not a chore. We also emphasize community service, helping students build character by getting involved with organizations that make a difference in the world.
9. How do you see your business growing and improving over the next couple of years? In the next couple of years, we’re planning to grow our in-person learning pods and virtual sessions. We want to partner with more schools and community groups to bring play-based, social-emotional learning to kids who need it most. Ultimately, we want to reach as many kids as possible, especially those in underserved communities, and make sure they have the chance to learn in a way that’s meaningful and fun for them.
For more information about PurposeFul Play Learning Academy, visit their
website.
(713) 706-5858
Serving Atascocita and Surrounding Areas
