Today we’d like to introduce you to Teawanna Teal
Teawanna , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The TJ Spot Skating Rink began with a vision to create a safe, fun, and healthy activity for the community, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. It all started when my kids and I would talk about roller skating and how much fun and exercise it provides.
I realized there wasn’t enough accessible recreation for kids, especially those growing up with few options to keep them engaged. After doing research and attending entrepreneurship programs like the mayor’s Jumpstart Academy and the Equity Entrepreneurs Center, I launched the pop-up skating rink in 2022 and we are certified business owners.
The mission of The TJ Spot is to strengthen families, friends, and communities through skating while promoting fitness and fun. Partnering with the City of West Palm Beach’s CRA, we are working hard to be able to open a pop-up rink on Tamarind Ave.
This initiative will allow us to connect with more people, offer affordable events for kids and adults, and provide a positive space for the community. From birthday parties to corporate events, we will expand our services, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come—fueled by passion, partnerships, and community support.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a business, especially one that’s community-driven, comes with its challenges. One of the biggest struggles was securing funding and building credit.
As a Minority Women-Owned Business, accessing capital wasn’t always easy, but I overcame this hurdle by attending programs like the mayor’s Jumpstart Academy and the Equity Entrepreneurs Center, which provided essential tools for building and scaling my business.
Another challenge was navigating the logistics of a pop-up business, from finding the right location to ensuring safety for skaters. I have submitted a proposal to the City of West Palm Beach CRA to hopefully secure a permanent pop-up spot, but it takes time and persistence. Weather can also impact outdoor events, so there’s always the unpredictability factor, but we are learning to adapt.
Through it all, I’ve had amazing support from my community and organizations like the Quantum Foundation, which through our fiscal agent Equity Entrepreneurs Center, awarded us a grant to keep moving forward. The journey hasn’t been without its bumps, but every challenge has made the business stronger and more resilient. We are building a brand not just popping at different locations to make money.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At The TJ Spot Skating Rink, I specialize in creating fun, safe, and fitness-focused experiences through roller skating. I provide pop-up roller skating rinks for various events, including birthday parties, corporate events, private parties, and community gatherings. What sets us apart is our mission to serve the community, particularly underserved neighborhoods, by offering an accessible and positive recreational space for families, friends, and even co-workers to come together.
I’m most proud of how we’ve been able to partner with local organizations, like the City of West Palm Beach’s CRA, City Place and the City of Pompano Beach as well.
This partnership allows us to reach more people, making a lasting impact by giving them options to bring the pop-up rink to skate, have fun, and stay active.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on building community. Skating is more than just a recreational activity—it’s an opportunity to promote health, connect people, and create lasting memories. We offer three different sized rink options to our clients and include skate rental.
We’re dedicated to ensuring that our rink is affordable, welcoming, and always full of positive energy.
I am the brains and body behind the entire business. I handle advertisement, branding, finances, inventory, you name it. I pride myself on the efforts I put in to engage others in the cause and uniqueness of my business and that draws their interest in to book the rink.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people don’t know about me is that a lot of my work for The TJ Spot is done late at night, when my kids and the world are asleep. That’s when I can focus the best—I create invoices, respond to emails, and really dive into the creative process. I find that my best ideas come during those quiet hours, when I can fully concentrate and let my creativity flow. I am able to reflect back on my events and think about how great they were and ways we can improve. It’s a unique rhythm, but it works for me and has been key to growing the business.
Pricing:
- Rental Skate Floor (Skates Included) 600sqft $700
- Rental Skate Floor (Skates Included) 900sqft $1000
- Rental Skate Floor (Skates Included) 1200sqft $1300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=32540664
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetjspot?igsh=YnJoYW5vYTh5MDhv&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/mCZDtv8XT91kZPrV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
