Why Small Businesses Matter in Norwalk: Tumble Jungle

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Tumble Jungle!

Four questions with Tara Owen-Smith, owner of Tumble Jungle.

Why did you start your business?

I did a Mummy and a Me class at Tumble Jungle with my daughter Daisy when she was very little and I met some great friends there. I love the community of it but also the idea that it was a business I could run whilst being a single parent bringing up my young child.

What is your best-selling product/service?

Our birthday parties are always so much fun. It's wonderful to see the children enjoying themselves on the bounce houses, trampolines, and zip lines. We hope that the birthday boy or girl will always remember their special party at Tumble Jungle - and that their parents will, too.

A personal satisfaction I have enjoyed over the past year is seeing the progression of the children from the baby to toddler classes as they get older. Watching children grow and develop as they take part in our classes is tremendously rewarding.

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?

We offer a pizza lunch and dinner during our Monkey Time session and use the restaurant John’s Best. We have a deal with Carvel for birthday cakes. Our brochures and clothing are from MK and T Designs. We have Melissa and Doug toy products for sale in our building. Fairfield Vending is another local business we support for our vending machines.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

I took over Tumble Jungle in March 2020, right at the start of Covid. It has been a challenge but our staff has adapted brilliantly. We set up a thorough cleaning process to keep the gymnastics center hygienic and carefully followed state and federal rules, which allowed us to open our doors (a great relief) in June for summer camp. Since then, I have loved getting to know the families who visit us. Running Tumble Jungle makes me feel a part of a community.

Tumble Jungle is located at 250 Westport Avenue in Norwalk. Visit Tumble Jungle online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!