Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Clements.
Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Katie Elaine Clements was born in California and raised in Enterprise, Alabama. As a military child (her father proudly serving 20 years in the United States Army),Katie learned early what it meant to be resilient, adaptable, and courageous. She understood sacrifice, dedication, and the importance of supporting those around her. These values shaped her long before she ever put on a uniform herself.
Childhood in Enterprise gave her a sense of community that would remain with her forever. Her parents, Sherman Dean Blankenship and Barbara Lynn Blankenship, poured encouragement, strength, and guidance into her life. Though they are no longer here physically, their legacy lives on through the woman she has become.
Driven by purpose and inspired by her father’s service, Katie joined the United States Navy. What began as a calling right out of high school soon became a life defining journey. She served in multiple capacities: medic, EMT, dental technician, nursing instructor, supply director, BLS instructor, Command Financial Advisor, and humanitarian volunteer. Her service took her across the world and shaped her into a strong leader with a compassionate heart.
Throughout her military career, Katie continued her education, building expertise in health sciences, emergency care, leadership, and business. Her dedication to growth and service became the foundation for her future endeavors.
Life blessed Katie abundantly when she met Quinton Clements, a fellow Navy veteran and air traffic controller. Together, they formed a powerful partnership built on loyalty, love, and shared values. Their two boys Cameron Ty and Carter Dean bring joy and adventure to every day, and Quinton’s parents embraced Katie with love and support that filled her life with warmth and belonging.
After completing 11 years of honorable service, Katie felt a new calling:
“How can I serve families now?”
She noticed a need…something missing for parents of very young children. A safe, clean, nurturing space designed specifically for infants and toddlers. A place where caregivers could relax and feel supported, and little ones could play, learn, and explore.
Out of that vision, Kid Cafe was born.
The process wasn’t easy. It took patience, creativity, budgeting, planning, sourcing, and countless hours of determination. But Katie carried the grit she learned as a military child and the strength she gained as a service member. She kept pushing forward, guided by passion and purpose.
But my roots go even deeper than that.
I come from a lineage of strength beyond anything I can fully measure. I am the grandchild of Holocaust survivors. I grew up understanding the meaning of perseverance on a level far beyond my years. I knew that if my grandparents could endure what they did… then I could face anything.
On June 28th, 2024, her dream of being a small business owner and contributing to her community became reality. Katie joined the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, and in currently in class 42 of Lakeland Leadership which she takes emense pride in. Kid Cafe opened its doors as the first and only indoor all soft playground in the area dedicated entirely to babies and toddlers under four years old. Calming colors, all soft play structures, sensory areas, and imaginative spaces welcomed families into a warm environment built with intention, safety, and joy.
Since opening day, Kid Cafe has grown into a beloved community space, a haven for little ones, a supportive environment for parents, and a business rooted in consistency and heart. Katie continues to expand her vision, exploring opportunities for growth and future locations.
Her story is one of independence, movement, transformation, and love. From Army child to Navy Veteran. From California Florida, and all the military bases in between. From daughter to entrepreneur. From dreamer to founder.
And through it all, Katie remains guided by purpose:
To serve, to uplift, to move with intention, and to create a space where families and children can thrive together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No. the road has definitely not been smooth. But it has been meaningful, and every bump has shaped me into the woman I am today.
I’ve walked through loss, transition, and moments that tested my strength. Losing both of my parents before they could see what I’ve built has been one of the hardest parts of the journey. There are days I wish I could pick up the phone, send them an update, or see their faces walk through the doors of Kid Cafe. Their absence is a quiet ache I carry through every achievement.
Being the grandchild of Holocaust survivors also means I carry a legacy of trauma and resilience. Growing up, I felt the weight of their history and the responsibility to live a life filled with purpose, compassion, and strength. Their survival gave me life, and honoring that has been a guiding force, but also a reminder that life is precious, unpredictable, and never guaranteed.
My military journey came with its own challenges:
long hours, deployments, emotional pressure, and pushing through physically and mentally demanding roles. As a medic, EMT, instructor, and leader, I carried the responsibility of caring for others sometimes before the safety of myself. But it taught me grit, discipline, and confidence.
Transitioning out of the Navy wasn’t easy either. Leaving a structured environment and stepping into civilian life (specially entrepreneurship) felt overwhelming at times. There were moments of doubt, moments of “Am I really doing this?” and moments where I questioned whether I was making the right decisions.
And then came motherhood. Beautiful, humbling, and transformative. Being a mom is a blessing, but it’s also challenging. Balancing children, marriage, business planning, late nights, budgeting, designing, and building a brand from scratch came with stress, exhaustion, and many “figure it out as I go” days.
Starting Kid Cafe was not smooth either:
There were people saying no.
There were delays.
There were budget surprises.
There were decisions that had to be made quickly.
There were days I cried, prayed, and pushed through anyway.
I never let those struggles define me or used them as an excuse to slow down. No one wanted to give me a chance on a commercial lease since I was a start up. They didn’t belive in my vision, but I finally got the support and a great location after 2 years of trying for a lease in Lakeland. (Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Heddon!)
What kept me going?
my boys
my husband
my parents’ memory
my grandparents’ legacy
my community
my belief that Kid Cafe was needed
And on June 28, 2024, when Kid Cafe opened its doors, every challenge felt worth it.
The road wasn’t smooth. it was real.
It was messy.
It had detours.
It had storms.
It had breakthroughs.
But smooth roads never make strong travelers.
And I am stronger, humbled by life, and more grateful for everything around me because of everything I had to overcome.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What Sets Kid Cafe Apart?
There are many play spaces, but Kid Cafe is one of a kind, and it shows in every detail.
Designed exclusively for infants, babies, and toddlers under age 4 years old.
Not for everyone.
Not for all ages.
Just tiny humans 0 to 4 years of age!
That makes the environment safer, cleaner, calmer, and developmentally appropriate.
A space built with intention
Nothing at Kid Cafe is random. Every toy, color, texture, and layout is chosen for safety, sensory growth, and early learning.
Clean, secure, modern, soft play environment
Parents feel peace.
Babies feel joy.
Toddlers feel free.
That combination is rare.
A café style atmosphere
Kid Cafe isn’t chaotic. It’s warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed. It’s a place where caregivers of all kinds can exhale. When you come to Kid Cafe you never want to settle for anything less. 100 percent of children love it. Guaranteed.
Community driven
Kid Cafe is not just a place to play, it’s a place to connect, build friendships, support parents and caregivers, share moments, and grow together.
Founder led, heart led
I didn’t create Kid Cafe from a corporate blueprint.
I created it from a mother’s perspective, a veteran’s discipline, and a woman’s vision.
Safety, comfort, and family centered design
My focus on intention, safety, cleanliness, and an all age appropriate playground sets Kid Cafe apart instantly. Parents feel the difference 100 percent. (Even the specific lighting is intentional!)
Purpose behind the brand is what I wanted. We have been very well recieved by the City of Lakeland, Polk County, and word of mouth has been our advertising.
What were you like growing up?
A an only child I watched peoples movements, listened carefully, and picked up lessons others missed. I wanted to understand how things worked: people, processes, feelings, everything. I asked so many questions! I watched closely, and learned fast.
Was a soccer player for many years, helping to start my high school’s 1st female soccer team!
Tons of dreams, stories, plans. I could picture things clearly in my mind before they even existed. That same creative spark is the one that later built Kid Cafe. Creativity is my superpower!
People naturally followed my lead. I had that quiet influence, the kind built on respect, not ego. I made things happen, even as a last minute procrastinator!
I was and am definitely heart driven.
I was someone who cared deeply about the people I loved. I loved family time as the only child, had a safe, warm, and stable environment to grow in, and valued friendship connections. The same heart I had growing up, is the same one that cares for families today at Kid Cafe.
Pricing:
- $12.00 per child 0 to 4 years of age
- Adults are free
- Free water, coffee, and tea
- Membership options available starting at $40.00 a month for 1 child
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.kidcafelakeland.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bxnu9qbjD/
