ClassForKids: Revolutionizing the Way Parents and Providers Book Children’s Activities
ClassForKids is a modern, secure online platform that makes booking and paying for children’s activities easy and efficient. Nikki Thng, CEO and co-founder of the company, shares how this innovative solution has attracted top investors and become a favorite among parents and activity providers alike.
What is ClassForKids?
ClassForKids is an all-in-one platform that allows parents to organize, book, and pay for their child’s classes and clubs using any device. The system is designed to save time for both parents and children’s activity providers by handling bookings, payments, automated communication, invoicing, registrations, class schedules, and waiting lists—all in one place. The cloud-based solution helps businesses run smoothly and professionally, providing full financial reporting to support growth.
How Did ClassForKids Begin?
The idea for ClassForKids was sparked by a casual conversation Nikki overheard in a local park in 2013. Her partner, Lisa, was discussing the challenges of finding kids’ classes in their local area, and it reminded Nikki of her time as a tennis coach. Back then, the process of managing classes was still very old-fashioned—noticeboards, word of mouth, and paper registration forms were the norm, with payments often made by cheque.
Nikki realized that the kids’ activity industry hadn’t evolved much in six years, and there had to be a better, more efficient way to manage this. Within a year, Nikki secured funding and began developing the solution.
How Did You Fund ClassForKids?
ClassForKids was initially funded through private investment from a variety of sources, including profits from Nikki’s previous business, FACE, and support from business angels. The combination of personal savings and external investment made it possible to bring the idea to life.
Challenges Faced in Launching ClassForKids
Launching a tech business was a huge challenge for Nikki, especially since she had no experience in software development. Growing up, she even had a dislike for computers! Juggling the demands of raising a young family, selling her previous business, and raising investment for a new venture made it all the more challenging.
But Nikki’s determination and passion helped her push through the steep learning curve, and ClassForKids became a reality.
Biggest Achievements to Date
Nikki’s biggest professional achievement so far has been becoming the youngest racquets manager at Esporta, starting FACE in 2007 (a mobile car repair and valeting business), and selling it successfully. But starting ClassForKids and providing a tech-driven solution to children’s activity providers stands out as the pinnacle of her career.
Marketing Strategies Used by ClassForKids
Nikki strongly believes in testing assumptions early. Before even developing the product, they ran a series of campaigns to gauge demand and build excitement. This helped them not only validate the idea but also create a community of interested users before launching.
ClassForKids has also successfully used social media to share behind-the-scenes updates about staff and company culture. Nikki believes in sharing real stories, not just focusing on the benefits of their product, and finds that this generates more engagement from their audience.
Where Will You Be in Five Years?
In five years, Nikki sees ClassForKids becoming a global marketplace for children’s activities, bringing even more innovation to the industry and expanding to new international markets.
Business Heroes and Inspirations
Coming from a sporting background, Nikki’s heroes are often figures from the football and tennis world. Sir Alex Ferguson stands out as a favorite for his ability to bring out the best in everyone, both players and staff. Nikki also finds inspiration in the tech industry, particularly with companies like Netflix (for its company culture), Intercom (for reinventing live chat), and Stripe (for disrupting the payments space).
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Nikki’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: don’t underestimate the journey. The initial push to get your idea off the ground is just the beginning. Building the right team, nurturing a strong company culture, and growing revenues are the next set of challenges. Confidence and relentless passion are essential, as the decisions you make along the way will ultimately shape the success of your business.
How Do You Like to Spend Downtime?
For Nikki, downtime means enjoying a good glass of wine, relaxing in the jacuzzi, playing some tennis, and spending quality time with family—but not all at once!
Favorite Show to Binge-Watch?
Nikki’s last binge-worthy show was Mad Men—a classic for anyone who enjoys a bit of history mixed with drama and business!
What Are Three Things You Can’t Live Without?
For Nikki, it’s pretty simple: work, family, and a glass of good wine—although the order does tend to vary!
Most-Used App?
Nikki relies heavily on the Met Office weather app, especially living in Scotland where the weather is unpredictable! She also uses Trainline for train times, even though they’ve never changed in the four years she’s been using it.
Finally, at work, Nikki uses Slack for everything from meeting notes and ideas to jokes and banter with the team.
What Song Is Always on Your Playlist?
Nikki’s playlist probably includes some classic Oasis songs or Radiohead. Her music taste, she admits, stalled at age 19, so she’s happy to let the team take control of the office playlist!
Conclusion: Building a Business Around Convenience
ClassForKids is a shining example of how technology can simplify everyday tasks, in this case, managing children’s activities. By creating a platform that helps both parents and activity providers save time and streamline their processes, Nikki Thng and her team have built a business that solves a real-world problem while also leveraging the power of technology to enhance the user experience.
With the right marketing strategies, a commitment to customer engagement, and a focus on solving meaningful problems, ClassForKids is set to continue its impressive growth. If you’re looking to start your own business or take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey, Nikki’s story proves that passion, testing, and adaptability are key ingredients for success.