When Vanessa Icasas left her 15-year corporate career as a Data Engineer in 2023, she didn’t expect to become the founder of a thriving mobile playground business. A mobile playground is a transportable play setup that can be installed at events, giving kids a safe and fun space to enjoy slides, bounce houses, and interactive toys. But with a heart full of diskarte, a supportive husband, and two daughters cheering her on, she turned her love for creating joyful moments into Olivia’s Partyland, now one of the most in-demand mobile playground services in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Today, she juggles mom duties, party bookings, content creation, and even runs her own website. But this journey didn’t begin with a clear roadmap. It began with a sleepless night and a mother’s determination.
A Leap of Faith from Corporate to Full-Time Mom
Before Olivia’s Partyland, Vanessa Icasas was working in Makati, BGC, and Ortigas, moving across top multinational IT companies. She had spent over a decade building her career. But when her work-from-home setup was discontinued and her company began letting go of employees due to financial issues, Vanessa Icasas had to choose between returning to an office job or staying home with her two daughters without household help.
She chose to become a full-time mom.
Her days were filled with preparing her children’s baon, school drop-offs, laundry, cooking, and squeezing in business tasks like replying to client inquiries, managing social media, maintaining her website, and even baking for a side bakeshop. It was overwhelming, but for Vanessa Icasas, it was worth every minute.
The Lightbulb Moment
It all started while browsing the internet at dawn. Vanessa Icasas was planning her daughter’s 7th birthday and was shocked by the price of mobile playground rentals. That moment sparked an idea. What if she started her own?
With her savings, she began purchasing play mats, fences, and eventually, inflatable playgrounds. Her husband believed in the vision and helped fund more equipment. They bought one inflatable at a time and slowly built their packages.
Olivia’s Partyland was born out of resourcefulness, love, and a real desire to build something from the ground up.
From One Client to Many
Her first client came from a simple conversation with a former officemate. Although her friend didn’t book, she referred Vanessa Icasas to someone who did. Vanessa Icasas rented her sister’s van, gathered her husband and relatives, and went to that very first party setup.
It wasn’t glamorous. But it was a start. And it worked.
Now, they cater to multiple areas including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and Pampanga, offering a variety of inflatable packages and mobile playgrounds.
Running a Business While Raising a Family
Despite the growing success, Vanessa Icasas remains a hands-on mom. She helps her daughter with schoolwork, makes time for her parents, and ensures her family remains at the heart of her schedule.
With the help of both her mother and mother-in-law, she balances bookings and family life with grace and intention.
The Madiskarte Edge
Vanessa Icasas credits their growth to her hands-on marketing efforts and dedication to customer satisfaction. She joined Madiskarte Moms PH, attended bazaars, collaborated with influencers, and invested in creative video content and ads.
Their first viral moment came from a collaboration with a mommy vlogger with over three million followers. Since then, referrals from happy clients have become their strongest form of marketing.
“We’re always touched when clients refer us to others or book us again. That means we did something right,” Vanessa Icasas says.
Powered by Community
Being part of the Madiskarte Moms PH community reminded Vanessa Icasas that she wasn’t alone. As a finalist of Gawad Madiskarte, she felt validated, seen, and motivated to keep going.
She also draws strength from her mother, a true hustler who raised her family through a mix of small businesses from banana cue to tailoring. That spirit of perseverance lives on in Vanessa Icasas journey.
Advice to Aspiring Mompreneurs
Vanessa Icasas message is simple.
“Start. Even if you’re unsure or afraid. Every business begins with one step.”
She shares her top three madiskarte mom tips:
- Take action on your idea. Don’t wait for the perfect moment.
- Study your business model. Know your audience and competition.
- Give your business time to grow. Don’t quit too early.
Vanessa Icasas admits to past business failures, including siomai, printing, and skincare ventures. But each experience shaped her resilience and drive to keep moving forward.
What’s Next for Olivia’s Partyland
Vanessa Icasas next dream is to help more moms start their own businesses. Through their new venture, Olivia’s Toys and Inflatables Suppliers, she and her husband provide equipment to aspiring party entrepreneurs across the country.
They also envision launching their own indoor playground in a mall, making Olivia’s Partyland not just a business, but a brand that spreads joy beyond events.
Being a business owner gave Vanessa Icasas the freedom to pursue her passion while raising her children. It gave her purpose, financial stability, and a platform to empower other moms to start their own success stories.
“When our clients tell us we added joy to their events, that is the most fulfilling part of it all,” Vanessa Icasas shares. “That’s when I know this business was worth every risk.”
To book Olivia’s Partyland or learn more about Vanessa Icasas journey, visit www.oliviaspartyland.com
Serving Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Rizal, Cavite, and Batangas
From one mom’s dream to every kid’s joy.
Mommy Vanessa Icasas built Olivia’s Partyland to bring magic, motion, and memories to your next event.
Built by love, powered by diskarte.
Olivia’s Partyland is more than just inflatables—it’s a mom-made memory maker.
Mom by heart, CEO by choice.
Mommy Vanessa Icasas brings playtime dreams to life with Olivia’s Partyland. Your event’s ultimate kid magnet.
Who says play can’t be a business?
Mommy Vanessa Icasas proves that fun and profit can go hand in hand—with every bounce, giggle, and roll.