I’m constantly looking for different ways to keep my girls entertained and engaged in NYC, since the winters here make it difficult to enjoy all of the outdoor activities. Yes, even in NYC, it’s possible to run out of ideas! My kids, and most-likely yours too, have become completely obsessed with slime. I’m not even sure what to compare it to in my day, because I don’t think Playdough was ever trending the way slime is. Between watching Youtube slime videos, the ever-fascinating slimers of Instagram, and playing with the DIY kits at home, slime has become life! This explains why when I first heard about The Sloomoo Institute, I jumped at the opportunity to take my girls, and then opted for a second visit for myself to really get a grasp on what the craze is all about. This museum of slime is one of those places that exceeds your expectations. Meeting female-founders, Karen and Sara, you can tell they’ve put their heart and soul into this project. These inspiring women have been through profound loss and hardship, but thankfully found the magical healing power of slime and wanted to share it with the world.
Sloomoo Institute is so full of light and color, it can make anyone smile. The custom scents throughout the space, are all nostalgic of happy times, and the feeling of simply stretching and pushing through the slime in your hands is therapeutic on a subconscious level. It’s like the longer you spend touching slime, the more meditative and stress-free you feel. In the space you can find everything from slime showers to a slime slingshot, and DIY slime (mine was “snow slime,” neon coral, with Christmas tree scent, and had sparkly bear charms) The girls were impressed! Sloomoo is officially open for business, and don’t be surprised if it starts popping up in cities near you, everywhere...slime is here to stay!
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
We opened on 10/25 but have been working on this for a year.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I had been going through a very difficult time in my life. A good friend came over with her then 10-year-old daughter, who happened to have slime with her. I wound up playing with her for 4 hours and realized that during that time, I had my first smile in a long time. I became obsessed with slime, as it brought me such stress relief and joy. I brought slime to my friend Sara, and we became so enthralled that we decided to bring our love of slime and ASMR to the world, with a percent of proceeds benefitting mental health charities.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Hard to say as there aren’t many slime experiential spaces out there. We put enormous energy into ensuring we bring to life what makes slime so magical and to create a space that appeals to adults as much as it does kids.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
We enable our visitors to actively participate in the space to bring it to life. You're here to add slime to a wall, use an EEG machine to see your brain on slime, design a slime, film a satisfying video with slime, get immersed in CGI ASMR videos, walk on slime, and more. There are nearly 20 beautiful vats - all custom-made - of slime to play with. Each one has a different type of slime so it’s nonstop discovery.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
Slime has been known to help with stress relief. It makes people happy, even if they think they hate slime. We’re bringing joy and giving back to a good cause.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Hearing laughter in the space all day and creating new slimes - it is an art form.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Rawsome Treats for raw deserts. The moo pie!
How do you benefit mamas?
We give them a space for their children to explore and an activity they can engage in together. It’s also great for moms who don’t want slime at home!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Someone reached out and said she had been in a depression and we brought her reprieve - she let go of her pain and felt pure joy in our world. That is a big reason we created this.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
Some of our favorite slimers include:
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Take the risk you’re most afraid of. Follow your passion no matter what anyone else says.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Think in advance to plan ahead. And let some things go. It’s impossible to get everything done well at all times.