City woman plays games for work

Jessica Jackson

Pascha Franklin has an at-home business, home schools her three children, does crafts at Renaissance Independent and Assisted Living Residence twice a month and helps manage her home, so naturally, she decided to take on another job in February.

Of course, the extra work load involves playing games.

Franklin said she started selling board games with SimplyFun because she loves playing and thought a little extra money during these economic times would be helpful. SimplyFun is a company that offers a variety of games for all ages.

“I’m a big game person. I love games,” she said. “It never even crossed my mind to start selling them.”

Her children — Parker, 7; Lydia, 4; and Sloan, 1 — are involved in various evening activities as well, she said. Her busy lifestyle is something she loves, and games actually help focus her, she said.

“I like it. I thrive on it,” she said. “There’s no such thing as average in my life. Every day is different, but it’s always fun.”

Franklin runs an at-home business called “My Own Design Ceramics and More,” which she describes as more like a hobby. She said she’s tried a number of other at-home gigs without much success. After deciding to become a consultant for SimplyFun, she started hosting game parties, where guests play the games and have the opportunity to buy the ones they like.

“Since I love games so much, I could talk about them and get excited about them,” she said. “You don’t really need me to tell you anything because you’ll like them.”

She said she’s recently been able to get approval to show her games to Stillwater Public Schools. SimplyFun is a vendor for both Tulsa and Broken Arrow public schools, she said.

“I’m looking forward to being able to introduce these to the teachers,” she said. “Teachers love these.”

Many of the games provide fun with education, she said.

One thing she loves about her job is how often she gets to meet new people, she said, not to mention getting to play all day.

“I love the fact that I can spend time with my kids laughing and playing without trying to figure out what to do,” she said.

Franklin said since joining SimplyFun and selling the games, she’s been able to learn a lot about the people around her through the games. She plays frequently with her children and weekly with her own friends.

“Everyone’s lives are so busy ... sometimes we forget to connect with the people around us,” she said. “When you take the time to sit down and play ... it helps your mind relax and de-stress, and that’s very beneficial to our health and happiness.”