Building Dreams and Memories, One Playtime at a Time
Cheeky Little Monkeys, Harper Bee and Party Central
In a family business that’s equal parts legacy and love, Lisa Versaci and her three daughters—Isabella, Alexis, and Stella—are the spirited forces behind Cheeky Little Monkeys, the vibrant play centre that’s taken Mackay by storm.
Recently winning the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Award for the Next Big Thing (New Business), Cheeky Little Monkeys has become more than a popular play spot for kids; it’s a family’s tribute to a loved one, a shared passion, and a way to stay close to Lisa’s late husband, whose creativity and hard work laid the foundation of the family’s ventures.
Years ago, Lisa’s husband helped build the original Cheeky Little Monkeys on the Sunshine Coast, designing and crafting equipment for children to safely play and explore. Tragically, he passed away in a truck accident, a heartbreak that shifted the family’s world. The grief was immense, but for Lisa and her daughters, Cheeky Little Monkeys became more than just a play centre.
“The girls felt it was essential to repurchase CLM and bring it to Mackay.
“It’s our way of keeping his legacy alive,” Lisa shared.
For them, each laugh, tumble, and game in the centre holds memories, bringing a sense of closeness to their dad, a man who remains a vital part of their everyday lives.
Today, each of Lisa’s daughters contributes to the business, infusing it with unique talents and a shared love for family.
Isabella, at 15, shines as a supervisor at Cheeky Little Monkeys, stepping up in ways that make her mum proud. Alongside her childcare responsibilities, Isabella manages rosters and coordinates birthday parties, demonstrating a maturity beyond her years.
“She makes the children feel safe and loved,” Lisa said, “and watching her create a nurturing environment brings so much warmth to our space.”
Isabella also designs products for their Harper Bee boutique, a line of chic, teen-focused items that promises to expand in the coming months.
Alexis, 14, has also found her stride in the family business. She works as a supervisor at Cheeky Little Monkeys, where she shares her sister’s skill for making kids feel welcome. But Alexis’s creative spark shines brightest at Harper Bee, where she oversees social media, represents the brand as an ambassador, and even collaborates on product design.
“She’s passionate about crafting items that appeal to her age group,” Lisa noted, “and her confidence in front of the camera is incredible. It’s something that draws kids to her online and in-store.”
Her posts and influencer role bring in a loyal following, helping Harper Bee grow into a vibrant, trendy space for teens and tweens.
Stella, at just 11, is the youngest member of the family team, but her contributions are no less impactful. Spending time in the play centre on weekends and school holidays, she’s a comforting, playful presence for the little ones and a quick learner at the retail counter.
Stella is also exploring social media, eager to learn the ropes and connect with other kids her age through the Harper Bee brand.
Beyond Cheeky Little Monkeys, the businesses which bring joy to parents and children alike includes Party Central, a venue perfect for memorable birthday celebrations, and Harper Bee, a boutique shop featuring trendy school supplies, party items, and gifts for teens. The multi-faceted business model has made their location on Wood Street a one-stop shop for Mackay families, with each venture adding something special to the community.
Cheeky Little Monkeys itself is a paradise for children aged six months to five years, with a safe, clean environment designed for joyful play, and a crèche service that allows parents to drop their kids off while they run errands or enjoy a few hours to themselves.
The concept, Lisa explained, grew out of her own experience as a busy mother seeking fun, stress-free options for her children.
“I wanted to create a place where little ones could go bananas in a safe, age-appropriate environment. Somewhere parents could relax, sip a coffee, and let the kids swing into fun,” she said.
Today, families can drop off their children for up to three hours for just $20 an hour, or stay and enjoy a coffee from Primal Coffee with a snack from YAW Bakery. “Date Night Saturdays” even gives parents the option for a night out, with the peace of mind that their little ones are in good hands.
With their recent business award from the Chamber of Commerce, Cheeky Little Monkeys and its sister ventures are thriving and growing. Soon, Harper Bee will move to a new, location in Mt Pleasant, and Cheeky Little Monkeys itself will undergo a major expansion, including added equipment to accommodate more children and families.
“Harper Bee has become more than just a store; it’s a space where tweens and teens can truly feel at home,” Lisa explained.
“When we learned it was for sale, my daughters begged me to buy it, and now it’s part of our family’s legacy to continue what the original owner, Janine, began.”
The shop is filled with carefully curated gifts, self-care items, and unique products designed just for tweens and teens.
“We pride ourselves on selecting only the best, ensuring every item speaks to their sense of style and individuality, both in-store and online,” Lisa added.
It’s a promising future for a family whose love and resilience have seen them through the hardest times, and who continue to find strength and purpose in one another.
For Lisa, the most rewarding part of the business is watching her daughters blossom within it.
“They bring such creative ideas, and seeing their confidence grow has been a joy,” she shared. In each of their roles, whether comforting a crying child or strategising product lines for Harper Bee, her daughters have stepped up, embodying the strength and compassion that their parents instilled in them.
In their laughter, hard work, and shared memories, Lisa and her daughters carry forward a legacy of love and resilience, making their businesses a cherished part of Mackay’s community.
cheekylittlemonkeysmackay.com.au
