Meet Jessie Davies, Founder of Knotty Games Rentals

For Jessie Davies, Founder of Knotty Games Rentals, play has always been more than just a pastime. With a background in recreation, a degree in kinesiology, and several years spent managing recreation programs in seniors' communities, she built a career around creating opportunities for people to connect. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a New Year's Eve casino night sparked an idea that would eventually become Knotty Games. What began as a small side project building and renting oversized lawn games quickly gained traction through word of mouth and Facebook Marketplace. 

Today, Knotty Games has grown into a thriving business focused on bringing people together through play, laughter, and meaningful connection. We spoke with Jessie about her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of community, and the challenges and rewards of running a small business. 

What does Knotty Games offer the local community?  

A lot of people look at Knotty Games and see a game rental company, and yes, that's true. But I see it more as a facilitator of human connection. Our goal is to build community and increase connection through play.

That's really the "why" behind the company. Many of our games are simple to learn and can be as competitive or non-competitive as people want them to be. It's about interacting with each other, putting your phone down, and being more present in the moment.

I definitely lean into the "digital detox" movement, and I feel there's a lot of momentum behind that, especially with younger generations. At its core, Knotty Games is about creating community.

What does being a small business mean to you?  

Being a small business means being part of a community. One of the reasons I enjoy working for myself is the independence it offers, but success doesn't happen in isolation. You have to build relationships, create partnerships, and work alongside other people.

It's been really rewarding connecting with other small business owners. Whether their work complements mine or is completely different, there's a shared sense of support and enthusiasm for what each of us is building.

Being small also gives us a lot of flexibility. We can accommodate last-minute bookings and offer a highly personalized experience. That's something I really value and enjoy being able to provide. 

What are your favourite parts of owning a small business?  

My favourite part of Knotty Games is seeing moments of connection.

The thing that keeps me going is watching people of different generations play together, seeing them smile and laugh, or even create their own rules and get creative with the games. Those moments of connection are what make it all worthwhile.

What kinds of unique challenges do you face as a small business?  

The event industry presents some unique challenges, especially when it comes to growth and scaling. In the beginning, it's easy to manage a small inventory of games and handle everything yourself. But as demand grows, you have to figure out how to add staff, coordinate schedules, and build operational systems that support that growth.

Right now, a lot of my focus is on finding solutions to those challenges, whether that's increasing the number of bookings per day, adjusting minimum rental requirements, or finding other ways to make expansion sustainable.

Like any small business owner, I've faced a steep learning curve. There are plenty of resources available, some have been more helpful than others, but the biggest lesson has been learning as I go.

For better or worse, my philosophy is, "Leap and the net will appear." Building a business often feels like building the plane while you're flying it. That can be challenging, but it's also exciting because there's always something new to learn and figure out.

I've also been fortunate to have a lot of people in my corner who want to see me succeed. Whether their expertise is in marketing, accounting, bookkeeping, or another area, people have been incredibly willing to share their knowledge and offer guidance. That's been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

Of course, there are always challenges, like managing finances and deciding how much to reinvest in the business. But overcoming those challenges has also led to some really positive experiences. 



What’s something you wish more people knew about owning/operating a small business in Greater Vancouver? 

Greater Vancouver has an incredible community of entrepreneurs who are building businesses and bringing ideas to life. Once you start connecting with that community, you realize how much support is available.

One thing I strongly believe is that you don't have to wait until everything is perfect before you begin. Sometimes you just have to take the first step, even if you don't feel completely ready. As I like to say, "Leap and the net will appear."

Whether you're someone who prefers to build as you go or someone who starts with a detailed vision, there are many paths to success. If you have an idea you're passionate about, I think you should go for it.

Take the risk. Conquer your fears. It won't always be easy, and it's certainly a challenging business climate, but if you have a good idea, there's a lot of support out there to help you succeed.