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Local Family Business soon to Charm Audiences on TLC

Jul 13, 2016 | 12:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE:  The business, which promises a product that delivers an “out-of-this-world escape right in your own backyard,” will soon be seen on television sets globally.

Tyson and Audy Leavitt created “Charmed Playhouses,” in March of 2015 after they attended the local Home and Garden Show.

Now the business duo known for creating the most elaborate, fairy-tale-like solid-wood playhouses and customized doghouses are wrapping up work on a new TLC reality television show called “Project Playhouse.”

Tyson Leavitt, said that the company has been able to take on local Canadian artisans and craftsmen who would have until recently, been employed in the oil sector; and the business has attracted American buyers due to a plummeting Canadian dollar.

“There are a lot of challenges with regards to keeping up with the growth. We’ve expanded our shop a few times and brought on more people.”

Leavitt said that with the airing of “Project Playhouse,” the company is anticipating an increase in demand and the opportunity to become a considerable employer in the Lethbridge area.

The custom-built designs have sold for up to six figures, attracting buyers such as NBA player Stephen Curry.

Leavitt said the business was inspired by memories he had as a child playing in a broken down A-frame playhouse and that he simply wanted to take those positive memories a step further.

“We try to pull out the imagination of the family and then bring it to life better than they could have ever imagined. We want to get families off of their electronics and back out into the yard spending time together.”

Leavitt also mentioned that he is overwhelmed with the community’s enthusiasm and that he believes the business was picked up by TLC based on all of the support shown by southern Albertans who shared images and information on the business over social media.