Who's That Gal: Nicole Loeb, Escape Game Designer of Trapology Boston
Do you get jazzed up about game night with your gals? If so, maybe it’s time to take it up a notch with Trapology Boston - a fun, interactive escape game challenge. The highly-rated “escape the room” is filled with a complex, but entertaining series of puzzles that is perfect for groups. We sat down with one of the co-founders to learn how she gets inspired when designing the games!
Name: Nicole Loeb
Age: 32
Occupation: Escape Game Designer of Trapology Boston
Hometown: Boston, MA
Current ‘hood: Boston, MA
Currently reading: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Favorite workout: Picking up fried chicken and putting it in my mouth
I never leave home without____: Clothes
Tell us more about what you do. How’d you get started?
I love games and puzzles. On the return flight from Tanzania, my husband, Jason, and I had a layover in Istanbul for 24 hours. We played an escape game and were hooked. I designed the “Drunk Tank” on the plane ride home. As soon as we landed and I got data back on my cell phone, Jason and I started looking for a commercial space for our new venture, Trapology Boston.
What made you want to work with Escape Games?
It’s rewarding to know that I designed a experience that has brought a group of motivated people together to try to achieve a common goal. I love escape games because they are fun, collaborative, and inclusive.
What’s the best thing about starting your own business?
Freedom. Flexibility. Challenge. On the game side, it’s extremely fulfilling hearing about how our players felt accomplished and what their experiences were like in response to a-ha moments. On the business side, I enjoy analyzing marketing campaign results and establishing long-term strategies for the business.
What’s the hardest?
The unknown. Handling stress. Juggling what seems like a zillion projects.
How do you design the rooms?
I start with a 0.3 black pen Pilot Hi-Tec-C 03 gel ink pen and a notebook, usually the same black moleskin. I take a plane ride somewhere, anywhere, preferably 8+ hours. I prefer the window seat, but I’ll take aisle.
What skill is most important for you to be successful? Why?
Patience. Ambition. Communication skills.
How do you manage working with your partner/spouse?
Sometimes, we’re on the same wavelength and the momentum is unbelievable. Sometimes, I want to strangle him. It’s a challenge, but Jason is brilliant, hilarious, and ridiculous. I’m lucky to have him as a business partner and spouse.
Any advice for other professional ladies?
Read Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.
Anything else you want to share?
Thank you to JUGS for supporting female entrepreneurs!
Lindsay Gardner is an Instructional Designer living and working in Boston. You can follow her on Instagram @lindsaygardner09.