Community Highlights: Meet Marney Sobel of MARNEY’S

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marney Sobel.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I arrived here from Canada during a difficult period — isolation and uncertainty after COVID made me rethink what I wanted to do. I started small: backyard book clubs and casual meetups where kids could read, talk, and simply be kids. Those gatherings showed me two things quickly: children respond to real, patient teaching, and parents desperately want a nurturing, screen-free space for their kids.

From those beginnings MARNEY’S evolved into a structured after-school program and weekend offerings. We expanded our schedule to be available seven days a week, designed lessons for different ages and learning styles, and focused on activities that build literacy, confidence, and social skills. Our success isn’t flashy awards — it’s the kids who leave smiling, the parents who tell us their child finally “clicked,” and the classrooms where shy students find their voice.

Looking ahead, I want MARNEY’S to be more than a single location. I’m building systems, curriculum, and a brand identity that can scale — with franchising as the next step — so other neighborhoods can have the same real, honest learning environment. What sets me apart is authenticity: I don’t do fake, and working with children lets me be my truest self while making a measurable difference.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road — but the challenges shaped MARNEY’S into what it is today. Moving here from Canada, I felt lonely and questioned if I had made a mistake. Then COVID hit, and everything became even more uncertain. Starting with backyard book clubs meant building from scratch — no name recognition, no budget, no marketing, just word of mouth. At times, enrollment was low and I doubted if it could work. But each child’s progress and each parent’s encouragement kept me going.

As MARNEY’S grew busier, I moved into a wonderful space in the heart of the Pacific Palisades, serving students from all schools in the area. But on January 7th, 2025, the LA wildfires devastated our community. Many of my clients and dear friends lost their homes and had no choice but to leave Los Angeles or relocate. For the first few months, I traveled all over the city to continue seeing students. They brought light and joy into such a heavy time, and I wanted to give them the same in return.

In May, I reopened in Santa Monica, where many schools had temporarily relocated. Our new storefront location is different, but I’ve created the same cozy, warm atmosphere my students know and love. Through it all, our community has stayed strong. My clients’ loyalty and trust have kept me going — and reminded me that MARNEY’S is more than just a program, it’s a family.

As you know, we’re big fans of MARNEY’S. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At MARNEY’S, we are all things kids — all ages, all learning styles, and all personalities. We specialize in book-based, screen-free learning that builds literacy, confidence, and social skills. From tutoring and language classes to book clubs and creative activities, we create a safe, warm environment where children feel seen and successful.

What sets us apart is authenticity. I don’t do “fake,” and kids feel that right away. We make learning meaningful, interactive, and fun — not pressured or transactional. Parents often tell us that their child finally “clicked” here, whether it’s with reading, language, or simply finding their voice.

I’m most proud that MARNEY’S has become more than a program; it’s a brand known for its cozy, community-centered vibe. We’ve built something that feels like home, yet is structured enough to deliver real academic and personal growth. Looking ahead, I want to grow MARNEY’S into a recognizable brand — with franchising as the next step — so more families can experience this unique balance of learning and belonging.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is resilience. Nothing has gone exactly as planned — from starting with backyard book clubs during COVID, to rebuilding after the devastating LA wildfires — yet every challenge has pushed me to adapt, grow, and stay rooted in why I began. I’ve learned that if you lead with authenticity and put kids at the center, families will rally around you. Resilience, community, and heart are what keep MARNEY’S moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marneys.us
• Instagram: @marney__s