Imagine being captivated by a free-thinking soul who thrives on challenges and unconventional ideas. For such individuals, Hour to Exit in New Rochelle, NY, emerges as the perfect spot for a proposal.

“We’ve hosted six marriage proposals here. People find our place so unique and so special to propose to their significant other,” shares co-owner Brittney Coleman.

Coleman, a passionate escape room enthusiast with over 250 games under her belt worldwide, joined forces with her partner Duane Sequira out of their shared love for the activity, leading them to establish their own escape room.

After playing one game, Coleman says she and Duane couldn’t stop discussing it—from the moment they left the room to the entire subway ride home. “I was like, yeah, I think this [opening an escape room] is something we actually can do.”

Now celebrating their sixth year in business, the duo offers four distinct escape rooms: Dorm Rules, Elude the Illusionist, Robbin Tiffani’s, and Villain’s Lair. Dorm Rules, ideal for larger groups, pits players against each other in friendly competition.

Each room is meticulously handcrafted by Coleman and Sequira, designed with customer enjoyment as the top priority. “We are dedicated to making sure that our customers come in and have a great time and leave with a smile on their face bigger than the one they started with,” affirms Coleman.

Amidst today’s pervasive smartphone culture, Hour to Exit provides a welcome respite by promoting brainpower and fostering communication. Reflecting on a poignant moment during COVID, Coleman recounts a parent’s astonishment: “I have never not seen them (her kids) without a phone for more than an hour unless they were sleeping.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs eyeing the escape room industry, Coleman stresses the importance of diligence and skill refinement. “Make sure you are working to build your skills and not just to look like you’re working…once you do the work, once you get the work, then the reward comes.”

Discover more about Hour to Exit at hourtoexit.com.