I began this post just asking reader to fill the survey out, but I realized that maybe some of you who haven't been following would like the back story. And as I figure out how to plan a business, I find that restating the values and experiences that inspired my whole story helps keep me energized.
Right now I am planning to open a new business in Omaha, Nebraska called Kinder. We would carry safe, well-designed, and very fun toys that celebrate imaginative, explorative play. I think that being able to give your child a well-made, beautiful, and exciting toy is a privilege that everybody should have. I also believe that the quality of life in families is greatly enhanced by playing games together that both educate and entertain.
I was lucky in my childhood to have parents that LOVED playing with me. Who enjoyed going on a family bike ride together. Who helped my brother and I build the best couch forts and invited everyone over to watch the play we wrote and acted out. As an adult, I not only remember these experiences as fun, because I now realize how much I was LEARNING in the process.
In college I went to Russia and Europe several times, and I was in complete awe at the quality and aesthetic of their local toy stores. Every product was of the highest quality. There were so many toys that encouraged self-directed, imaginative play. No crappy plastic in primary colors. No flashing lights or noisy sound effects. No slutty dolls that look nothing like real humans. No dangerous, cheaply made toys from dubious origins.
I knew I had to do this.
If you wouldn't mind, I would really appreciate it if you took my survey that I created to learn more about toy consumers. It is only 10 questions long, and it will help me gather more research and knowledge about how I could best serve my customers if I decide to open my store.
Click Here to take survey
There are a lot of other great parents like mine, and they need a local source for quality toys and personalized service. Making fun activities can be effortless for parents and give them more time during the day to enjoy their children. To re-ignite a cultural interest in playtime is my goal.
And I decided to call it Kinder. This was my friend Heather Brown's idea. She is brilliant.
