We are all heart eyes for Little Sapling Toys (or LST) for SO many reasons! I mean, they can make each and every toy personal by putting your child's name or a saying on it, they plant a tree for each toy sold, AND they don't use paints, dyes, or stains so you are 100% sure that it is safe for your child to put in their mouths! Kimber is the woman behind LST and has worked with her husband to create this gorgeous brand of toys. We are so excited to have her come to our Pop Up Shop on July 13th and wanted you to get to know more about her! Read below to find out more!
Why did you start your company?
Little Sapling Toys, LLC started as a chance for Nick and I to build something together that would challenge us, provide for our family, and satisfy our commitment to further social and environmental responsibility.
Tell me about the journey of your company?
Early in our marriage, Nick and I worked together, traveling the country to remodel hotel bathrooms. We found that our individual strengths were extremely complementary and that together, we make a near perfect team. When we had our first child in 2008, I noticed a gap in the market for modern and safe wooden toys and Nick named the new venture Little Sapling Toys, proving that our collaboration skills were ready for the new venture! Within six months, we were designing, making, and selling wood toys full time. LST has lived in California, Boise, Wisconsin, and, most recently, Utah. We’ve had incredible teams of employees and our customers have helped us plant over 80,000 trees through Trees for the Future.
What has been the most satisfying achievement so far?
We were featured in the November issue of Country Living for the “Making a Country Living” column. We were interviewed and had a photographer come to our home and shoot our family for an afternoon. It was surreal.
What has been one of the most difficult parts of starting and growing your business?
We didn’t have clear goals for Little Sapling Toys until about 7.5 years into it. Because of that, we’ve taken many “scenic routes” on our road to success.
What advice would you give to other parents/moms trying to start their own companies from home?
Make goals, treat it like a business and be prepared to put in the time.
What makes LST stand out, what makes your products and brand different?
Our toys are safe! We don’t use any paints, stains, or dyes, so they can go straight into your child’s mouth without concern. Our customers plant a tree for every toy that they purchase. In the year 2016, we are making a new toy every single week and we strive to constantly innovate and provide the best of the best. We also personalize our toys, so our customers can choose the perfect special message on the perfect special toy for that perfect special child.
What have you learned about parenting and family as you've started your company?
The most important thing that I’ve learned as a parent is that children come to earth with their own energy and we only need to guide them. The beautiful aspects of humanity are shown in the natural love and acceptance that children are born with and it’s something we should nurture and emulate ourselves.
What do you wish you had known when you started that you have learned?
Growing up, I always felt like an artist without a medium. I wish that my younger self would have known that running a successful business is a form of art because I would have nurtured the natural gifts I have and been more prepared to start off strong.
What is your favorite thing about owning your own business?
I love making the decisions and being the boss.
What are some of your favorite activities to do with your children?
We have a playhouse on our mountain property and we love to take turns sleeping out there with one child at a time, listening to audiobooks, playing games, and laughing together before snuggling in for sleep.
What advice would you give to first time moms?
First, I look at that pregnant belly or new baby and get emotional. Then, I tell you that you’re doing a great job and to trust yourself. Honor yourself for your accomplishments and trust yourself. Stay away from things that drain you and TRUST YOURSELF!
If you had to describe your company in 3 words what would they be?
invested, personal, design