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Founders of Play with Pieces
Kate and Sarah are two Canadian design savvy moms who saw that the options for play space solutions was uninspiring and unstylish. They were determined to solve this style dilemma and created a line of play mats that are unique in both design and function – drawing a lot of inspiration from vintage rugs, and combining them with current trends. They are a single sheet design, so crumbs and liquid can’t get stuck between the cracks and made of XPE, a newer and safer alternative to EVA foam.
For the mom-to-be who doesn’t know, why is a playmat an important purchase?
In the first year of a child’s life there are so many magical moments that happen ‘on the floor’. From developmental milestones like tummy time and rolling to mommy tickles and playtime under activity arches, little ones needs a soft, safe space to learn and grow. Our play mats provide an ultra-cushioned, super soft, non-toxic surface for your babe to master all their new moves and the designs are so gorgeous you will love rolling them out in your home.
Your playmats are beautiful to look at so obviously an interest in interior design and curating a space played a part in the creation of the company. Where do you like to shop for nursery pieces and can you share any design tips you’ve learned?
ONLINE always online. We do most of our ‘power shopping’ after the kids go to sleep and we want anything (and every) we buy to be delivered to our front doorstep. We love mixing high and low. We are obsessed with the Ikea crib but would pair it with a Monte Joya baby rocker and probably a cashmere blanket.Things that we have learned? You need far less than you think you do — especially when it comes to baby linens, blankets and clothes. In the first year you are doing laundry almost everyday (there is so much laundry!!) so better to have a few things you really love than lots of stuff that just sits in your drawers.You are always going to reach for your fave outfits and blankets anyway.
We are both really design-oriented people and when we had our first babies there were no play space solutions on the market that we wanted to live with everyday in our homes.
What is the best part of your job?
Honestly, working together. We spend as much time talking about our personal lives, the netflix shows we are watching and our latest skincare obsessions as we do about the tasks we need to get done. It is really fun when ‘work’ just feels like hanging out.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to start a business with a young child?
Just do it. You will probably come up with a million reasons why not to, but having your own business is not only incredibly satisfying, but it allows you to spend time with your children in a way that a traditional job might not. You might spend countless hours burning the midnight oil or working on the weekends but you also get to take your kids to music classes in the middle of the day.
In the first year of a child’s life there are so many magical moments that happen ‘on the floor’. From developmental milestones like tummy time and rolling to mommy tickles and playtime under activity arches, little ones needs a soft, safe space to learn and grow.
How do you unwind, what do you do for self care?
Tea – seriously. We drink a lot of tea, Earl Grey for Sarah and peppermint for Kate. Also meditation and face masks!
What’s next for Play With Pieces?
Ahh the million dollar question… when we know, we will let you know 🙂 But you can bet it is going to be big!
You might spend countless hours burning the midnight oil or working on the weekends but you also get to take your kids to music classes in the middle of the day.
