Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Jones McCoy.
Posh Play founder McCoy had no intention of starting a business—her plate was plenty full with a new baby and a full time job as the dugout reporter for Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers—but when a baby gift filled a void in her home, she decided to fill a void in the marketplace. After McCoy had her first child in 2011, she struggled to find a stylish alternative to the traditional, juvenile play mats on the market. Fortunately, her best friend from high school—Kelly Smith—had experienced the same thing five years prior and took matters into her own hands. Smith came up with a simple concept to use wipeable faux leather to make her own play mat—two pieces of fabric sewn together with a layer of polyester batting in between. It was equal parts style and function— completely wipeable, substantial enough to stay put under an active baby, and nice enough to blend in with the decor of a sophisticated home. When Smith gave McCoy one of her own, Posh Play was born.
The pair soon realized the same “style meets function” concept could be applied to other products, as well. The line has expanded to include Diaper Clutches, Tote Bags, Lunch Sacks, Placemats and Bibs. As Posh Play has grown, the same principle has remained, to create sophisticated, beautiful products that make life a little easier for parents, products that are durable and grow with your family. High style. High function. High time.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth is definitely not the word for it! When we first started, we found it difficult for people in the “business world” to take two women with no business background seriously, so we had to take our lumps along the way. Learn by doing, as they say.
Posh Play – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
These luxury indoor/outdoor play mats aren’t just high function, they’re high style! Say so long to the primary-colored alphabet mat. Now you can have a spill-proof mat that wipes clean with the swipe of a baby wipe or damp cloth and looks beautiful in your home.
Posh Play Mats are chicly designed for in-home use—arts and crafts, babies’ and kids’ mealtime, and messy play. They are a lifesaver under messy spots like the highchair or arts and crafts table! Plus, they’re also great for outdoor use at picnics, concerts and youth sporting events.
Posh Play Mats are made from beautiful faux leather in snakeskin and crocodile embossed textures.
Where else can you find a mat with all that functionality that’s also so stylish you’re not embarrassed to leave it out when company comes over?
Posh Play also offers coordinating accessories, including the Diaper Clutch & Changing Pad Set, the Lunch Sack, the Bib and a small Pad for use as a take-along arts and crafts pad, placemat, or changing pad. And it gets better—every product in the Posh Play line is spill-proof, wipeable, and reusable. And did we mention all products can be monogrammed?
Genius!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think just the fact that we are still around after 5 years…and being featured on the Steve Harvey Mother’s Day Show last year 🙂
Pricing:
- Posh Play Mat – $89
- Posh Play Tote Bag – $89
- Posh Play Diaper Clutch/Changing Pad Combo – $49
- Posh Play Lunch Sack/Bottle Carrier – $36
- Posh Play Changing Pad/Placemat – $22
- Posh Play Bib – $22
Contact Info:
- Address: 3000 South Hulen Street,
Suite 124-147
Fort Worth, Texas 76109 - Website: www.poshplaymat.com
- Email: customerservice@poshplaymat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poshplay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoshPlaymat/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/poshplaymat?lang=en
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
