Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Friedman.
Julie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My daughter has a speech delay and learns a little differently than other kids. She does not watch TV and has no interest in typical toys. One of her therapists recommended introducing sensory play to her daily schedule to help relieve anxiety and encourage language development.
As I researched the benefits of sensory play, I was overwhelmed with what the research said about it as far as how it supports language development, social interactions, memory function, fine motor skills, builds nerve connections within the brain that trigger a child’s ability to complete more complex tasks. I was excited to introduce this element of play to my daughter, who really enjoyed it and I have been able to see a true difference in her has we integrate sensory play.
Whenever she is frustrated or unable to communicate, if I can give her a structured activity, with something that involves her hands and her mind, she is immediately at peace and happy. Sensory play has really opened a lot of doors of communication for Evie and I. I am able to expand her vocabulary and work on her articulation as we talk about new objects, textures, smells, etc. It has been a fun way to bond with my kids and enjoy the fun and interactive activities with them!
Has it been a smooth road?
Finding time! Where is the time?! As a mom of three, who also has an embroidery business, and now YWF.. its just hard to find enough hours in the day to get everything done!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Young, Wild and Friedman – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
YWF started because of a need. I had so many friends who would always ask me to start a blog to share the activities that I did at home with my kids. I would post pictures and videos of them on Instagram and snap chat, and would always get tons of messages from friends about what we were doing and who they could do them at home with their kids.
Last summer, I got surgery for my deviated septum and while I was out recovering, I figured, why the heck not, and started my Instagram and blog, Young Wild and Friedman. It has been fun to share our ideas and encourage my followers to spend time with the little ones doing intentional activities and games. People always ask me how our play dough kits came about and its a funny story!
One of my friend’s daughters had just gotten her tonsils taken out and I wanted to make her a gift that could keep her busy while she was stuck at home recovering. I got a divided box, made her some homemade, scented play dough and put together a little “Baking Kit” for her. It had three types of play dough, some cookie cutters, silicone baking liners, a rolling pin, birthday candles, and decorative items. She LOVED it and a group of my friends saw the kit that I made for her and asked if I would make them for their kids also… and BOOM just like that, play dough kits were born!
It was crazy how quickly and how many of them were selling! I couldn’t keep up with the demand! I have now changed my format to a monthly kit release, that is new and different every month– and I offer a limited amount so I’m not up to my neck in play dough every week! Its been a great new format for the business, however, I hate that they sell out so fast and not everyone can have one! Hopefully one day I will be able to figure out a way to make a greater supply!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I just love what I do with YWF. I have always been super crafty and hands-on, so its no surprise that my kids are as well! I love coming up with new ideas and activities to keep my kids busy and I enjoy making and participating in the activities as well!
Pricing:
- $39 per kit
Contact Info:
- Address: 4315 Royal Ridge Drive, Dallas, TX 75229
- Website: www.youngwildandfriedman.com
- Phone: 2103175201
- Email: youngwildandfriedman@gmail.com
- Instagram: @yougnwildandfriedman
- Facebook: young wild and friedman
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.
