Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Zuniga.
Nancy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My Grandson Izaiah was visiting me at my house, and to keep him entertained I gave him a woodcraft kit to build with a child-size hammer. He sat on my kitchen floor building and chatting with me as he built his wooden truck. It was interesting to see him so involved in his building and his imagination being shared with me. As he built his wooden truck he would talk to me about what his truck would carry and places it would travel. The imagination didn’t stop after he had built his wooden truck, he then wanted to paint it and made sure his name was put on his truck. At 2 am I woke with a vision for Basic Woodz woodcraft events.
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?
The only part of this journey that has been smooth was the vision at 2 am, from coming up with the name Basic Woodz, the logo and concept, etc there have been many obstacles. You quickly find out, how alone you are in your venture and a technology-filled world not everyone feels your passion for your taking time to unplug for old fashion hands-on playtime. Every day is an obstacle but when you truly believe God gave you the vision to make a positive impact, you keep going, knowing tomorrow could be the day that one door is opened!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Basic Woodz – what should we know?
At Basic Woodz we encourage hands-on playtime by providing woodcraft kits that utilize motor, communication and leadership skills. In the DFW area, we bring our unique concept to any children’s party, family event, small groups, senior living centers and now we have expanded to offer Team Building activities for Corporate America.
Basic Woodz is most proud of giving back to our community by bringing our children to create special events in building our woodcraft kits with our senior citizens in Senior Living Centers. At Christmas time, our events decorate wood ornaments, have Santa join us to sing Christmas carols and provide tasty treats, this fun holiday event builds smiles that will be cherished for many generations.
Our company Basic Woodz has been compared to a few major children’s party events, which we are proud to be associated with, however, what sets us apart at Basic Woodz is the fine and gross motor, cognitive and social skills for children as endorsed by Dr. Nicole Masek, an Early Child Development & Education Specialist, Founder of Early Learning NEXUS, consultant, professor, and international speaker. Dr. Masek gave testimony after attending a Basic Woodz woodcraft event “First, that she observed each child problem-solve how they were going to execute their project (higher cognitive processing). The younger children sought help from their parents (Zone of Proximal Development), Second, the children, executed their plans by using real tools to piece together their project (fine & gross motor movements). For over 1-hour children between the ages of 4 and 12 were fully engaged and met success at his or her own level.”
When Dr. Nicole Masek asked the children what their favorite parts of the project were, the younger children reported they had fun hammering a project they could build by themselves (autonomy). Conversely, the older children enjoyed the collaboration among their peers. Many children also stated that they were excited to decorate their projects, extending the activity to home. This evidence highlights how Basic Woodz differentiates children’s abilities, interests, and skill levels within a single group activity.
Dr. Masek states she gladly endorses Basic Woodz because it is a developmentally appropriate engaging, and stimulating educational experience for children.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Passion…I have a deep passion to make a positive impact to reconnect our families. I truly feel it’s our moment to make a difference!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.basicwoodz.com
- Phone: 972.896.2259
- Email: building@basicwoodz.com
Image Credit:
PhotoArt.Kumassah
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