Today we’d like to introduce you to Stevie McCartney and Lauren Wallace.
Stevie and Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Six years ago, we were in the throws of raising our two daughters who met one another at their preschool.
Like all moms, we were exhausted and looking for something different to do with them and help us navigate toddlerhood.
Lauren: In 2013, a small seed was planted that grew into Twig & Olive when, in a moment of genius or quite possibly desperation, I filled up a tub with Cheerios, grabbed a few odds and ends and watched my daughter Caroline explore, investigate, and play with these simple everyday objects. When one-year-old Caroline was happily playing for longer than 30 seconds (we’ve all been there), I shared this idea with Stevie.
Stevie: It was brilliant! Since then, we’ve been experimenting with sensory play and looking for new ways to keep our kids entertained without the use of an iPad or television. We each have a girl and a boy who want the opportunity to create and be creative without “rules.”
Lauren: Kids are constantly presented with limitations and boundaries, and we wanted to give them a space where they could come up with their own rules and make whatever they want. Creating these boxes for our kids has been so rewarding, and we wanted to share our ideas with other families.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Lauren: Short answer, no. It’s been fun for sure, but I wouldn’t say smooth. Neither one of us has a background in business, so we’re learning a lot as we go.
Stevie: Yeah, I’m rethinking that English degree right now. Unfortunately, Shakespeare gives me zero street cred in the business world.
Lauren: And all of a sudden, we’re creating these awesome imagination boxes that our kids want but are not allowed to touch so we’re having to navigate a lot of tiny human meltdowns in the middle of the workday.
Stevie: This reminds me, we need to put a lock on our office door.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Twig & Olive story. Tell us more about the business.
We started Twig & Olive with the goal of helping families prioritize play that engages the senses and sparks imagination. Every month, we create a themed imagination box geared towards kids ages 3 to 103. Because we also love a good party, we create custom party favors for guests to take home or party platters for kids to play within groups of six. Sprinkled in between these items are mini versions of our boxes. Sometimes, we just have a really good idea we need to execute right then. The smaller kits are perfect to take along while traveling, bring to restaurants, or give as birthday gifts.
We’re so very proud of seeing how simple play inspires such creativity in all kids, no matter the age. Instead of hovering over their kids making sure a mistake isn’t made, parents are able to step away and watch their kiddo create whatever they want. And most importantly, the kiddo is allowed to be independent and have a sense of pride. And by the way, this frees up a lot of time for mom. Bonus!
We’re different in that we are trying to create an experience for kiddos when they’re playing with their Twig & Olive box. We pair a book and a Spotify playlist with each of our boxes with kid-friendly (but not “kid”) music. Since we value free play, there will never be directions or expectations for an end result with our boxes.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Lauren: It was good luck to start right at Christmas time.
Stevie: It was bad luck that every month isn’t Christmas time.
Lauren: Honestly, if we had listed all the reasons we shouldn’t start this business, we wouldn’t have.
Stevie: And we would be a lot more rested.
Lauren: Yeah, but we wouldn’t be having nearly as much fun.
Pricing:
- Monthly Imagination boxes: $40
- Minis: $20
- Party favors: Start at $10
- Party platters: $75
Contact Info:
- Email: twig.and.olive.play@gmail.com
- Instagram: @twig.and.olive
Image Credit:
Emery Davis Photography
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