Jennifer Stalley Meemzy Magic

Jennifer Stalley, founder of Meemzy Magic. (Credit: Courtesy of Meemzy Magic)

Her Sensory Play Kits Are Lifesavers for Busy Moms

Through her business, Meemzy Magic, founder Jennifer Stalley engages kids in imaginative play – and gives their parents a break.

When Jennifer Stalley’s daughter was diagnosed with a speech delay at age 2, doctors encouraged her to engage the child in more sensory play. Stalley says she threw herself in, but then quickly burned out – she was making Playdough and colored rice herself, driving to multiple stores to get the supplies she needed, and generally spending more time organizing and planning than actually playing with her daughter. So the La Honda, California-based mompreneur decided to create her own line of sensory play kits for kids called Meemzy Magic. The environmentally friendly kits come in a range of themes – “When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth,” and “Mermaid Under the Sea Adventure,” to name a few. Despite some holiday shipping headaches, Stalley is thrilled to provide fellow moms with an off-screen resource that keeps their kids busy and engaged.

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

Our sensory kits use sustainable and reusable materials, so they won’t outlive us and our children in landfills. We also work with early childhood education specialists to design our kits, in order to make the most impact.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

We sold out of our best-selling products in the weeks leading up to the holidays last year. This business is a success if it makes the lives of our customers happier, healthier and more fulfilling – especially for neurodivergent families, as they are the busiest of us all. 

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

We had major shipping issues during the holiday season – you’d be amazed at all the things that can go wrong. We had no issues all year, and then during the most critical time, everything exploded! It was so disappointing. We regrouped once we teamed up with a much better, more experienced and still-sustainable shipping partner.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions? If so, please explain.

This entire business came into being because of my personal struggles as a mom. I realized there was a huge opportunity to support other parents by supplying an affordable, quality solution to caregiver burnout.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

The best advice I could give is to just get started, and then ask for help when you encounter roadblocks along the way. You can’t know everything before you jump in and start doing.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I lean on my fellow entrepreneurs. It’s so helpful to have an outsider’s perspective, and it’s extra meaningful to hear from other business owners. I can get really bogged down in the details – the fresh perspective is helpful in lightening the load.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“Roar” by Katy Perry. My daughter is obsessed. I tear up every time I sing it. It’s so inspirational, and to hear my daughter’s little voice in the back seat singing along about how she’s so powerful and brave – that really speaks to me. 

Who is your most important role model? 

My mom. Before I do anything, I pause and ask myself if it is up to her standards. She is also an incredibly hard worker, and was leading gender equity grants for the Department of Education while I was growing up. Her work has influenced me throughout my life.

Instagram: @MeemzyMagic
Facebook: @MeemzyMagic

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