Time flies when you’re having fun, and I am so excited to be back on here since the New Year, featuring our next Mompreneur, Shaylene Maiden. Known as Shay, she is the owner of Bricks of Napa, a magnificent Lego city created for children ages 4 and up to enjoy during birthday parties, weddings, or any event where children require a fun activity.
Shay had the inspiration for the Lego theme party last January when she and her son, Jacob attended a birthday party where the host had Legos for the guests. Shay and her son loved it so much they were inspired to build a table top city creation for Bay Area children. After eight months of purchasing up-cycled Lego sets, she and her two children built and glued the bricks, so they can transport easily, and endure lots of little hand play.
This Lego city has grown since its inception and Shay never ceases to amaze me with the ways she incorporates new themes and fun pieces to the tables. There are Lego people who ‘walk around,’ a fire station, a park with a tire swing, slide, monkey bars and merry-go-round, a movie theater, a Ferris wheel, a hot-air balloon, the list goes on. There are also features like the pumpkin patch, which is fun to have all the time, but especially perfect for autumn.
Shay did not grow up with Legos, but when her kids first got them as gifts from their grandparents, they were instantly in love. This venture has been a win-win for Shay, in that she can have a business that relies upon time spent with her children, doing what they love together. The kids enjoy helping out with the building, repairing, and certainly are a great source for inspiration.
It has been a joy for Shay to have this amazing opportunity to share with her children, Gena who is 8 years old and Jacob who is 5, and with other children who’s love for Legos shine through the light in their eyes and big smiles when they are playing. My son, who was not into Legos, was completely enamored by his experience during Bricks of Napa’s grand opening. He would have stayed the entire time. It was captivating and fun, and the best part is that Shay sets it all up — the tables, the Legos — and remains on site the entire time to oversee the collection, assist builders, and picks up pieces as they fall on the floor. Then she breaks it all down, so you don’t have to do any clean up!
It’s a fantastic concept, and I am not the only one that thinks so given the growth of the business since last year. In addition to being active on social media, Shay is a part of the Napa Moms organization and West Park Family Club. Her relationship with the club members has provided a great beta test for the most successful setup as well as her discovering her target audience. Legos are perfect for age four to teenagers, and Shay will deliver a small station of Lego duplos for the younger children, if requested. Besides the children, Shay has received inspiration and support from other mompreneurs who have provided insight from their own experiences as entrepreneurs.
As a new mompreneur, learning from the pioneers can save a lot of time and headaches. Especially, with the work-life balance. The Mom-Owned Business group has helped her the most, in understanding the most critical facets of owning a business, and the ins and outs of online exposure. Shay is very grateful for all the support her husband has provided. In additional to the emotional support, his physical presence to help the kids weekends make partnering a lot easier. Obviously, amazing babysitters and helpful parents are key because you can never have too big of a support group.
When Shay is not working on her business, she loves spending time with her family biking, camping, playing sports and gardening. There’s always time for Legos, whether it’s during official business hours or not, but that’s the beauty of it. The support of her family from both husband and children have helped propel an unexpected venture into a fulfilling adventure.
Legos are great whether you are a kid, a teenager, or a grown-up, and this Lego town has something for everyone. So the next time you’re looking to entertain the kids for a birthday party, wedding, or winery event, Bricks of Napa is a great activity that will keep everyone busy having fun. If you’re looking for summer camp, Bricks of Napa will also have a camp available through the Napa Parks and Recreation Department. Follow Bricks of Napa below to keep up on the latest and greatest adventure.
Website: http://www.bricksofnapa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bricksofnapa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksofnapa/
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