1000 Fans. 1000 Friends.

Yesterday we reached 1000 fans on Facebook.
It was a big, big day for us.

Just six months ago, as our toys arrived on Target shelves a couple of weeks before they were supposed to, we quickly set up our Facebook and Twitter pages. And when we got our first fan we celebrated. Then the toys started selling. And people began to find us and tell us what they thought about our toys, our packaging, our mission and THEMSELVES. We fell in LOVE with social media. After years of making toys we now had a direct line of communication with people who played with them everyday. “Design is not finished until somebody is using it,” said pioneering designer, Brenda Laurel. At long last we could see the finish line, and oh it was adorable! We are still so eager to listen and share.

And then our first fan photo came. Oh, how we gushed and gushed over his cute little face. Still every fan photo we get has us rushing to share. Even calling each other at night to say, “Did you see the newest one??” (I mean, have you seen our fan photo gallery? If so––you get it.) Oh, and we really flip over the videos. 

If you’ve opened one of our packages or explored our website, you know we started with a dream of linking all of us together through the brilliant things our kids say. Even before our site was live, Facebook gave us a chance for moms to send us quotes from their own wee wise ones.  Again, more late night phone calls to each other. More smiles.

A constant source of support and encouragement. We’ve learned so much from you all. And even as Fans turned into Likes just as we were getting our social media legs, it was heartwarming to know you were all on our side. 

Social media has opened us up to the whole world of bloggers, too. We’re thrilled by the connections, and yes friendships, we've made. From one of the very first mentions we came across by someone who cared enough to even read the instructions. To moms who came up with uses for our toys we didn't even think of. To connections we've made with bloggers who have inspired us in many ways. Inspiring bloggers. Inspiring moms. Inspiring writers. Designers who inspire us beyond belief. There was even the amazing blogger we made quick friends with when she found our “beta” website a few weeks before she was supposed to!
Every comment. Every photo. Every post inspires us in our work every day. We hear you when you say you love the colors and when you say you don't. We listen when you say a toy is too loud. Or our reusable packaging is very convenient. Or just, and this may be our favorite, that we’ve made you smile.

So here's to you, our first 1000 fans. And here's to the next 1000 and the next after that. Each a different experience. Each treasured.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Gracias. And now, we can't think of a better way to sign off.

-Gisela, Suwin, Lisa, Amy, Andrea and Julie