“Mama, let’s make a project!”

Those were the words I remember waking up to early on Saturday mornings when my 4-year-old twins would tug at my arm while I was still asleep.

I truly believe that supporting a child’s creative needs through play is vital for their development. It fuels growth and builds confidence.

Growing up in the suburbs of New Jersey with four siblings, a stay-at-home mom, and a dad who was a fourth-grade schoolteacher, I can’t thank my parents enough for encouraging my love of creativity and art.

Even though we were on a tight budget, my parents always found a way to support my hobbies. Their encouragement meant the world to me.

Some of my fondest memories are of summer vacations spent creating things that made me feel proud. I made entire villages out of paper and drew constantly. I received craft toys for birthdays and Christmas—gifts like a pottery wheel, candle-making kits, Jon Gnagy drawing books, acrylic paints, charcoal pencils, and my coveted Crayola Caddy. These were such cherished memories.

Being good at art early in school gave me confidence—it was something I knew I could do well. By the time I was 10, I already knew I wanted to go to art college. I never imagined I’d end up designing toys for a living!

When my kids were growing up, I made sure we always had a craft table stocked with plenty of supplies. Even though they’re now 20 and in college, I hope those Saturday mornings stay with them—memories of creating, feeling free, having fun, and being proud of what they made. I hope it helps guide them as they grow into young men and discover their passions.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for a wonderful childhood and for fueling my creativity through crafts and art.
And thank you, Crayola Caddy, for making me feel like Michelangelo when I was 10.