Celebrating a Year of My First Busy Board: A Journey of Inspiration and Joy

Hi! I'm Maya, the proud mom of three and the creator of My First Busy Board.

Can you believe it's almost been a year since My First Busy Board launched? As we get closer to that milestone, I wanted to take a moment to talk about... yes, you guessed it, me! It might seem a little strange, but stick with me, and hopefully, you'll find some inspiration in my story.

The Turning Point

When I turned 39, I started to question my career. I've always been into crafting (I love Pinterest!). I've sewn my daughters' baby sheets, made her first felt book from scratch, and even hand-painted coconuts for a Moana-themed party – I've done it all. Not to mention all while traveling for work (a dream job in a different life).

But something felt like it was missing. I had this strong desire to create something that would bring happiness to people everywhere. This feeling grew even stronger after my third child was born. I thought, "Life is too short not to follow your dreams," and that's how Milleli was born – a brand focused on making educational toys that are fun and help parents like me reduce screen time with hands-on play.

The Birth of My First Busy Board

After lots of research and testing, My First Busy Board was created – a portable, backpack-style version of the classic felt busy board, with storage for pieces and engaging learning activities. This Montessori-inspired toy is designed to keep toddlers engaged, learning, and having fun without the need for screens.

The process of developing, making, and launching My First Busy Board has been a mix of emotions – exciting, scary, full of self-doubt, and bursting with pride. All at once! It's like the rollercoaster ride of a small business owner, right? Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Journey of Creation

But it's not just about the end product. It's about the late nights sketching designs while the kids were asleep, the many prototypes tested by my toughest critics (my three little ones), and the amazing support from my partner. Through it all, I learned, adjusted, and improved.

One of the best parts of this journey has been connecting with other parents and hearing their stories. Every message, every photo of a child enjoying their busy board, reminds me why I started Milleli. It's those moments of joy and discovery that make all the hard work worth it.

I remember one night in particular, staying up late to finish a new design for the busy board. My youngest woke up and wandered into my workspace. Seeing her eyes light up as she played with the prototype made every sleepless night worth it. It’s these small, heartfelt moments that keep me motivated.

Finding Joy in the Journey

Looking back, I see that turning 40 was just the beginning. It pushed me to take a leap of faith and believe in myself. So, if there's one thing I want you to remember from my story, it's this: never underestimate your dreams, no matter your age or where you are in life.

If you're at a crossroads, wondering if you should take that leap, remember – life is too short not to chase your dreams. Who knows? Your next big adventure could be right around the corner, waiting for you to take the first step.

Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead

Here's to celebrating milestones, facing challenges, and, most importantly, finding joy in the journey. Thank you for being part of the My First Busy Board family. Your support has helped us grow and improve, making our educational toys better with each passing day. Let's keep inspiring, creating, and learning together.

As we look to the future, I have big plans for Milleli. We're exploring new designs, expanding our product line, and constantly looking for ways to make playtime even more engaging and educational. I can’t wait to share more exciting updates with you soon!

To joyful adventures,

Maya