Tiny Earth Toys 2021 Recap

Tiny Earth Toys 2021 Recap

By Rachael Classi, Founder & CEO

Three things that made 2021 incredible

2021 was an incredible year for Tiny Earth Toys. From launching our full set of rental kits for children from birth to 4 years to making our first hires, we’ve had an action packed year. And behind each of our decisions and successes was a commitment to changing the paradigm of ownership and consumption to save planet Earth.

Our Team

Reflecting on the past year, I am most proud of the team we’ve assembled. Six times I asked talented, mission-driven, accomplished and inspiring humans to leave their secure jobs to build Tiny Earth Toys. And six times, I heard an emphatic yes. Our team is truly one in a million and the energy in our office is undeniably special. The team is courageous, direct, thoughtful and committed. And to have their trust in Tiny Earth is the greatest blessing and most humbling experience. A huge shoutout to our talented team and their stewardship of Tiny Earth Toys.

  • Olynda Smith: Director of Education and the parenting coach we all need.

  • Katelin Wheeler: Director of Marketing and the most positive human on planet Earth.

  • Jasmine Rouse: Supply Chain Analyst who is most likely to change the world. She finished her Masters at NC State in Textile Engineering this week!

  • Rod Hopkins: Warehouse Lead who is constantly helping improve our product, team, marketing efforts and experience—and our office vibe thanks to his playlists.

  • Catherine Bhattachar: Director of Product who asks the tough questions and inspires us all with her commitment to sustainability as a bike-commuter.

  • Juee Tendulkar: VP of Engineering and our newest team member joining in 2022 with an incredible background in innovation.

We wouldn’t be who we are without our advisors Kendra Holmes and Nicole April who give us endless expertise and insights and are the coolest mothers out there!

Our Customers

March 8th, 2021, in our brand new office in American Underground, we were preparing to launch our full set of rental kits to our waitlist of 350 families. Over the previous week we had carefully pre-packed 100 kits on my back porch with some of the highest quality wooden toys in the world to prepare for launch day. I will never forget the moment when Katelin and I hit send on our announcement email and website. My hands were definitely shaking!

We had no idea that 10 months later we would have families in 42 states subscribing to Tiny Earth Toys. We are so proud to work with the parents and caregivers who have chosen a circular solution for their homes. They fuel our innovation and passion and include:

  • A foster mother who carefully selected toys for a variety of ages not knowing who she might be called to care for next.

  • A dad with four children who was ready to create a simpler, calmer environment for their family.

  • A grandparent who wanted educational toys at home for when they cared for their grandson.

  • A stay at home mother who is creating an enriching learning environment for her son with autism.

  • Countless friends and families who gifted kits to help their loved ones transition into parenthood.

We are so grateful for the commitment and support of our customers and look forward to continuing this work together—to build a society of environmental stewards, starting with our youngest learners.

Our Community

Our headquarters in the Bull City (Durham, NC) have been an incredible place to build this dream. From our investors at Bull City Venture Partners to our headquarters in American Underground, we have felt a team of cheerleaders surrounding us and supporting our success.

Tiny Earth’s place within the toy industry has blossomed with incredible partnerships in 2021. We started with a handful of incredible toy brands and through deepened relationships and a shared mission, those partnerships have expanded to include the best wooden makers. Our partners are thinking deeply about their environmental impact and display a commitment to reducing consumption and waste at every step. On top of that, they have made the most beautiful, educational toys in the world.

We are so proud to partner with:

As we rest, reflect and spend time with our families during this holiday season, I feel immense gratitude for our team, our customers and our community. And I can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for Tiny Earth Toys!

- Rachael

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