About Us
Little Zen Minds was founded by me and my husband in 2006. Our inspiration for this company came from our two wonderful daughters. From the moment I had my first daughter I never took my time with her for granted. I devoted almost every free moment I had after work to play with her. I always loved trying to find fun learning toys that would stimulate her and help in her development. I have to tell you ever since my second daughter was born I wanted to find a job that I could better balance the world of motherhood and career. I was working in Corporate America and the company that I worked for filed for bankruptcy. I do not believe in luck or coincidences I truly believe everything happens for a reason in this life.
Well I had two choices: start looking for another job or take a chance and start up my own business. With the enthusiasm and support of my husband, Franco, I decided to go for it and start up an Online Toy Store specializing in children's educational toys. This was and is something that we are very passionate about: having our children play with toys that have an educational value. We love finding unique learning toys that cannot be found at your neighborhood Target and Toys R' Us stores.
I believe that the greatest gift that you can give your children is your time. And in turn one of the greatest gifts that you will give yourself is that of enjoying spending time with your kids and seeing them as the small miracles of life. The toys that we carry are mostly interactive toys between the parent and child. Make time to connect with your children and model their ability to stay energized, imaginative and completely in the moment no matter what might be going on around them. Remember at the end of your life you will not be regretting not working more, but you will regret the time you did not spend with your children focused 100% on them.
Thank-you for taking the time to read our story.
Theano Kokkinakis-Savoni
Principal
Little Zen Minds L.L.C.
Franco Savoni
Principal
Little Zen Minds L.L.C.
Below is a poem that I love to share with you which depicts our view of learning through play.
JUST PLAYING
by Anita Wadley
When I'm building in the block room,
Please don't say I'm "Just playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play,
About balance, I may be an architect someday.
When you see me all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don't get the idea I'm "Just Playing."
I may be a mother or a father someday.
Then you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don't let me hear you say, "He is Just Playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I just might be a teacher someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle
Or some "playing" at my school,
Please don't feel the time is wasted in "play."
For you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "Just Play."
I'm learning to follow directions and see the differences.
I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
Please don't say I'm "Just Playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I've done at school today,
And I say, "I just played."
Please don't misunderstand me.
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.
I'm preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work is play.