Local Spotlight: Meet Katheen from Smiling Tree Gifts

We are excited to introduce you to Kathleen.

Hi Kathleen! Tell us all about you and what inspired you to start your business.

Born and raised as a Minnesota farm girl, I left the Midwest prairie to finish my education in Colorado. That’s where I met my now husband, Justin. We were seeking adventure and a way to help others and the environment, so we served with the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa for two years before making our way back to my family’s roots in southwest MN. Not long after we arrived, we were expecting our first child. Justin’s always loved working with wood, and I’ve had a love of all things handmade since I can remember, so if felt natural to start designing and making wood toys. We opened our Etsy shop in 2011, and the rest is history. Since then, our toy business has grown to employ a small team of 8-10, and our products have expanded to encompass a new line of custom engraved wooden corporate gifts called Smiling Tree Gifts.

Tell us about your business. What can parents/kids expect?

Our mission is to: create lifelong childhood memories for families and green the earth for all kids to come. And we’re super passionate about both. We spend a great deal of time crafting, sanding, smoothing, engraving and personalizing a unique line of wooden keepsakes and toys for kiddos of all ages. We have everything from wooden cars and trucks, name puzzles, keepsake blocks, teethers and more! We also believe in quality over quantity, which is why we are extremely selective with the materials we use to make our toys. Everything, down to our packaging, is sustainably harvested, organically made, non-toxic, and recyclable. We want people to feel good about purchasing our items, not only because they’re long-lasting and high quality, but because they don’t harm the environment and generate excessive waste in the process. Additionally, we partner with Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every order!

What do you love about Minnesota? Why is this a great community for local small businesses?

“Minnesota Nice” is a real thing! I find Minnesotans to be proud of our home and very supportive of local business, arts, and food. We live and operate our business in the rural, southwestern part of the state, yet still often hear from Twin Cities residents who seek us out and make a point to support our business. It’s so inspiring!

What is the best way for the Minnesota Parent community to support your business?

The first, and most obvious way, to show support is to place an order with us! As mentioned, we offer a range of items that can be personalized and made special for each person or little one in your life. We have a short turnaround time of 3-5 business days and our fulfillment team is here to help and answer any questions along the way. A second way is to share our story! Tell your friends, refer us to a new mama, mention us at the next PTA meeting; anything helps! Even if you’re not making a purchase, following and interacting with our socials, reading our blog posts, subscribing to our newsletter are all amazing ways to show support and be a part of our ever-growing community.

How does your business inspire parents and their children?

We hope our business inspires parents and their children to live by the “less is more” approach. Even though every big box store would tell you otherwise, sometimes all you need is a few simple toys that leave room for imagination and creativity. We also hope to inspire families to think twice before buying another plastic toy that’ll be forgotten in two days, and instead, make a purchase that is educational, sustainable and can be passed down from generation to generation.

Tell us about you! Your family, why you love being a parent. What brings you joy?

I’m married to Justin. We have two boys and two girls ages 6-12. Parenthood is an exhilarating roller coaster I never could have prepared myself for, but am so thankful I get to experience. My favorite parts are helping my kids learn and experience things new to them, and seeing the look in their eyes when they accomplish something they’re proud of. Justin and I are nature lovers, and we love spending family time in nature hiking, camping, and sharing all the fascinating plants, animals, and places in the natural world with our kids.

Tell us about your favorite places to go with your kids? Restaurants, roads trips, parks etc.

We often visit Minnesota State Parks (Camden and Whitewater are two of our favorites) and most every summer we enjoy the North Shore Drive en route to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We seek out fresh and local food and drink venues whenever we can. Painted Prairie Winery near us in southwest Minnesota is our favorite local spot.

Anything else you want to share?

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