Frustration leads to a new business for 2 local moms

Have you ever purchased an item for your children that you were sure was going to provide hours of fun and be educational at the same time, only to have it be anything but? Two local mothers experienced that one too many times. And now, with a mission to provide educational activity kits that promote quality time and spark imagination and exploration, Tina Lefebvre and Lambia Karitsiotis have now opened their business, Discovery Lane Kids.
Both women are working moms with 2 active children each, homes to take care of, and husbands to nurture relationships with. Finding projects and activities that would allow their families to spend quality time together, while enriching their youngsters lives with fun, excitement and learning, was not an easy task. Add that it must be convenient to that list and you have a tall order to fill. Discovery Lane Kids was created to meet all of these requirements.

“I was very frustrated,” said Ms. Lefebvre. “It takes time to plan activities and obtain all of the supplies before you even have the opportunity to sit down and enjoy some family time. I tried purchasing a kit, but within 5 minutes my kids were finished and uninspired. I knew I wasn’t the only parent with this frustration. There had to be a better way.”

Discussing their frustrations brought both Ms. Lefebvre and Mrs. Karitsiotis to the conclusion that they had to do something, and they had to do it now.

We are very excited about our business,” explained Mrs. Karitsiotis. “Discovery Lane Kids is geared toward children 3-8 years of age. We think of the Play Kits as creativity, imagination, discovery, education, and independence kits. They really are quality time in a box. The kits offer three different aspects – arts and crafts, pretend play and a little something for care givers. The kits are delivered to your door and contain everything needed for the projects. Everything that, as parents, we were looking for.”

Discovery Lane Kids features a new themed kit each month. August promoted Bugs and Birds. The Kit entailed painting a bird house, (complete with provided bird seed), decorating their very own bug jars and completing a caterpillar craft. Then, with magnifying glasses in hand, children got to enjoy a nature bingo while learning about the birds of Canada and some fun facts about insects. And the kit contained everything required for all activities. For added convenience consumers are able to sign up for a membership so that each month the kit automatically arrives at your doorstep. Additionally, Discovery Lane Kids offers themed party favours. Visit them online at www.DiscoveryLaneKids.com

“This is a great idea for parents, grandparents, and groups,” commented Candy Pollard of the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. “As parents themselves, Ms. Lefebvre and Ms. Karitsiotis have created something to educate, entertain and stimulate youngsters. As busy as everyone is these kits are convenient and we see great potential for them to be very popular.”
Entrepreneurs in Action
Entrepreneurs in Action is an initiative by the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre to profile small to medium-sized businesses that have recently opened in Cornwall, S.D. & G. and Akwesasne. To see all of the current profiles, please visit the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre website.
About the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre
The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre helps small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne by offering information, tools and support during the start-up and growth stages of business operation. The Centre also offers seminars, workshops and networking opportunities that are designed with the entrepreneur in mind. Please visit www.BusinessEnterpriseCentre.ca for more information.
The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is operated by Cornwall Economic Development in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade & Employment.