Back in the colorful trenches of the NY NOW Summer Market, amidst a sea of booths showcasing the latest in design and innovation, I stumbled upon a striking display that caught my eye. Little did I know that this chance encounter would lead me to one of the most inspiring stories of entrepreneurship and thoughtful parenting I’ve seen recently.
Stephanie Fu, founder of Biggest Little, a Brooklyn-based toy company, greeted me with a warm smile. Our conversation quickly became more meaningful as I approached under the guise of conducting a “vibe check” for the event. Which basically meant I was scouting folks for an interview. Fu’s passion for her product and its philosophy was real, and I found myself drawn into her world of sustainable, minimalist toy design.
Tune in to Discover the Stories Behind the Brands
Stephanie’s Interview Starts at the 01:03:58 Mark
From Chaos to Creativity: The Birth of Biggest Little
The journey of Biggest Little began in a one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fu, a former financial services professional and mother of two young daughters, was overwhelmed by the chaos of toys strewn across their living space. “I don’t sign up to be a parent to clean up,” Fu recalled with a laugh. This frustration, coupled with a desire for more meaningful playtime with her children, led to a radical decision: donating nearly all of their toys and embracing minimalist living.
During this period of simplicity, Fu’s older daughter, Farah, then three years old, sparked the idea that would eventually become Biggest Little. Farah faced limited options for toys, water guns, and water balloons on a playground trip. Farah wasn’t into water guns. Stephanie found water balloons to be wasteful and harmful to the environment. This lack inspired Fu to reimagine water toys, creating their flagship product: a multifunctional, food-grade silicone ball that can serve as a teether, bath toy, and much more.
A Philosophy of Play and Exploration
The name “Biggest Little” encapsulates Fu’s parenting philosophy. “We should give them more authority to express their thinking,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to take the lead in play and exploration. This approach is evident in the design of their products, which are intentionally open-ended to encourage creativity and sensory exploration.
Overcoming Challenges in Toy Design and Manufacturing
Fu’s journey from concept to market was far from smooth. She faced numerous setbacks, including manufacturing challenges and design flaws. “There’s a lot of trial and error,” Fu reflected. “It’s okay to fail. Fail fast, so you can test another way to do it.”
Today, Biggest Little’s products can be found in six stores, including the prestigious Brooklyn Made store. Fu beamed with pride as she shared news of a recent order from a museum store, a validation of her vision to bring thoughtful design into early childhood spaces.
A Refreshing Alternative in the World of Toys
As we talked, I was moved by Fu’s dedication to creating products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious and developmentally appropriate. Biggest Little offers a refreshing alternative that encourages imagination, sensory exploration, and quality family time in a world often dominated by plastic toys and digital distractions.
Fu’s parting words resonated deeply: “As long as you expose kids to different things, they will pick it up.” It’s a simple yet profound philosophy that extends far beyond toy design, reminding us of the potential for growth and learning in every aspect of life.
As I left the NY NOW Summer Market, I couldn’t help but feel that my initial “vibe check” had yielded something far more valuable: a glimpse into the future of thoughtful, sustainable play crafted with love in the heart of Brooklyn.
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