Meet A Mom: Savannah founder of Sensory with Savannah - Huntington & Smithtown Moms
1. Tell us a bit about your family
 My husband and I share a beautiful story as childhood sweethearts, having met when we were just 10 years old. Now, we’re blessed with two incredible children, Emilia and Giovanni, who bring endless joy and laughter into our lives. As a family, some of our fondest moments are spent exploring new towns after a delicious lunch, indulging in our favorite treat—ice cream, and embracing new adventures together. For us, family time is about creating cherished memories and experiencing life’s wonders as a tight-knit unit. We thrive on the simple joys of snuggling up together and reveling in each other’s company. Having grappled with questions about love and belonging in my own childhood, my husband and I are deeply committed to nurturing our children with unwavering love, support, guidance, and kindness. We’re a family that thrives on connection and embraces the opportunity to meet new people, sharing warmth and spreading positivity wherever we go. Our hope is to sprinkle a little extra sunshine into the lives of those we encounter, leaving behind a trail of smiles and hearts touched by our collective love and light.
 
2. What inspired you to start a business specifically focused on sensory bins?
What inspired me to start a business specifically focused on sensory bins is deeply personal. As a parent, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of hands-on learning and the joy it brings to children. It’s incredibly important to me that we allow children to embrace their natural curiosity and learn in ways that resonate with them. My own experiences as a parent have shown me the profound impact sensory play can have on a child’s development—both intellectually and emotionally. Seeing my children light up with excitement as they explore colors, shapes, and textures in their sensory bins fills my heart with immense joy. I’m driven by the desire to create meaningful experiences for not only my own children but for all children, providing them with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive. In essence, my business is a labor of love—an expression of my deep commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

3. How do sensory bins benefit toddlers’ development, and why do you think they’re important?

Sensory bins benefit toddlers’ development by stimulating their senses, promoting sensory exploration, enhancing fine motor skills, fostering creativity, and encouraging cognitive development through hands-on play. They’re important because they provide a rich learning environment that supports various aspects of a child’s growth and development in a fun and engaging way.

4. Can you describe a particularly memorable moment or experience you’ve had while running your business?

One of the most cherished moments I’ve experienced while running my business was during one of our events, where families came together for a day filled with laughter, learning, and connection. As I watched children immerse themselves in the activities, their faces lit up with excitement and wonder. It was a beautiful sight to behold, seeing them make new friends, explore, and discover the world around them. But what truly touched my heart was witnessing the profound impact our event had on one particular child. This child, who initially seemed shy and reserved, gradually began to blossom before my eyes. With each activity, they gained confidence, their smile growing wider, and their enthusiasm shining brighter. It was a transformative moment, one that filled me with overwhelming pride and joy. As I reflect on that experience, I’m reminded of why I started this journey in the first place. It’s not just about providing sensory bins or organizing events—it’s about creating moments of magic and connection that leave a lasting impression on the hearts of children and families. And to have the privilege of being a part of that journey, of witnessing their growth and happiness firsthand, is an indescribable honor. It’s moments like these that fuel my passion and drive me to continue making a difference in the lives of those I have the privilege to serve.

6. What advice would you give to other moms or entrepreneurs looking to start a business centered around children’s education and development?

My advice to moms or entrepreneurs looking to start a business centered around children’s education and development would be to thoroughly research the market to understand the needs and preferences of parents and children. Additionally, focus on creating innovative and engaging educational content or products that align with current trends and educational standards. Building a strong online presence through social media and networking with other professionals in the field can also be beneficial for gaining visibility and building a customer base. Finally, prioritize the safety, well-being, and educational value of your products or services to build trust and credibility with your audience.

7. Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your business in the future?

Looking ahead, my goals and aspirations for my business are to establish it as a not-for-profit organization and open up my own dedicated space. I envision partnering with schools to integrate sensory play into their curriculum, fostering a holistic approach to education that nurtures both academic and emotional development in children. Continuing to collaborate with other businesses and individuals will remain a priority, as I believe in the power of community and collective effort to make a meaningful impact. I aspire to be a resource for families, offering support, guidance, and opportunities for connection and growth. Moreover, I hope to expand the reach of my sensory bins beyond just individual families. It would be incredibly fulfilling to see them utilized in schools, nursing homes, rehab centers, and other children’s establishments, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Ultimately, my goal is to create a lasting legacy of love, learning, and joy, leaving a positive imprint on the lives of children and families everywhere. Through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference, I am excited to see where the future will take my business and the impact it will have on the communities it serves.

8. What inspired you to create a non-profit organization specifically aimed at supporting foster children?

Having first-hand experience of how it feels to be a foster child, it’s incredibly important to me to remind these children that this is just a season in their lives and that they are capable of so much more. I want to remind them that they aren’t just statistics, but that they are worthy, special, smart, and unique individuals. Being a foster child can be isolating, confusing, and filled with constant questioning about self-worth. This inspired me to create a non-profit organization specifically aimed at supporting foster children because I want to provide them with the support, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive and realize their full potential despite the challenges they face.

9. Can you share with us the mission and goals of your non-profit? What are some of the unique challenges that foster children face, and how does your organization address them?

As someone who has spent a significant amount of time in foster care, the mission and goals of my non-profit organization will be deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the challenges I’ve faced firsthand. Our primary mission will be to provide comprehensive support and resources to foster children, empowering them to overcome the unique obstacles they encounter and thrive despite adversity. Some of the unique challenges that foster children will face include instability, trauma, feelings of abandonment, and a lack of consistent support systems. Our organization will address these challenges by offering a range of programs and services tailored to meet the specific needs of foster children. First and foremost, we will strive to create a sense of stability and belonging for foster children by providing them with access to safe and nurturing environments where they can feel supported and cared for. This will include partnering with foster families and group homes to ensure that children have a stable living situation and access to basic necessities. Additionally, we will recognize the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of foster children, many of whom will have experienced trauma and loss. Through counseling, therapy, and support groups, we will offer foster children a safe space to process their feelings, build resilience, and develop coping strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Furthermore, we will prioritize education and skill-building opportunities for foster children, recognizing that academic success and personal development are key factors in breaking the cycle of adversity. From tutoring and mentoring programs to enrichment activities and college readiness initiatives, we will strive to empower foster children with the tools they need to achieve their full potential. Overall, our organization will be dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of foster children, ensuring that they are given the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed in life. By addressing the unique challenges faced by foster children and providing them with the tools and support they need to overcome adversity, we will work towards a brighter and more hopeful future for all foster children.

You can find more information about, her products and her events at Savannah at SensorywithSavannah.com

Sip and Paint Fundraiser will be on May 23 at The Winston. Purchase tickets here.

You can also follow her on Instagram here!

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