Hi, I'm Ruth of Handmade Happiness by Ruth and I make toys. I started making toys when my oldest was born, but didn't start selling the toys that I make until a friend saw my youngest at a Christmas party, up way past his bedtime, and instead of melting down like all the other kids, he was playing quietly with his car mat, perfectly content. She bought 3 on the spot. Once people realized I was selling toys, they started lining up to buy them.
As a licensed architect, my absolute favorite part of the business is designing new toys. I will prototype a toy for weeks on end, having my two lead toy testers (my 5 and 3 year old boys) test out my designs and tell me what they love or don't love. The joy they get from helping me design a new toy is beautiful to watch.
My biggest dream for my business is to grow to a size that I can employ women around the world, providing flexible jobs for the mamas out there who need to work, but want to be there for their children. I have a vision that one day, when you open up a Handmade Happiness by Ruth package, there will be a card inside with the picture and a brief biography of the maker and what the positive employment opportunity means for her family. "by Mary" or "by Tamar" or "by Sophia."
When something is made with love and with care, it is almost as if some of that love and human connection rubs off on the item. Every item that I make is sent off with love and with prayers that the child on the receiving end will feel how precious he or she is to the people who gave the gift.