Check Out Katherine Beck’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Beck.

Hi Katherine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I started Sensory Gems in October 2020 when I was making sensory bins for my 2.5-year-old to keep him engaged in independent play while I was caring for my 8-month-old. A friend of mine asked me to make a sensory bin for her son, and I told her she could easily do it on her own, but she preferred to buy one. That was the beginning of Sensory Gems. As a former teacher, I knew the importance and benefits that come with sensory play. For the last few years, I have been able to share my passion for sensory play and provide children a fun activity that provides unlimited fun! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If I said it was easy, I’d be lying. 

It has been challenging to find or be able to get products at wholesale price without diminishing the quality of the product. 

As a part-time preschool teacher and a stay-at-home mom, there have also been struggles to find time and energy. As a small business owner, I am also in charge of everything from selling, marketing, photography, accounting, and more… by the way, I have zero business background. Luckily, I majored in early childhood education and have a master’s in elementary education, so I understand children, learning, and how to make play experiences educational. 

I love being able to work from home, but also find inventory can easily take over a lot of space in our home, and don’t forget I have two young children who want to play with all of my products. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My business is called Sensory Gems, and I create a variety of sensory-based activities for children. The two main products that I create are sensory bins and sensory sand kits. 

Sensory Bins 

Each sensory bin is based off a theme. Once I choose a theme, I pick a sensory filler as my base, select accessories, and we also include sensory tools. I use two main fillers that Sensory Gems is especially known for: Pluffle and Instant Snow. My favorite sensory bins use a play foam filler, Pluffle; it’s so much fun and never dries out. The Pluffle moves as the children play in it. It helps them calm down and mesmerizes them. Sometimes, we use one color as a base, and other times, we mix colors. However, I love that when a child buys their sensory kit, they can pick out any color that they want. Even though adults may not choose purple for construction, a child may love the color and see things in a different way or just want their favorite color. 

My second favorite filler is instant snow. The children are able to watch the snow grow instantly, and it has a cool-to-touch feel for several weeks when used inside. It is also not limited to just winter themes; I love to use it in my ice cream sundae bin. 

Sensory Sand Kits 

I also create two sizes of sand kits. All sand kits are also themed. Each comes with either kinetic sand or slimy sand (not really slimy just soft and stretchy). The mini-size sand kit makes the perfect birthday gift, stocking stuffer, or entertainment for child at a restaurant before dinner. The larger size basically gives the child double the amount of sand and accessories. The children can use the sand at the table or in the larger container. They build their fine motor muscles as they flatten the sand of play with the mini figurines and accessories. 

Known for: at vendor events many other vendors want to know what keeps the kids engaged at my booth or why the kids don’t want to leave. Parents often find it difficult to leave my booth because the children are really enjoying the sensory bins that I always grace out for them to play in. 

Most proud of: 

I never expected my small hobby to grow into a business where I am in a couple locations; people are requesting me to come do activities at their preschool and play spaces. It is amazing to watch this grow! 

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always interested in children. My family always said I was a “baby magnet.” I enjoyed babysitting and playing with younger children. It was no surprise when I pursued a career in early childhood education. I have taught in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. I currently teach in a preschool with children 2.5-4. I have always loved watching children grow and learn and making them smile. 

Pricing:

• Sensory kits $35 to $45
• Mini sand kits $12
• Large sand kits $25
• Travel sensory bin $30

Contact Info:

• Website: Sensorygems.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sensory_gems
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/sensorygems