From Burnout to Breakthrough

After working for tech industry as a designer for 8 years, I was feeling burnt out from the constant juggle between work and family. Scrolling on my phone had become my go-to escape.

One day, I stumbled upon a handmade stress ball trend on Rednote that was gaining popularity among young people in China. It instantly caught my attention—not just for the sensory relief, but for its simplicity and charm.

Unfortunately, getting those products shipped to the U.S. proved difficult due to material restrictions and high tariffs. So I started thinking: why not make my own?

I started experimenting with the recipe myself, and after countless failures, I finally got it right. But what surprised me was that the process of making the stress ball was just as satisfying as squishing it. That sparked a new idea: what if the experience could be part of the play?

Inspired by the slime community, I began exploring the concept of a DIY kit. When I tested it with friends, I was amazed by how much kids loved it. The pinching, pressing, and scooping weren’t just fun—they were also great for developing fine motor skills and sensory awareness. That’s when I began refining the ingredients to make them safe for children.

My mission is to build a toy brand that nurtures kids' creativity and growth—without boring their parents.

It helped me stay focused during long, boring meetings. It gave me something mindful to do while waiting at red lights—replacing the mindless scrolling on my phone. My son fell in love with making them too. In fact, he became the popular kid at school because everyone wanted to come over and play with our DIY kits.

That’s when it clicked for me. I had found something meaningful—not just a stress reliever, but a way to connect, create, and bring joy. I decided to leave my 9-to-5 and start a new chapter as a founder doing work that truly excites me.