MOMpreneur
A Toy Story . . .
Thursday, April 01, 2010
If you have ever walked into the Toy Shop of Westford you can tell that the wizard behind the curtain is passionate about creativity and learning.
Sonya Kalajian, a former teacher, always enjoyed teaching through play. Her love of watching her students learn didn't stop in the classroom. Sonya realized that with her experience she could marry both, and open the Toy Shop of Westford. For Sonya, once she decided there was no turning back!
Suzy's MOMpreneur for April, Sonya, is a long time resident of Westford. Sonya spends her days with her second family at the store, making sure the thousands of items on the shelves match the needs of her customers! Recently her youngest child, the Toy Shop, has celebrated it's 5th Anniversary (you may have heard!)!
At a quick glance you can see that Sonya and her team have a love of the classic tried and true toys. Each time Suzy walks the aisles of the Toy Shop she thinks she has figured it all out until she comes across a display housing the newest and most innovative toys offered! As Sonya says: "Our customers inspire us in our selections and we welcome their input" and it is obvious that the team listens.
Sonya knows she couldn't do it alone and says it is her amazing staff members who help bring her dream to life. Many of the staff are also former teachers so they find it easy to spend the day surrounded by items that help promote learning and creativity.
Sonya's advice to other MOMpreneurs…
Owning a business takes a lot of hard work and dedication. There is no such thing as coasting uphill.
Selling toys is not all they do…
The Toy Shop also offers fun in-store activities too.
Giving back…
The Toy Shop of Westford enjoys participating in the community and is always looking for ways to serve children and families in Westford and the surrounding towns. Schedule a day for your organization's fundraiser and let the Toy Shop help you make it a tremendous success. Teachers in the communities are offered a 15% off discount for their classroom needs.
A Corporate Partners Program is offered to create synergy that leads to increased goodwill and local business awareness. The Corporate Partners employees show their work badge and receive a 10% discount on regular priced in store merchandise.
At the Toy Shop of Westford you'll find unique, educational toys and games for toddlers to tweens. From nostalgic toys of yesteryear, puzzles, retro toys, books, music, dolls, educational games, a space for the little ones to play and this season's most popular item: Japanese Erasers!
Did Suzy mention...free personalization, free gift-wrapping, a customer reward card, and birthday and classroom registry!
Getting to know Sonya…
Suzy's 5 Fav Questions!
1. Favorite Toy from your childhood: Her Doll & crafts
2. Last Book Read: 19 minutes by Jodi Picoult
3. Favorite Reality TV Show: American Idol
4. What 1 toy is a must have for every family: Wedgits- an amazing geometric shape building toy!
5. What's better than being a kid in a Toy Shop: Being an Adult in one!
So go ahead…hop on over, and tell Sonya and the crew that Suzy sent you to experience the magic of the Toy Shop.
Toy Shop of Westford
Westford Valley Marketplace
160 Littleton Rd
978-692-0092
Toy Shop of Westford hours:
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday-Friday: 9am-8pm
Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 12-5pm
Sonya Kalajian, a former teacher, always enjoyed teaching through play. Her love of watching her students learn didn't stop in the classroom. Sonya realized that with her experience she could marry both, and open the Toy Shop of Westford. For Sonya, once she decided there was no turning back!
Suzy's MOMpreneur for April, Sonya, is a long time resident of Westford. Sonya spends her days with her second family at the store, making sure the thousands of items on the shelves match the needs of her customers! Recently her youngest child, the Toy Shop, has celebrated it's 5th Anniversary (you may have heard!)!
At a quick glance you can see that Sonya and her team have a love of the classic tried and true toys. Each time Suzy walks the aisles of the Toy Shop she thinks she has figured it all out until she comes across a display housing the newest and most innovative toys offered! As Sonya says: "Our customers inspire us in our selections and we welcome their input" and it is obvious that the team listens.
Sonya knows she couldn't do it alone and says it is her amazing staff members who help bring her dream to life. Many of the staff are also former teachers so they find it easy to spend the day surrounded by items that help promote learning and creativity.
Sonya's advice to other MOMpreneurs…
Owning a business takes a lot of hard work and dedication. There is no such thing as coasting uphill.
Selling toys is not all they do…
The Toy Shop also offers fun in-store activities too.
Giving back…
The Toy Shop of Westford enjoys participating in the community and is always looking for ways to serve children and families in Westford and the surrounding towns. Schedule a day for your organization's fundraiser and let the Toy Shop help you make it a tremendous success. Teachers in the communities are offered a 15% off discount for their classroom needs.
A Corporate Partners Program is offered to create synergy that leads to increased goodwill and local business awareness. The Corporate Partners employees show their work badge and receive a 10% discount on regular priced in store merchandise.
At the Toy Shop of Westford you'll find unique, educational toys and games for toddlers to tweens. From nostalgic toys of yesteryear, puzzles, retro toys, books, music, dolls, educational games, a space for the little ones to play and this season's most popular item: Japanese Erasers!
Did Suzy mention...free personalization, free gift-wrapping, a customer reward card, and birthday and classroom registry!
Getting to know Sonya…
Suzy's 5 Fav Questions!
1. Favorite Toy from your childhood: Her Doll & crafts
2. Last Book Read: 19 minutes by Jodi Picoult
3. Favorite Reality TV Show: American Idol
4. What 1 toy is a must have for every family: Wedgits- an amazing geometric shape building toy!
5. What's better than being a kid in a Toy Shop: Being an Adult in one!
So go ahead…hop on over, and tell Sonya and the crew that Suzy sent you to experience the magic of the Toy Shop.
Toy Shop of Westford
Westford Valley Marketplace
160 Littleton Rd
978-692-0092
Toy Shop of Westford hours:
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday-Friday: 9am-8pm
Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 12-5pm
