We were lucky to catch up with Enas Lanham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Enas, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

Dublin Toy Emporium’s customers are at the heart of everything we do. We show our appreciation by creating a warm, welcoming space where families can explore, play, and make magical memories. From a friendly greeting at the door to personalized recommendations, we strive to make every visit special.

We also love giving back to our customers through seasonal events, interactive classes, and a carefully curated selection of toys that inspire creativity and joy. Whether it’s a child discovering their new favorite toy or a family celebrating a special occasion in Fairy Hollow, we cherish every connection we make.

Enas, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always had a passion for bringing joy and magic to others, which led me to open a toy store that sells toys and creates an experience. My journey started with a love for dance and creativity, inspiring me to build a space that encourages imaginative play, exploration, and learning.

Dublin Toy Emporium offers a carefully curated selection of toys that spark creativity and encourage play—everything from whimsical playsets to giant plush toys, all designed to ignite young minds. But we’re more than just a toy store! Our Fairy Hollow space offers a variety of art, dance, and yoga classes and serves as a venue for special events and birthday parties. It’s a place where kids (and adults!) can experience the magic of imaginative play.

What sets us apart is the focus on building a community and fostering imagination. We’re not just about selling products; we create memories. Whether it’s a child’s first dance class, a fairy-themed birthday party, or just a family coming in to explore, we provide a space that nurtures creativity and gives families a place to connect and grow together.

I’m most proud of how Dublin Toy Emporium has become a community hub, a place where families know they can find joy, creativity, and a little magic. It’s gratifying to see kids and parents come in and leave with big smiles and wonderful memories.

I want people to know that we are a brand that values creativity, community, and the magic of play. We wish to allow every child and family to explore their imaginations, create new memories, and experience the joy of imaginative play. It’s not just about the toys; it’s about the experience and the joy they bring.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media has been connecting with my community and sharing the magic and creativity we bring to Dublin Toy Emporium. When I first started, I knew that social media would be an essential tool to reach more people, but I didn’t just want to post products; I wanted to share our stories, values, and the experiences we create.

I began by focusing on authentic engagement—showing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the store, sharing the joy of our events, and highlighting the special moments we create in Fairy Hollow. I posted about the imagination-driven toys we carry and the magical events we host. The more I shared, the more people started interacting with us—not just as a store but as a place of joy and community.

One thing that helped was creating content that resonated with families and children—things like DIY crafts, playtime inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at our events. I also made a point to respond to comments, engage with our followers, and ask for feedback. Over time, the connection grew, and the audience became more engaged. I made sure to show appreciation for our followers by reposting their photos or giving them shoutouts when they shared their experiences. This two-way connection helped build a loyal and engaged community.

For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my advice would be:

Be consistent: Regular posting helps keep your brand visible. It doesn’t have to be every day, but find a rhythm that works for you.
Be authentic: Share your true story, values, and what makes you unique. People connect with genuine content.
Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, like posts, and foster conversations. Social media is a two-way street.
Share valuable content: Whether it’s tips, inspiration, or behind-the-scenes looks, always offer something of value to your followers.
Use visuals: People are drawn to eye-catching photos and videos. Show off your products, services, and creative spaces in ways that invite people into your world.
Building an audience is all about relationship-building. Social media should be a way to connect and engage, not just promote. Your community will grow organically if you focus on creating authentic connections with your followers.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a strong reputation within my market has been a combination of passion, consistency, and community engagement. There are a few key factors that I believe helped:

Creating a Unique Experience
From the beginning, I wanted Dublin Toy Emporium to be more than just a toy store. I focused on creating a space where imagination and creativity could thrive, with elements like our Fairy Hollow event space and Fairy Garden. By offering classes and hosting special events, we’ve built a reputation as a destination for families seeking something beyond typical retail. People don’t just come to buy toys—they come to experience magic. This unique approach helped us stand out.
Fostering a Sense of Community
The heart of my business is about creating connections. We’ve built relationships with families, schools, and local organizations by offering creative events and engaging with our community. Word of mouth and the loyalty we’ve cultivated have been invaluable. Our customers trust us because they know we care about their experiences with us, not just the products they purchase.
Providing Exceptional Customer Service
I believe that personalized service is key to building a positive reputation. Taking the time to get to know our customers, offering personalized recommendations, and ensuring they feel valued creates an experience beyond the transaction. By consistently exceeding expectations, we’ve earned the trust and loyalty of many families.
Embracing Social Media and Sharing Our Story
I’ve intentionally used social media to share the magic of what we do. Highlighting events, showcasing unique products, and celebrating our customers’ experiences have helped us connect with a larger audience. People are drawn to the authenticity of our brand and the community we’ve built online.
Staying True to Our Values
At Dublin Toy Emporium, we’re committed to nurturing children’s creativity and growth. I think our customers appreciate that we stand by our values—offering only products that foster learning, play, and creativity. This consistency has helped us build a reputation of trust and quality.
Overall, I believe that by consistently offering a unique, high-quality experience, being actively involved in the community, and staying true to our values, we’ve built a strong and respected reputation in our market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dublintoyemporium.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dublintoyemporium/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dublintoyemporium
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enas-lanham-2b3a201b6/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dublintoyemporium2166
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dublin-toy-emporium-dublin
• Other: https://dublin-toy-emporium.company.site