Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Enya Krieg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Enya, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

We live in a world full of STUFF. Most parents feel that their children have way too many toys. When things are cluttered, we become overwhelmed–add noise to the problem, then you have overstimulation at its finest. My company, Minimalist Minis, aims to make things simple for littles AND their caretakers. Everything that I design has adults in mind as well (none of my products require batteries and none of them have bright colors). My products are simple and aesthetically pleasing. It may sound silly and selfish to some, but I am a highly sensitive parent and become overstimulated easily. I feel that there are not enough simple, cute, AND versatile products out there for children (that don’t hurt your eyes and that accomplish more than just being a toy). Our mission will always be to keep it simple.

Enya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a South African who moved to to the U.S. when she was 8 years old. I grew up in the deep south of Mississippi and moved around a few times more after that because of Hurricane Katrina. I thought that I had wanted to be a doctor, but after enduring the pre-med science courses at UCLA, I realized it was not in my cards and went for my MBA instead (still not knowing what to do…but hey! An MBA doesn’t hurt to have!). I had always had an entrepreneurial spirit and found it empowering that if I couldn’t find something I wanted to buy (or if it was too expensive), I could always find a way to make it myself (I usually did this with paintings/art/furniture). After having my son (and enduring a horrible marriage and divorce), I was very lost and overwhelmed by anything and everything. My son, giant dog, and I moved in with my parents and I slowly became myself again. I became a realtor in order to have flexibility in my career (I had my son a few months after graduating from my MBA program so I had not had a chance to establish a career for myself).

On Easter of 2022, I overheard children speaking poorly of themselves at a park while playing a game. My son and I cheered them on–trying to empower them. These kids had palpable low self-esteem. That evening, I laid out the first draft of my book “I Am.” It is filled with empowering phrases for littles. My thought was that if children did not have parents who could lay down these foundational thoughts, perhaps they could be laid out in a book that is easy and fun to read. The book is simple, published on recycled paper, and the ink is soy ink. There are only 2 characters and on the last page there is a spot for the reader’s own photo. I taught myself how to self-published.

Shortly thereafter, I was looking for an all-white splashpad for my parents’ newly landscaped yard. I didn’t want anything bright or wild. I wanted something incredibly simple (and cute!) that could be used for 4th of July, birthday parties, or even at a baby shower/wedding shower! I could not find one. So what do I do when I can’t find something? I make it myself! And so the white splashpad was born. It is twice the thickness of all other splashpads on the market and it is the only one you will ever need because it is white and goes with everything and every theme!

AND THEN my son asked for a toy that I was CERTAIN existed (I can guarantee that you also think it exists) but it doesn’t. I can’t share too much because I am just starting the patent process, but your mind will be blown. It is a million toys in one. It is the only toy a child will need. I will be talking more about it on a TV show coming soon.

I wrote another children’s book as well that is being printed as we speak. I have a million other unique children’s product ideas that I have gotten prototypes for but I need to slow my roll financially. I need to make profits before I execute those other ones. For now, I am focusing on the PushDriver (my “patent project”).

I am a single mom on welfare sharing a full size bed with my toddler. The struggle is REAL but I will NEVER give up. I believe in my ideas and my products and I can’t wait for people to take notice. This is all on credit cards and one big dream.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I say that I have sacrificed everything for my business, I mean EVERYTHING. I have pulled everything out of my retirement accounts, everything out of my stocks, crypto, and investments. I have ruined my credit (intentionally….I know it sounds crazy). I had all of my belongings (furniture) from mine and my ex-husband’s house together in a storage unit so that when my son and I got our own place, we would have furniture. However, I am in the process of selling all of that–everything that I own. I shop at thrift stores and get hand-me-downs for my son. I spend every penny on my business. I have no clue what I’m doing but I take it one step at a time and I am not afraid to fail. Because I know I will just get back up again and keep going.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I have put everything on credit cards. I do not come from a wealthy family who can loan me money. I did not have savings (hard for some to understand….but those who come from an emotionally abusive marriage will understand). I had to jump in full swing. This next phase of my PushDriver project will require a massive amount of funds that I simply do not have (even on credit cards). So for that, I will be doing a Kickstarter campaign. I have invested in a Kickstarter consultant to guide me through the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.minimalistminis.com
• Instagram: @minimalistminis

Image Credits
ALMAR Creative Sara’s Infinite Moments