We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Korte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Raising Tiny Tots was born to fill a creative void I had been missing but it has since grown into much more than that. When I first attempted to create a name I quickly realized every name imaginable had already been taken and used on Instagram. I messaged a few accounts with the names I was wanting pleading for them to give up their 3 followers so I could use it, but had zero luck. I called up my friend and asked her to brainstorm with me and after about an hour we landed on Teaching Tiny Toddlers. I love a good alliteration but I wasn’t convinced it was the best fit for me. As a former teacher, I love teaching and I love sharing educational and developmental practices with others but I didn’t want my audience to think this account was only geared towards that. I wanted it to represent what myself and countless others are going through, have gone through, or will go through; Raising Tiny Tots. Toddlers are crazy, hilarious, confusing and ever changing. Raising them is no easy task especially in the complex world we live in today. But having a place to connect, share, learn, laugh and cry with others in this same season of life or those who have already survived it, makes tackling the immense honor of being a parent even better.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I lost my son unexpectedly in 2020. He was only four months old and the absolute love and joy of my life. The months that followed were dark and lonely, a type of emptiness that only those who have lost a child can relate to. Shortly after his passing I experienced an ectopic pregnancy which was an excruciating experience to go through, let alone in the midst of immense grief. I was teaching second grade, surrounded by children that were a constant reminder of what I would never have. My babies would never learn to read. They’d never play at recess with their friends or celebrate their 8th birthday with donuts and juice. I had no clue that that summer my life would make another very unexpectant change.

It was mid-July when I found out I was pregnant again but this time it wasn’t just with one baby, but two babies… twins! I was scared beyond belief and lived appointment to appointment where I could then exhale the anxiety I had been holding onto if just for a day. Fast forward 9 months, Colton and Crew arrived—two healthy, happy baby boys looking like their older brother. I knew at that moment I would need to take a pause from my classroom teaching job that I’ve loved for eight years and move into my most important role yet, being a mom.

So here I am, a professional diaper changer, lunch maker (specializing in chicken nuggets), and constant referee. While this is by far the most challenging “job” I’ve ever had, I wouldn’t change it for the world. However, I can’t help but miss my first passion, teaching, so when the boy were about 15 month old Raising Tiny Tots was born on Instagram!

A place to share, teach, learn, inspire, and connect. I can channel my love for teaching by sharing easy and fun activities that we’re doing at home and connecting with others navigating this same crazy season of life. I also share about places we visit in the community and fun events going on. It is also a place where I can share Wilson, my first born, and resources that have helped along the way to reach others who may be struggling. I’m so thankful for everyone following along moms, dads, grandparents, teachers, or those just here for the laughs. It has been a great source of healing for me, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow!

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I love connecting with brands and businesses that we personally use and love. Most reach out through direct message to collaborate together while others email, either way works! This account is currently only 8 months old but slowly and organically growing. I want my audience to trust that the brands I am sharing are truly ones that we use and love; therefore, I am very purposeful in what I choose to share and who I collaborate with. I hope that allows my audience to feel like they can trust me and for brands to feel my loyalty to them!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part is connecting with other parents or grandparents who have found my content to be helpful and positive. Social media can be a negative and overwhelming space yet it has the power to educate, connect and so much more. I enjoy sharing developmentally appropriate activities that help other parents on their journey but I especially love hearing from people who have also lost a child or are experiencing grief that have found something I shared to be helpful. That journey can be long and painful and getting on social media and seeing pregnancy announcements and/or happy healthy families can really weigh on your mental health. So when someone is impacted in a positive way from something that I’ve shared, that’s the most rewarding part.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: RaisingTinyTots

Image Credits
Nagel Portraits