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

Hi Mishell, thanks for joining us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

During my first company, STINA & MAE, I was part of an accelerator program when the program lead reached out to say a national retail buyer wanted to connect. At first, I thought it was just another mock pitch; we had done several of those as practice. I didn’t overthink it. I was in my second trimester of pregnancy, trying to keep my energy up and my business moving.

But during the call, after discussing the brand, the buyer casually asked, “Have you ever thought about going into big retail?” I said absolutely. And just like that, things took off.

Fast-forward a few months: I was nine months pregnant, packing the largest order I’d ever received, and hustling to meet the deadline. And the wildest part? The very same day I gave birth, my brand went live on a major retailer’s e-commerce site.

That experience showed me resilience and what’s possible when you’re passionate, prepared, and willing to say yes even when it’s uncomfortable.

Now, with PLAY & OAK, I carry that same energy forward. I’m still building with heart, still focused on creating magical experiences for families, and still showing up, even when life is beautifully chaotic. That chapter helped shape the kind of founder I am today.

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?

Hi! I’m Mishell Ekunsirinde, a multi-hyphenate creative, entrepreneur, and founder of PLAY & OAK, a children’s wall decor brand dedicated to helping parents create magical spaces for the little ones they love.

My journey into this space didn’t start in design, it began in journalism, then shifted into entrepreneurship when I founded STINA & MAE, a brand focused on sustainable baby essentials that ended up being sold at major retailers like Target, Nordstrom, and Babylist. That experience gave me a front-row seat to what it takes to bring a brand from concept to shelf, and to do it with integrity, storytelling, and soul.

The idea for PLAY & OAK was born from my belief that children deserve spaces that reflect their joy, curiosity, and imagination—and that parents deserve to feel empowered as the magic-makers of those spaces. Our brand offers thoughtfully designed wall prints that feature whimsical animals, joyful colors, and personality-packed illustrations, all created to spark wonder and encourage storytelling between parent and child. We also plant a tree with every purchase, because we believe in leaving the world better for our kids.

What sets PLAY & OAK apart is that we’re not just another decor brand; we’re helping families build emotional connections through everyday moments. Our mission is rooted in the understanding that home is a child’s first world. Every wall print, every curated collection, is created to help families design spaces that honor individuality over trends, and connection over perfection.

I’m most proud of how I’ve built both of my companies during seasons of intense transition, motherhood, startup life, economic shifts, and how I’ve remained committed to building businesses that are not only beautiful but meaningful. I’ve walked into retail meetings nine months pregnant. I’ve packed orders while rocking a newborn. I’ve started over, reimagined, and evolved.

Through it all, I want people to know that I care deeply about what I create. Whether you’re a new parent, a design-forward gift-giver, or someone who just wants a little more wonder in your home, PLAY & OAK is here to remind you that your space can tell your story.

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

What has helped me build a reputation is showing up consistently with heart, clarity, and purpose. With PLAY & OAK, I’ve been intentional about building a brand that feels personal, thoughtful, and connected. Every product we create is rooted in the idea that parents are magic makers and that a child’s space should reflect their joy, curiosity, and individuality.

I believe people recognize when something is built with care. From how we design our wall prints, to how we engage with customers, to how we show up in person at markets or online every touchpoint is about creating connection. I also lean deeply into storytelling, not just selling. Our community knows we are not just here to decorate rooms, we are here to help families create meaningful memories.

That consistency, paired with a strong brand voice, intentional partnerships, and a deep commitment to quality, has helped shape how people see PLAY & OAK. It is not just a brand, it is a feeling, and that is what people remember.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

We sell on Shopify, which has been a great fit for PLAY & OAK. It gives me the ability to fully customize the customer experience and tell our brand story in a way that feels personal and thoughtful. Because we focus so much on creating magical, meaningful spaces for children, I wanted our website to reflect that same kind of magic and intentionality, and Shopify allows for that creative freedom.

One of the biggest advantages is that we own the entire customer journey, from the first visit to checkout and beyond. That kind of control helps build trust, deepen connection, and create a consistent brand presence. It also means I get to interact directly with our community, which is important for building long-term loyalty.

The challenge, of course, is that you’re fully responsible for driving traffic and building visibility. Unlike a marketplace where people are already browsing, you have to bring them to you. But I believe that when you lead with intention, a strong voice, and beautiful products, you can turn site visitors into returning customers who genuinely connect with your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.playandoak.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playandoak

Image Credits

Please give credit to PLAY & OAK