Ok, so I know it’s been waaaay too long since I blogged last. I figured it’s about time for an update! I guess I’ll start with yesterday since it was a pretty exciting day for Storybook Studio.

I had applied online for the FAO Schwarz Toy Audition last week before heading off to Chicago to meet my wonderful and oh-so-talented, fellow Mompreneurs (we had a blast BTW! I learned a lot and it was just so awesome to be inspired by likeminded women with such diverse backgrounds.). I was busy planning and preparing for the trip (and psyching myself up to fly for the first time in 9 years!) so I didn’t really give it much thought. I returned Monday to find that I had received email from FAO! They confirmed that they had received my application and invited me to the audition!! It all happened so fast I really didn’t have much time to prepare or get nervous.

Yesterday morning I woke up early and headed off to the Big Apple, dragging my mom and little sister (who is 17 and was MORE than happy to miss a day of school). We took the train up which was an adventure in itself. I live in Jersey but rarely even venture out of my town! Navigating the railways with connections and path trains…well, it was easy once I figured out how to do it. But the unknown is always (at least for me) a little scary!

We arrived in NYC and took a cab to FAO. I was so exciting to pull up in front of the toy store that I fantasized about when I was a kid. I had been there once when I was younger, and I pretty much thought that somehow, it just wouldn’t be as exciting. I was SO wrong! As soon as I walked past the doorman (who is dressed like a wooden soldier and speaks with a British accent) and stepped inside, all of that magic came back. It was amazing! Of course, I didn’t really have too much time to take it all in. I quickly made my way to the party room where the auditions were being held. I filled out some paperwork, found a seat and chatted with other toy makers while we waited. It was so interesting to learn about their products, and I have no doubt that at least 1 or 2 of the products I saw will either make it into FAO, or do very well in other stores. After about an hour or so, I was called in.

In the audition room, there were two tables with a buyer seated at each of them. I met with a woman who asked me some questions as I unwrapped my kit to display the contents and explained how it worked. I couldn’t believe it, but the president of FAO was also in there. He walked over to my table and asked me some questions. It was amazing just talking to him! The audition was short and sweet. They said they’d contact me in a few weeks to let me know what their level of interest in my product was. I left with a positive feeling about it, but who knows?! Now I wait…and wait…and wait!! It was a great experience no matter what happens, and I’m so glad that I went.

The rest of the day was great too! We explored FAO a bit more and I couldn’t resist picking up a few things for the kids. I ended up walking out with a few huge shopping bags. Then we had lunch at a little Italian restaurant around the corner, and made our way back to Penn station. It was so much fun to spend the day in NYC with my mom and sister – I really need to get back there more often!

In other news, I did get out and visit some local retailers recently and I spent the last month tweaking my product based on the feedback that I received. I ended up adding a hangtag to the side of the box that shows the items you can decorate with the kit and also describes the step-by-step instructions. I also added an item to decorate (either a hair band or tote). I had been considering this when I sourced the kit overseas, but I didn’t want to add another expense. In hindsight, I should have just sourced it. And item for the child to decorate immediately really completes the kit. These changes sort of made me crazy for a few weeks, but in the end, I feel more confident about my product. I’ve also received another wholesale order from a hair salon/gift shop for little girls. They’re ordering kits with the hair bands, which will just be perfect for their store. So I’m officially in 2 stores – I know, it doesn’t sound like much, but just I’m excited to be adding little dots to the map that hangs in my office.

Today it’s a rainy day and I’m actually happy to be stuck inside at home. I’m cleaning, organizing and working on some graphics for clients. I’m tired and sore (the puppy knocked me down the stairs when I got home yesterday. I’m ok. No broken bones ;0) so I think I’ll just take it easy. I’ll be back SOON with more updates. I promise!!