Our American Dream: The Chronicles of Our Humble Venture
Hi! I am Shamik Dasgupta, the Founder and Owner of Bunny Hopkins.
Our story begins with the simplest of inspirations from our daughter, Ira (pronounced 'ih-rah', means "the Earth" in Sanskrit language).
As new parents, we noticed that our toddler daughter had many toys, all of which had limited attention spans and were primarily plastic based. She was more interested in the cardboard boxes that the toys came in! This made us curious to design children products that would be more engaging and enriching. And thus, Bunny Hopkins was born.
Our journey into the world of childhood development led us to the concept of open-ended play. We discovered that open-ended play encourages children to explore, create, and learn without rigid rules or prescribed outcomes. It's a form of play that fosters imagination, creativity, self-awareness, and collaboration – skills that are vital for success in adulthood. We realized that as the world moves towards more automation and AI, creativity and resilience will be key skills for tomorrow's children.
As parents and educators, we recognize the importance of nurturing these skills early in life. In a world that often values compliance over creativity, we believe in empowering children to think for themselves, make choices, and express their unique personalities.
Bunny Hopkins is built on three foundational pillars that define our family-owned small business:
1. Purposeful Design: Our products are purposefully designed to invite play and spark creativity. They are open-ended, allowing children to explore and imagine freely. Through imaginative active play, children unlock a treasure trove of skills, from creativity and self-awareness to perseverance and collaboration.
2. Made in the USA: We are committed to supporting local communities and manufacturing our products right here in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Our slow-made, small-batch production ensures that each Bunny Hopkins product is a work of art, handmade with love and care. We pay a living wage to our skilled artisans, and our "Made in the USA" label reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and community development.
3. Heirloom Quality & Sustainability: Bunny Hopkins products are crafted from premium sustainable materials, designed to endure the test of time. We believe in creating heirloom-quality toys that can be passed down through generations, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Our journey thus far has been a remarkable adventure. In just a few short years:
2020: In our foundation year, we introduced our flagship product, the Wobble Board, offering a solution for active kids stuck indoors during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Our dedication to quality and innovation earned us recognition, including the prestigious ASTRA Best Toys of Kids Award and Mom's Choice Award to name a few. We expanded our product line with the Climbing Triangle.
2022: We were featured on Earth Day, highlighting our commitment to sustainability. In November, we acquired Allen Rose, a company that shares our vision of providing sustainable, high-quality children's products, with Founders, Jenna and Raquel, leading strategy and growth.
2023: We continued to innovate with introduction of two new products: Rocker and Balance Beam. Major retailers like Bloomingdale's began carrying our products, making them accessible to even more families. Bunny Hopkins gained national attention when Fox and Friends featured us in the Morning Show of Made in America Holiday Gifting.
2024: In March, we acquired Zoey Koko, a fun brand which manufacturers whimsical, high-end bath and body products crafted from all-natural ingredients, providing an enjoyable experience for young girls/kids, while being made in the USA. Founder, Sara Ferrer, continues to lead strategy and growth, and is on a mission to "Empowering Girls through Self Care."
Our journey and success are a testament to the incredible support of our loyal customers. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Bunny Hopkins and being a part of our extended family. Your enduring support fuels our passion for creating products that inspire children to learn, grow, and imagine without limits. Together, we are shaping the future through fun, imaginative play in childhood, one bunny hop at a time. Thank you for being with us every step of the way!
Best wishes,
Shamik & Bunny Hopkins Team