When Kate, a busy mom of three, found herself caught in the endless cycle of buying new toys for her kids, she knew there had to be a better way. That realization led to the creation of St. Albert Toy Share, a business dedicated to offering families an alternative to toy ownership. Kate’s journey to entrepreneur is one filled with creativity, determination, and a deep desire to make a positive impact. Here’s how her idea turned into a reality and how St. Albert Toy Share is changing the way families approach playtime.
Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start St. Albert Toy Share.
Kate: I live in St. Albert with my growing family, twin daughters who are now six, and a three-year-old. When I became a mom, I quickly realized how challenging it could be to keep up with my kids’ development and their endless need for new toys. Every week seemed to bring a new stage, and I found it difficult to stay on top of it all. The cost and clutter were starting to add up, and I knew there had to be a better way.
My dad, who had been working in New Zealand, mentioned toy libraries, and it clicked. In New Zealand, toy libraries are everywhere, allowing families to borrow toys without the commitment of ownership. I loved the idea and realized there was nothing like it in Canada. That’s when I decided to start St. Albert Toy Share — a way for families to access developmental toys without the waste and clutter that often come with traditional buying.
How does St. Albert Toy Share work, and what services do you offer?
Kate: Right now, we operate online and offer a selection of mostly wooden toys, many inspired by Montessori principles, for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Parents can browse our inventory, select the toys they want to try, and rent them for one to three weeks. The process is simple: once the order is placed, we ship the toys directly to the parent’s home.
After the rental period, the toys are returned using the prepaid packaging and shipping label provided, and we pick them up directly from their home. The goal is to make the process as easy and convenient as possible, while also offering an environmentally friendly alternative to buying new toys that often end up discarded after a short period.
What challenges did you face when starting your business?
The biggest challenge has been raising awareness. The idea of a toy library is still relatively new in Canada, especially in smaller communities like St. Albert. I remember presenting at local mom groups, and the most common response was, “Oh, this is such a great idea!”
Another challenge was balancing my time between building my business and raising my kids. As a mom, it’s easy to feel guilty about taking time away from your children to work on something for yourself. But I’ve come to realize that it’s all about finding the right balance and creating a business that also allows me to be present for my family.
Do you think there are unique challenges you face as a woman and mom entrepreneur?
Definitely. As a mom, there’s always this feeling that you need to prioritize your children over your own goals. I’ve heard this from other moms too — we often put our dreams on hold because we feel like it’s not the right time. I also get asked questions that I’m sure a male entrepreneur wouldn’t face, like, “Where are your kids today?” It’s a reminder that as a woman, especially a mom, there are different expectations and pressures placed on you.
That said, I’ve learned to embrace the idea that it’s okay to pursue my passions, even if it means balancing a lot at once. There’s a great community of women entrepreneurs who support each other, and I’ve found strength in that network. It’s important to remember that we don’t have to do it all alone.
How did Business Link help you on your entrepreneurial journey?
I first found Business Link when I was looking for resources to help me create a business plan. I hadn’t written one in years, and I wasn’t sure where to start. The free Interactive Business Plan Builder on the website was a great tool — it helped me organize my thoughts and break the process down into manageable steps. The best part was working with my Business Strategist, who provided amazing feedback on my plan. It gave me the confidence I needed to move forward with my idea.
Business Link has been such a valuable resource for me, providing free guidance, support, and reassurance that I’m on the right track. It’s been an important part of my entrepreneurial journey.
What’s next for St. Albert Toy Share?
In the short term, I want to continue growing our inventory and reach more families within Alberta. Long term, I dream of opening a physical space in St. Albert and beyond — a place where parents can come, see the toys, and allow their kids to play. I want it to be a welcoming community hub for families with events with children’s entertainers and authors. I also hope to expand our toy range to include preschool-aged children as at this age it feels like every other week is a new development.
Do you have any advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment — it will never come. If you have an idea, take the leap! You’re stronger than you think, and there are so many resources and communities out there to support you. Talk about your ideas, make connections, and trust that things will fall into place. If you see a need, others probably do too. Just take that first step and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Kate’s journey is a powerful reminder of how entrepreneurship can serve both personal and community goals. If you have a business idea or are ready to take the next step, Business Link is here to help. With expert advice, resources, and free support tailored to entrepreneurs across Alberta, you can bring your vision to life just like Kate did. Book a free consultation with one of our Business Strategists today and start building your dream business.
Website: https://www.stalberttoyshare.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stalberttoyshare/
