BCM - How and Why did you start Storytime By Design?

Storytime By Design -  We created the program as after attending so many story hours with our own children, we felt that respect for storytime had disappeared. Parents would just let their kids run wild, and the kids had no idea what they were listening to. The readers all looked nervous and out of control. So we thought, “what if we created an exciting reading experience for children and their parents in a social setting. Children would be encouraged to use their imagination and be exposed to educational components without them knowing it at the same time.”We launched in September 2008. However, we worked on the program for two years beforehand.
A team of experts including Early Childhood Educators, Speech and Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Reading Specialists, Librarians and Nutritionists all consulted on the program. We also have an Artistic Director advising on the original music and dramatic interpretation of the children’s fiction being presented.

BCM - Tell us more about Storytime By Design?

Storytime By Design - Storytime By Design, Inc. is a company that produces educational, musical and interactive story hours on The Upper East Side in Manhattan. The program, created to inspire literacy and a love for learning, is currently designed for children ages 6 months through 5 years old. We expose children to classic stories and to new works of fiction from exciting and upcoming authors in children’s literature through our dynamic curriculum.
Most parents and caregivers refer to us as the most fun and creative new program for both children and adults! We incorporate our own funky music and really try to stimulate the kids in our magical, musical library.
To date, the creators of So Smart!, winner of over 30 parenting awards, have endorsed the company and are advising on curriculum for the program. The story hours, all based on themes that engage and inspire the imagination of children, feature books from Barnes and Noble. We also have our own brand of music which will be available in The Fall and our new books which will be launching in January 2010.

BCM How can Big City Moms benefit from your classes? Where are they offered?

Storytime By Design - What makes this story hour different from others in the city and nationwide is the unique education component coupled with the exciting showmanship of the performers, all amazing professional actors. Plus, we get the best books sent to us from leading publishers world wide. We know the latest books and trends in children’s literature. BCM benefit in that they get exposed to these new books and trends and learn focussing techniques that their children may not be exposed to through other story hours in the city. Due to the intimacy and exclusivity of our story hours,we have the ability to pay attention to all the children that attend our classes and recognize how to stimulate each child in growth and development. Our new home base starting this Fall will be at 122 East 88th Street ( enter through red door on Lexington Avenue.) We also are proud to announce that this Fall we will be performing at numerous top NYC locations throughout the city. We also perform at Birthday Parties, Private Group Story Hours and Corporate events. If you sign up for our newsletter at www.storytimebydesign.com, we will keep you updated on the latest children book trends and our appearances.

BCM - Both of you have a great dynamic of work together - How did you team up? Why do you think you work so well together?

Storytime By Design - We met back in college and were really excited to come back in contact when both of us moved to NYC. We knew that because we both have different professional backgrounds, we would compliment each other beautifully. Plus, our personalities mesh well together and our energy and respect for each other continue to grow on a daily basis. After our kids were older, we knew we wanted to create a business that would stimulate us both personally and intellectually. We are excited with the creativity we are inspired to bring to each story hour and love working on building our brand and vision together.

BCM - What advice do you have for other moms who are thinking about starting businesses?

Storytime By Design -  We were fortunate that we were able to extensively research this market to really create a program that we were passionate about. Loving what you do is the most important part-- and be willing to give 100% effort as your business is a reflection of yourself. Also, make sure you have family support-- Both of us have families that are really proud of us and supportive.
-----------------------------------------------

Now for the fun stuff  - A little bit about you both....

BCM- What has been your most memorable moment(s) as a mom?

Storytime By Design -  Every day, this answer changes.

Cori: Most recently, my son started day camp out of the city. I was so nervous about all the little things. Would he eat his lunch? Would he make friends? How would he handle the bus ride? I was a wreck. But when he walked off the bus, he had a big smile on his face and hugged me. He then said,” I am so lucky! Thank you for sending me to camp! I had the Best Time!” I felt so proud to be his mother.

Karen: Every time my girls say “I love you” tops my list. I also cherish all the milestones.

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your kids?

Storytime By Design - Reading to our children is the best! But we also love taking advantage of all the cultural activities NYC offers.

BCM- If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?

Storytime By Design - Don’t sweat the small stuff and do what is right for you and your family! Enjoy every second as a parent because it all passes by so quickly.

BCM - Name your favorite BCM event to date?

Storytime By Design - We love each and every BCM events and recommend them to all the parents that take our classes. We loved being apart of the BCM lunches and seeing new bonds between parents take place, while at the same time being able to educate new parents~~