Q: Let's get to know you two a bit. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?
A: Hi everyone!! We are Matt and Kiel (daddy and papa as our kids call us) We have 4 adopted children. A 9 year old, 4 year old and boy/girl twins that are 2! We are a very busy household to say the least 🤪
Matt about Kiel: his big caring “I think about everyone before I think about myself” heart. Kiel about Matt: Matt is so selfless, he likes to have everything in its spot and he easily creates purpose for all things around him.
Q:What is the no.1 challenge being parents for both of you?
A: The number one challenge about being parents of 4 kids is making sure we create enough quality time to focus on life’s small lessons. As grownups we get so consumed with things that don’t even matter to children that we forget to acknowledge the little things.
Q: What sets ONEderchild apart from other toy store?
A: As a same sex bi-racial couple growing up as kids we never knew or saw anything quite like our store. As a child we longed to see “people like us” something to connect to, anything that represent the “colors of the rainbow” we never found it. Growing up and feeling different was hard and scary. Our dream is to create this magical space where kids feel safe and grownups can be kids. We do this through an extensive book collection, and hand curated toys and gifts that spark creativity and imagination. We want all to see that being who you are is more than enough. Who you are is “normal”.
Q: What is the biggest challenge in running your business today?
A: Our biggest challenge right now is post COVID getting back to the everyday ins and outs of running a business. The past year was overwhelmingly scary. This is our livelihood there were times that we stiff in the store together and asked ourselves how are we going to make it. Fortunately we all see the sun over the Horizon and it looks and feels beautiful.
Q: If a friend is visiting Solvang, what are the top 3 spots (can be restaurants or local shops) you'd recommend?
A: Oh my there are so many! First I would eat at Ramen Kotori, then rent a Moke and drive around Solvang and see everything. I would then cruise down the street to The Sweet stuff and have the best frozen yogurt! All this of course would be done after shopping at ONEderChild!
