By Deanna Adams

Like many of us during the pandemic, Lauren Dannemiller had some time to rethink her future.  A longtime manager at a Cleveland design studio, she wanted to use her organizational skills and work experience to start a business she could call her own.

“Being a mom of two small children, I noticed that I had difficulty finding good, educational toys for them so that they could learn as well as have fun doing it,” says Dannemiller, 39.  “Parents are always seeking new and different places to take their kids so I thought if I had a place where I could sell these fun, educational toys, and offer space where they can enjoy learning through play, that would be ideal.”

That idea became reality in 2022 when Dannemiller found the perfect spot for her new business.  In the heart of Lake County’s cultural hub—Downtown Willoughby.  “I definitely wanted a place where kids can play, shop, learn, and enjoy a sense of community.  I knew I’d found the right place when I found this space.”

The store, located off Erie Street near the post office, sells products that encourage education and imagination.  What Dannemiller calls “mindful learning.”  Next, she had to think about just the right name that would fit her vision.  She recalled her time with the 4-H programs and her joy of raising rabbits there.  She also recalled her love for the story of Alice in Wonderland that fueled her imagination.  She decided her new store would be called White Rabbit Kids.

From the start, her focus is centered around that mindfulness of what she’s presenting to the children.  She hand chooses all the toys, along with having a variety of play activities that keep the children entertained and yet have educational value.

A toy store with scholastic programs and activities?

That’s the difference between this Willoughby toy store and the big box retailers.  White Rabbit Kids has an array of toys that encourage learning and creativity, such as drawing books, word cards, craft and design kits for kids, along with a selection of fun costumes for kids to play dress-up.  Dannemiller stresses that if customers are not in the market for toys, children are still welcome to stop in and participate in the activities.

Dannemiller also found the perfect person to help her out.  “Our store manager, Jenni Foote-Harper, helps run the activities and is just wonderful with the kids.  She makes sure everyone is having fun and is a great storyteller for our storytime.”  She adds that Jenni had worked in a Montessori school and uses that same educational philosophy and self-motivating approach in their everyday activities.

Aside from weekly story times, programs range from various workshops celebrating upcoming holidays and events.  “For example, the weekend of November 24–26, we’ll be making ornaments out of bird seed and while they’re doing it, we’ll talk about the different kinds of birds you see in winter,” says Dannemiller.

The store also offers Yoga for Kids classes.  The sessions (that can include the caregivers) run various days and times for children ages 4 and up.  All programs and workshops have a small fee and require registration which you can do in-store or on the website.  Add items and events to the “wish list” and receive a $10 discount on anything in the store. 

And what would a store for children be without play dates and parties?  “We welcome birthday parties, and craft and STEAM parties,” she says.  “There are different packages for any budget and age groups. We do like to keep the parties limited to 12 so that all the children can interact and get equal attention.”

Dannemiller also understands, and appreciates, the importance of supporting local businesses.  “I love my store and the great sense of community here.  We’re going to keep our finger on the pulse of what’s going on so we always stay interesting, fun and of course, educational.” 

White Rabbit Kids is located at 4041 Erie Street in Willoughby.  Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, Saturday 10 am–4 pm, and Sunday 10 am–2 pm.  

For more information, call 440-567-9727 or see their website at www.whiterabbitkids.com.  You can also visit them on Facebook.