HOW WE CAME TO BE
I'm Crystal Renée. Here's me as a fun bitmoji!
My Mom used to sew half my wardrobe when I was very young and we'd take the scraps to make clothes for my Barbie and other dolls. She taught me to knit as well. Life changed for the two of us with new entries to the family and the drama - many times unfortunate - that ensued. As such the maker and play sessions between us were severed. But crafting was clearly in my bloodline and I continued to sew, knit, learned to crochet by way of my Grandmother's best friend's young children during our summers together, signed up for woodworking in middle school, taught myself to embroider and to create textiles designs. I started creating samples from combined types of needlework geared towards children whom I have a big heart for.
Before delving into my own line of items I thought it best to test the market by selling items from children's vendors at market fairs and festivals which began back in Brooklyn, NY in 2012. Well-crafted and unique animal and sea life-themed items sold very well along with items that also folded in a European aesthetic and flair. What surprised me was when parents asked if I had any DIY toys with electronic parts in them on offer along with clothing. They were already thinking of STEM and STEAM items without those being promotional buzz words like they are now. Those items quickly became a third of the stock along with decor items I'd bring to each market fair. We decided to recently move online due to coronavirus restrictions.
And so, that's Nazabong Kids, clothing, toys, home decor and STEM/STEAM projects selected to cultivate an early appreciation of animal and sea-life. It's a tight selection that changes often because it consists of items our small team would normally bring to a market fair where there isn't a lot of space. Because we are now online we've folded in a blog with all the insights we've gained from parents, teachers - my Mom had been a Special Needs Educator - and, of course, kids. At the core though, we continue what I call the Early Maker Movement which allows a bonding between parent and child that they will never forget.
Welcome in!