Reisa Schwartzman - A Happy Mistake!
(Resia Schwartzman, President Griddly Games)
Why and how did you get into the Toy and Game industry?
I got into the Toy and Game industry by mistake!!! I started investing in a company and before I knew it, it was mine! Once I owned the company, I started to develop my own games and STEAM Kits!
(Griddly Games Nice to Meet You!)
What trends do you see in toys or games that excite or worry you?
I’m excited to see that STEM and STEAM games and toys are trending in the market! Griddly always strives to bring games and kits that excite and teach. So this trend definitely is similar to my beliefs!
What was your favorite toy or game as a child?
I enjoyed playing a lot of games as well as building toys. When my parents had a small playhouse built in our back yard, I spent more time jumping off the roof than playing inside with dolls.
What inspires you?
Everything. From the mundane to the inventive. I never really know when I’m going to be inspired so I am always looking for new and great ideas!
Where did you grow up and how did that influence who you are today?
I grew up in beautiful Vancouver, BC. With the best weather in Canada, it promoted an active lifestyle. So working out is not a chore but a pleasure. It taught me to appreciate the beauty of nature. It is a young city, so watching the city grow and develop inspires me to always look for new ideas.
What is one mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?
I listened to someone without checking out the facts first. So always do your own research before you jump in.
How do you jumpstart your creativity when you find yourself stalled on a project?
I look to see what young people are talking about and playing with. I look for solutions to easy problems.
When is the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
I believe it’s good to laugh every day. But this morning, it was the puppy walking with his owner so excited for the walk that his paws almost never touched the ground. It made me smile for a long time. I think it’s just as important to smile and laugh at the small things as the big ones!
Do you have any kiddos?
I have 3 great sons and 2 wonderful daughter-in laws! I am very blessed!
Do you play any musical instruments?
If so, which one(s)? I don’t play enough of my instruments but I play piano, tenor saxophone, guitar and shofar. I’m also a dancer and Choreographer, if your body can be considered an instrument!
What’s the first thing you usually notice about people?
Their smile and eyes! But also their intelligence and kindness.
Do you prefer scary movies or happy endings?
I’m definitely a happy endings girl! Maybe I prefer utopia, but this is so much more fun for me!
Summer of Winter?
Truthfully I love both. I love the long summer days giving us the warm evenings and Winter offers skiing and the freshest air to breath.
What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?
Went to India. It’s a 12 hour time change and very south from Canada. Can’t get much farther other than the moon!
What are your hobbies?
Travelling, exercising, reading, playing games, doing crafts, baking, playing music and being with family and friends.
