Local StoriesMay 31, 2024

Meet Amira Batista

Local Stories

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Amira Batista. Amira was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Juliana VanLaanen.

Hi Amira, we’re so thrilled to have you sharing your story with us today. Maybe we can kick things off by having you introduce yourself to our readers? We’d love to have you go into your story and how you got to where you are today.
My husband and I started AlignedPlay because we are obsessed with our kids. Not only do we love them, but we are obsessed with PLAYING with them … andddd NOT PLAYING with them…! AlignedPlay” is a toddler and preschool lifestyle brand. We are family owned, eco inspired and uniquely curated.

As we watched our own children’s imaginations and creativity bloom through play, we knew we had to create something extraordinary. We wanted to create a store that curated our favorite spaces / tools / toys that inspired our kids to use their creativity and imagination so WE could have some quality time together or just enjoy a cup of coffee in peace (while they are still learning through play!).

We strive to make sure all products we carry are aligned with our core values.
Aligned with PLAY – because that’s what being a kid is all about.
Aligned with CREATIVITY – because every cardboard box can be a spaceship.
Aligned with IMAGINATION – because in their world, the floor really is lava.
Aligned with STYLE – because we love our kids, but we also love our homes!

Let’s talk about your work and career – what else should we know?
Gosh, what do I love most about my work? I’d have to say it’s getting to meet and work with all the awesome parents and grandparents out there. I have a huge soft spot for the kids, don’t get me wrong, but there’s something super special about the grown-ups in their lives. Every day, I get to see parents and grandparents light up as they pick out the perfect swing set or plan out the coolest playhouse. Their excitement is contagious! And it just pumps me up even more for what I do. Whether we’re brainstorming, texting, or pinning ideas like mad on Pinterest, I’m all in. It’s just amazing to connect with so many wonderful folks who are all about making sure play and imagination take center stage in their kiddos’ worlds. I know that a lot of huge companies sell the playhouses, swing sets and Montessori toys that we sell, but if you call, Amira will always answer (sorry if the kids are yelling in the background!). If you want my personal cell to brainstorm ideas or figure out what would look best in your playroom – you’ve got it! That’s our difference. We’re not just a store, want you to become our family.

Juliana VanLaanen has been a great friend to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Juliana and your experience with them.
I’ve been a big fan of 2MamaBees for quite a while and when I first got AlignedPlay off the ground, they were the very first ones I wanted to team up with. I just had this gut feeling that their brand was special and I had to work with them! Imagine how jittery I was before our first phone call—I was practically pacing! But the moment we started talking, Juliana and Samantha made it feel like a chat between old friends. They were so warm and inspiring, it was easy to get even more excited about what they do at 2MamaBees.

Besides being a women owned business, the one thing I really admire about 2MamaBees is their commitment to quality. Learning that their products are American-made and crafted by the Amish really sealed the deal for me. It’s all about creating pieces that last, stuff that’s meant to be passed down through generations. I’ve got a few of their items in my home (that my kids are obsessed with!), and I can tell you, they’re not just easy to put together but they’re built to last. No spending weekends trying to decipher complex instructions! Juliana and Samantha, being moms, totally get how important it is to make the most of playtime and family time.

One of the other amazing things they have done with the brand is instill a passion around sustainability and their carbon footprint. They’re mindful about their environmental impact, planting trees for every product they make and keeping things free from nasty chemicals. Plus, making everything in the USA cuts down on their carbon footprint. It’s really incredible to see a brand that’s so dedicated to doing good for the planet and for our future generations.