Community Spotlight: GIGIL – Learn Play Grow
Do you have a child who loves science and engineering? Well, GIGIL is here to make your life easier. They are a STEM subscription box company for kids! It’s so exciting that they’ve put together this awesome package for children aged 4-11 years old, which includes hands-on projects every month.
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Tell us about your company?
“GIGIL is a mom-owned and operated business offering STEM subscription boxes for kids. Our STEM boxes include 5 hands-on learning activities, with NO PREP! All materials are included, which means kids get to start having fun the second they open the box!
Each month we explore a new STEM theme. Our STEM Kits include 5 learning activities, worksheets, activity guides, and a video lesson from a credentialed teacher! We are also Charter School approved and accept charter funds! Every box has been curated with busy moms and inquisitive kids in mind!“
What inspired you to launch this business?
“GIGIL started as an indoor playground and offered a co-working space for parents with supervised play for their children. During the pandemic, we were forced to close our doors to adhere to local health orders and for the safety of our community. During this shutdown period, I had to make the difficult decision to close the indoor playground permanently and shift my business to offering STEM subscription kits. We were a resource for parents and children to learn and play, so I wanted to find a way to continue with that, but do so from the safety of home.“
What is one of your proudest moments?
“Since this major pivot in my business, I have to say that I am proud to have overcome the loss and burden the pandemic forced upon my business. Although it looks different now, I am very proud that GIGIL is ‘still standing’ and still here to make a difference for kids and families. It has been challenging and definitely rough at times (lots of heartache and tears in 2020!), but in my pursuit to running a successful and impactful business, I have exceeded past the obstacles of the pandemic.“
What to Expect in a GIGIL STEM Kit?
- 5 hands-on learning STEM activities that also provide an educational experience
- All the materials you need to complete the activities
- Activity guides and worksheets to guide parents and learners through each activity
- A video lesson that provides a STEM lesson to cover the main theme of each box
- To support a momma owned and operated business
Tell us a little about you:
“My husband Cory and I live in Long Beach where we are raising our 3 children. Kaleo is 5 years old, Meleana is 2 and Kanoa is 10 months. We are natives to Long Beach and both alumni to Lakewood High School. I am a freelance marketing consultant specializing in social media marketing. Cory owns his own business as a plumber, Pipe Masters, Inc., and services residences and commercial buildings in LA and Orange County.”
What do you enjoy doing in the South Bay when you are not working?
“Our family loves going to the beach! Most warm days you’ll find us down on the sand in Belmont Shore. We are also members at the Aquarium of the Pacific and visit as often as possible! One of our favorite things about living in the South Bay is that we are surrounded by small businesses, and we make a point to support them as much as we can!”
How do you give back to the community?
“GIGIL partners with Ronald McDonald House Long Beach to do a toy and household goods drive during the holiday season. Last year we were able to donate dozens of items to the charity to make a difference for families in need.”
