Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Gray.
Hi Kathy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Twenty-three years ago, our daughter Miranda experienced an Amniotic Fluid Embolism while giving birth to her first child. For weeks, we didn’t know what impact this rare, life-threatening event would have on her and her baby girl. It can leave brain damage, kidney damage, and many other big impacts. Fortunately, Miranda and her daughter lived, and they were well. The experience was life changing for our family, though, bringing focus on the fragility and preciousness of life. After she healed, we decided that we wanted to engage in a business where we could enjoy working together, use our best gifts and passions, and connect with people in an uplifting and meaningful way. We learned that LARK Toys was for sale and dared to look at it, even though it was likely beyond our means. The founding owners really wanted to sell to a family to take the business forward. We put in everything we had, appreciated some financing from a local bank, and in 2008, we assumed ownership of this amazing place. Fortunately, two long-time staff members stayed on, (Tim Monson and Mary Eversman), and we started learning about toys and so much more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Challenges we’ve faced include
• the recession early in our ownership
• the shutdown for COVID-19
• the tariffs and consequent supply chain shortages.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Between the four of us (Ron and Kathy, Scott and Miranda) we have brought a love and passion for art, books, dance, teaching and nurturing children, peace, connections, and healing. Much more than just shelves with toys for sale, we are proud to offer: wooden toys we make in our shop on site, a free antique toy museum; fudge we make in our bakery; our unique hand-carved wooden Carousel (that runs every half hour); 18-holes of miniature golf with a beautiful view of the bluffs, waterfalls, and a cave to play through; toys, games, puzzles, books, unique gifts, candy, food, and fun. Miranda and Kathy work together to select all of the items we offer. In addition, we build an event center onto the existing LARK that allows us to offer yoga, NIA movement, programs for preschoolers, and a space to rent for showers, weddings, business meetings, education, and more.
Any big plans?
Miranda’s daughter Wynnie just graduated from college and currently works in the store and makes all of our beautiful fudge. Her son Murdock is just turning 13. They may be part of LARK’s future. In the meantime, we add new events and offerings very consciously so that our visitors always find some surprises and newness. Because of our proximity to Mayo Clinic, we welcome many visitors who are between appointments and facing challenges. It’s our privilege to offer to them and to all who come a step out of time, a lift, some happy memories, opportunities to play, and smiles. It’s also our privilege to train and work with staff ranging from 15 to 90, who bring their own gifts to the energy of LARK Toys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.larktoys.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LARK.Toys
