MONTESSORI SCHOOL ASPIRES TO GIVE CHILDREN ‘A HEAD START’
Another exercise in ‘brainstorming’ offers high quality kids’ clothing lines
It’s never to early to begin learning, believe Sam Zariwala and Zef Rashid who have opened Little Einstein’s Montessori School.
With two young children of their own, Zariwala and Rashid want to make sure their kids grow up prepared to succeed in the world that awaits.
“For us, it’s about providing the tools for the children where they can be self-sufficient when they become adults,” says Zariwala. “If you want to give your child a head start, this is a good place.”
Little Einstein’s opens its doors to kids from 18 months to five years old and gets the children to take an active role in critical thinking and decision making. There are a variety of subjects taught including some science experiments and math skills.
“Literacy is very close to our hearts,” says Zariwala, who has a teaching degree from the University of Alberta.
Little Einstein’s has themes every month where the youngsters learn new ideas and concepts. For instance, last month a nurse was brought in to speak to the children and they learned about personal hygiene.
As well, they offer a very low teacher-to-pupil ratio for all students, which allows for a much better learning environment.
“We really want our students to feel comfortable here,” says Zariwala.
Interested people are encouraged to call and visit the school and see first-hand what Little Einstein’s can provide.
Little Einstein’s Montessori School is running a Facebook promotion this month to provide kids a half-day free session at Little Einstein’s. Eight winners for the month of October will be selected and the winning entries will all get an opportunity to attend the Montessori School for free for one week. Little Einstein’s Montessori School Owners: Sam Zariwala, Zef Rashid Address: 3 Rutter Crescent Phone: 306-261-7052 Hours: Monday through Friday Email: littleeinsteinsmont@gmail.com Website: www.lemontessorischool. com
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MINI MOSS BY ERA
Brit Tastad and Justine Marchuk are sisters. Both have daughters. Now, they are entrepreneurs together.
The pair launched Mini Moss by era at the end of August as they see a market for children’s clothing that is not being filled in Saskatoon.
“We had been brainstorming about a children’s store for a while,” says Tastad, who worked at Era Style for four years before annexing some of the store’s real estate for herself and Marchuk and their Mini Moss by era instore creation.
“We want to bring some of the best independent clothing labels from around the world to Saskatoon,” says Marchuk.
Finding the right mix of labels has been hard work for the pair. They’ve travelled extensively to visit with vendors to ensure what they are bringing into the store is exactly what they want.
Some of their main suppliers are tinycottons, Nico Nico, Oeuf, Rylee & Cru, Bob & Blossom as well as Canadian designer Bebe de Luxe.
“They are so cute and very well made. We want to make sure that anything we bring in is of the best quality,” says Tastad, who along with Marchuk, graduated from Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.
Cute accessories are also available, from bath salts to jewelry.
Their online presence is one area they want to grow their business. Their website is easy to manoeuvre around and intuitive. Images are bright and prices and item descriptions are front and centre.
Their business plan aims to make the store not just a Saskatoon business. They hope the store is noticed by online shoppers not only locally, but from afar.
“Online is very important for us,” says Marchuk. “We think there is a lot of potential for us.”
Mini Moss by era
Owner: Brit Tastad and Justine Marchuk
Address: 234 21st St. E.
Phone: 306-203-8712
Hours: Monday through Sunday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Email: hello@shopminimoss.com Website: erastyleloft.com Follow on Facebook and Instagram