Co-Owner, Toy Jungle Enterprises Inc.
Our goal is to provide fun play experiences for entire families. Yes, we sell great quality toys with an emphasis on ages birth to 12, but we also source games and puzzles and novelties (ie Gumby) for teens and adults. Whether an adult is shopping for a child or "the child" in themselves, we want them to have some fun in our stores and take them back to playful free childhood memories. When I shop for presents for friends, I try to give them "experiences". As the buyer for Toy Jungle, I try and buy "experiences" for people of any age.
How Misti got into retail:
I never expected to be a retailer. I never even worked in a store as a young adult. My strange journey was from University to musical theatre performer. While performing on a cruise ship, I met my husband and moved to Vancouver from California. We struggled to find a "legitimate" job and managed (barely) to get financing on a kid's entertainment center. As we searched for another revenue stream in this business, the mall manager took a chance on us and let us open up a temporary party goods store with a few toys. The rest is history.
What’s the best thing about retail?
The best thing about retail is also its biggest challenge--it is always changing. Our stores are constantly evolving. As a result, all of us who work at Toy Jungle are constantly evolving as well.
What does Shelfspace mean to Misti?
Shelfspace means everything to me. We could not be where we are today as a retail company with out the "parent" association to Shelfspace, Retail BC. I am fortunate enough to be part of the amazing group of people who helped define what our new, evolved association is all about. I would strongly urge people to check out our values--if this is you, then you need to be a part of our community.
What's one thing Misti would like you to know about her?
That I understand. I understand that what we do can sometimes be overwhelming. I understand that our biggest gifts (customers, staff, stores) can also be our biggest challenges. I understand that balancing a busy work life and a busy family life is an ongoing process. I understand the "highs" and "lows" of being an entrepreneur. I just believe that we will all be better capable to cope with our day to day trials as a strong community.
Misti’s favourite thing to do:
I love a good party. I absolutely love to be with family and/or friends and have a good time. My favourite party would include dancing, but playing games, seeing a show or some music, enjoying a bevvy or just talking are all things I look forward to and live for.
