The Bee’s Knees Toys and Books

Small Business

Sisters Lindsey and Samantha are embarking on an entrepreneurial journey while balancing the day-to-day demands of motherhood. As mompreneurs, their woman-owned business is deeply inspired by their children and parenting.

“We decided it was time for us to take the leap into starting a new business,” said Samantha. “I recently moved back home to South Carolina be near family and the timing just felt right.”

A mompreneur is a woman who sets up and runs her own business in addition to caring for her young child or children. One in three woman-owned businesses is owned by a mother.

Last year, the sisters decided to open The Bee’s Knees Toys and Books. This store combines the duo’s love for sustainable toys and exquisite books. Their business offers ecofriendly options that allow shoppers to support small batch manufacturers who produce ethically made toys and books.

“None of the toys in our shops are battery-operated,” said Samantha. “We are passionate about toys that last a long time. We want to sell items that can stay in families for generations and be passed down.”

Bee’s Knees is currently located online only. In a few months, Samantha and Lindsey will transition their family-operated business into a physical location in downtown Central, South Carolina.
“We are looking forward to giving parents a place in town to bring their kids to and shop,” said Samantha. “I worked at a bookstore when I was younger, and it was always a dream of mine to open my own. I’m happy to do this with my sister.”

Through a small business loan with South Carolina Community Loan Fund, the sisters were able to secure a location for their dream business in Pickens County, South Carolina.

“We are hoping our bookstore can become a community hub,” said Samantha. “We want it to be a place people can come to and gather.”