This is the first post in a a new weekly series called “10 Questions with” that will feature creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who have incredible stories and advice to share. It’s the perfect series to follow for budding entrepreneurs and creative people who want to know more about other people’s creative processes. Check back here every Wednesday to see who will be profiled next.. The interview is below the images.

I admit, I may have had more fun doing the puzzles than Naomi did… but the designs are some of the cutest I’ve ever seen, and as she grows, she’ll love them too. She adores horses, so as soon as she saw this little box, she said “Mommy! Horsie!”

A few of the adorable items. We played with two Texas-themed puzzles, as well as the Pop-Out  Giddy Up! which are extremely durable cutouts that you and your kiddos put together to make a ranch scene. Naomi LOVED that there was a little girl who rode a horse… she said, “That Naomi!” We also received the most darling print, which will be going up on the print wall in the playroom. More on that soon… 

“Putting together a puzzle,” aka throwing pieces everywhere like a boss. 

At school, Naomi learns a little yoga, and she got so excited she went into downward dog.

Playing make believe with our horses.

“THIS IS MY TREE. YOU CANNOT HAVE IT.”

Naomi said the horses were sleeping, so she wanted to be sleeping too.

I forgot how accomplished you feel after putting together a puzzle. Naomi feels the opposite, she loves to take them apart. But don’t worry, I quickly put it back together… 

Last year, I decided to stock a toy closet. Tired of running out last minute and buying a gift I didn’t even like, I discovered  — through Instagram, naturally — the cutest modern children’s toy brand: Petit Collage. I purchased lots of things to keep at home for when we needed to take Naomi to a birthday party, and of course, our kiddo found a few things from the stash herself. We still use the coloring pages every day.

When they reached out to me to let me know that some of their new toys were TEXAS themed, I jumped at the opportunity to work with them, not only because we love Texas (duh), but because we love their line so much. I have a real problem not knowing who/where my daughter’s toys are made and whether they’re made safely and responsibly. I can assume many of them are not. No worries here; the line is designed with the planet in mind, made from recycled and renewable materials, and the childlike but modern aesthetic inspires creativity. I can attest to that, I’ve never seen her sit and play make believe before. She’s not even 2 yet, and she played with these toys for what felt like a really long time.

Being a small business owner myself in a creative field, I was excited to find out more intimate details about the brand and the evolution of their designs, as well as the founder Lorena Siminovich, who is an accomplished artist, designer and author. I sat down with Lorena to learn more about what drives her, what mistakes she’s made and what she sees for the brand in the future.

Tell us your name, the name of your business, and where we can find you online.

I’m Lorena Siminovich, the founder of Petit Collage. We’re at petitcollage.com.

What inspired you to start your own business?

Positive feedback! Nine years ago I made a last minute gift for a friend who was expecting a child: a collage on wood with vintage and found paper. Friends asked why I wasn’t making more to sell, which seemed like a good question to me, and Petit Collage was born.

What inspires your designs and what sets them apart from everyone else’s?

At the time that I was starting Petit Collage, there wasn’t a lot of modern artwork available for kids’ rooms, so I set out to fill that gap. Today, my team of two designers and I still design with the goal of producing pieces that are both modern and kid-friendly – and, the third important piece, as eco-friendly as we can possibly make them.

What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?

I grew up in Argentina, with a graphic designer father and a full schedule of art classes, so you could say I have design in my blood. Before starting Petit Collage, I worked in a number of positions in design companies, both in Argentina and the States, which gave me the chance to learn about all different aspects of running a business. And I’m still always learning!

What has been your biggest success to date?

Wearing my entrepreneur hat to grow a successful company without neglecting another hat I love wearing: my author and illustrator hat. I have over 30 children’s books published in multiple languages.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Not having enough hours in the day (or a clone).

Describe your typical work day.

I’m not sure I’ve ever had one of those – every day turns out differently! Early mornings are about getting my daughter ready for school; she’s an early riser, so sometimes we sneak in some arts and crafts. Whenever possible, I walk to work; 20 minutes to clear my head and grab some of that San Francisco coffee. At the studio, it’s a constant dance between answering emails, meetings, checking in on projects, more emails…

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

So many artists and makers – many of them also mothers – who I’ve watched grow their businesses with passion, creativity and a unique, unwavering voice.

If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

That’s a tough question. In retrospect I’ve learned just as much (maybe more) from the times that felt like major can-I-have-a-do-over moments, so I’m not sure I’d want to change them.

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start her own creative business?

Reach out to people in your community who have been there, ask questions, make useful connections. There are also so many opportunities online now, to take classes focusing on every aspect of building a business, to listen to talks, to connect with peers or mentors. And most importantly: keep a balance and take care of yourself!

Learn more about Lorena and Petit Collage, and follow them on Instagram to add some pretty to your feed.

Disclosure: A review copy of these toys was provided by the company. No further compensation was given and all opinions are my own. The post contains no affiliate links whatsoever.