Kathy Klaus

As a social worker, I am all about interactive activities and connection. But a move down under and a playful discovery changed the course of my life, and I took a surprising turn into business. If you are under fifty and have, at some point, visited a doctor’s office or airport, you might have experienced the popular bead and wire mazes—primary-coloured beads on twisting wires anchored into a smooth wooden base—designed and manufactured by Educo, the company I launched and ran for more than twenty-five years. The mazes became a classic early learning product and a staple in daycare, schools, doctor’s offices and public spaces throughout the world.

Creating and running a successful business was an amazing period of my life; it was exhilarating to exhibit in annual trade fairs including Toronto, New York, Nuremberg, Dubai and Hong Kong and later establish channels of distribution. The thrill of seeing our product for the first time in the iconic flagship store of FAO Schwarz Toys in New York is balanced by the pride of watching a child’s moment of first discovery in a daycare setting in Japan. There were successes, near misses and clear misses and a curio cabinet of awards, but most importantly, there were experiences and friendships in far flung places. What a ride!

When I wanted fewer business responsibilities, my determination to forge a different path led me to selling the company. It was time to add more fun and a lightness to my life. I poured all my workshop knowledge in clowning and Laughter Yoga into volunteering at nursery schools and senior’s residences. I joined The Association For Applied and Therapeutic Humor, and eventually enrolled in The Humor Academy. The experience helped me find the funny and recognize and appreciate the comedy that presents itself in everyday life. After three years of study, I was awarded the designation of Certified Humor Professional.

When asked to create a project as a second-year student, I applied my enduring interest in storytelling to the creation of Wild Ride—a natural choice. Collecting stories from 55 Storytellers was heartwarming and exciting. I didn’t know then that it would lead to the expansion of the concept into this unique writer’s retreat in a book. In my toy design firm, our mission was guided by three principles: the concept had to be original or freshly reimagined, provide a safe learning experience and be breathtakingly beautiful. As my focus has turned to writing and storytelling, these tenets remain the same. I continue to be inspired by expert information, a safe place to share heartfelt stories and explore eye-catching graphics. Inspirational quotes rank highly, too.

Walking in nature with my Golden Retrievers, as well as looking for humour wherever it appears, provides daily laughter and inspiration.Connection and friendship are important to me. For more than two decades, I have not missed an annual women’s salmon fishing derby. My husband and I call Alberta, Canada, our home. We keep in close contact with our sons and grandchildren from afar.

Visit my website at kathyklaus.com