WoodBee Toys redefines learning through wooden play | Fusion - WeRIndia

Walajahpet, a small town in the North Arcot district in Tamil Nadu has inspired an entrepreneurial journey by reshaping childhood learning. WoodBee Toys was founded in 2020 by K Kokila.

This 64-year-old government employee-turned-entrepreneur has grown into a prominent toy manufacturer in less than five years.

With revenues reaching ₹3.5 crore, the company creates eco-friendly wooden toys that prioritize safety and creativity.

Kokila’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited by personal tragedy. After her husband, a chemical fertilizer distributor passed away, she stepped into the business to support her three children.

Transitioning away from fertilizers due to health concerns, she mastered the art of processing wood for packaging and later envisioned a more impactful use—making wooden toys.

The idea took root when Kokila and her daughters-in-law, Rubini and Sukanya, noticed the limited non-toxic toy options available for infants.

Concerned about the safety of plastic and silicon toys, they decided to create their own line of sustainable wooden toys.

Using neem and pine wood sourced from Kerala, they began crafting toys that adhered to international safety standards.

The business started small, with just six workers from local villages, but quickly gained momentum.

Kokila’s mathematical expertise shaped the toy designs, while Sukanya, a tech-savvy medical professional, managed marketing. Rubini handled production and customer support.

Their first batch of toys, sold via Instagram, was an instant hit, confirming the potential of their idea.

WoodBee Toys now employs close to 30 women, empowering them with stable incomes and transforming their roles from daily labourers to skilled artisans.

The company’s product line has expanded to over 100 Montessori-inspired toys, including teethers, puzzles, rattles, and stacking towers. Each toy is painted with child-safe, non-toxic colours, ensuring quality and safety.

Kokila credits the success of WoodBee Toys to a mother’s intuition and a passion for meaningful play.

By blending tradition with innovation, WoodBee Toys is not just making toys but crafting a legacy of safe, creative, and sustainable learning.

Image Credit: Woodbeetoys Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://www.woodbeetoys.com/