Meet The Team
Snugz was founded to support families and educators in nurturing children's confidence and emotional wellbeing through the power of play. With over twenty years of combined experience in education and childcare, Fiona and Lisa bring a wealth of hands-on knowledge to everything they do. Their backgrounds span roles as a teacher, year head, creche supervisor, nanny, childminder, youth worker, parent mentor, and additional needs assistant — experiences that have shaped them into passionate advocates for children’s development.
Working closely with clinical psychologist Cliona Cosgrave, Fiona and Lisa have ensured that their stories are grounded in best practices around emotional regulation and connection. Their books and products are designed not just for fun, but as practical tools to build emotional resilience in young children.
Together, Fiona and Lisa are united in their mission: to empower families and foster emotionally confident kids through meaningful moments, imaginative stories, and the everyday magic of play.
We've always believed that different is magic.
Fiona & Lisa
The birth of our business
Our journey started with a simple question:
how can we help children and families build confidence through play?
Motivated by this question, we set out to discover the transformative impact of therapeutic play. We organised therapeutic play workshops, and the response was remarkable. Observing how positively these sessions affected children and families, we realised we had something special. These workshops provided valuable insights into the stories and tools that deeply resonate with children, sparking meaningful emotional conversations and leading to positive results.
Research highlighted the importance of stuffed animals in children's lives — they're not just toys; they're beloved companions that hold a special place in their hearts. In our workshops, we noticed that over 50% of children brought a stuffed toy with them — finding comfort and security in their soft embrace. Some even communicated with us through their cherished companions, offering insight into their inner world.
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Inspired by these observations, and fueled by our passion for supporting children's emotional development, we created Jimbow The Giraffe. From this humble beginning, a heartwarming story emerged—a tale of friendship, courage, and the transformative power of love.
​​And so, our business was born—a testament to the profound impact of play and emotional support, and the enduring bond between children and their cherished companions. With Snugz at the heart of our mission, we continue to empower children and families, one heartfelt hug at a time.
