Secrets of a toy shop keeper

Meet Katherine McHenry, wife, mother, mom-business owner of Building Blocks toy store. Now celebrating her 15th year as an independent Chicago business owner, Katherine has much to be grateful for and is giving back in ways she could never imagine. She works tirelessly to keep her customers happy while providing the best and unique toys that cannot be found in big name stores. But how does she keep up her schedule and live a healthy lifestyle? Let's take a look at some of Katherine's secrets for keeping a healthy family.

1.) What are things you do to keep yourself and your family healthy?

We do very simple things, everything in moderation. We walk when we can, take the stairs, stay active as much as possible. Our son doesn't get much of the sugary juices and we stick to giving him water to stay hydrated. We stay away from unhealthy snacking but if someone deviates... (mostly DAD) I try to remind him what a portion is and we stick to our philosophy of moderation. I love stocking the fridge and house with healthy food and snacks so the temptation is usually outside the home.

2.) How do you balance your work and your family?

Wow. How does any busy mom? Balance is not a static, permanent state. The key is to make it a focus. for me, it's a daily adjustment between home life and work life, between husband and other relationships, etc. it's a constant goal, to keep all commitments in check.

3.) Any secret tips you care to share in work-life balance?

I love what I do so much, I don't mind that I work a lot. everyone wants to do what they love all the time, every day. i'm fortunate to have found what taoists call the "dao" or "knack" in life. being an entreprenuer also allows me creativity with how i get my work done. i can manage my time the way i want. the real secret is to have your partner support you. he knows that if i'm not happy, no one else in my life can have "happy me". it's important for me to show him how passionate and happy i am and he loves that he is a part of making it a possiblity. and of course the other not-so-secret secret is having great help. love our nanny and can't imagine getting any work done if i worried about my llittle guy's care.

4.) What are your favorite foods to eat?

My son Tai eats everything and that makes me happy. He eats everything I eat and I love that because I focus on healthy eating in the home. Although my taste buds do not discriminate any specific food types or ethnicity, I tend to eat well based on my upbringing in the Asian diet. When you grow up eating healthy you just love eating all kinds of vegetables. However, I only eat small amounts of meat and use it as "enhancements" or flavoring with my food and I do not consume much dairy.

5.) What is your favorite local family activity?

Our favorite family activity has been going to the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. The Children's Museum not only fun ways to explore and learn, but I appreciate their efforts to support breastfeeding by providing a private area with chairs. I nursed my son til he was 18 months old and having this option made our experience more enjoyable and took the stress out of having a fun time. We are members and proud to support such a great family attraction.

6.) How do you maintain two toy shops and your family time?

It goes in cycles like any other business. Right now, we are gearing up for the holidays, but I do take advantage of the slower times and spend that time with my family. It is a matter of choice and balance. For example, I brought Tai to work with me during his infancy so I could nurse him. It took away a lot of productivity and I let my business "coast". Now I am getting ready for my second baby and will take the time to breastfeed the baby.

7.) What inspired you to open your toy shops?

I always had an entrepreneurial spirit starting my first retail business when I was barely 10 years old buying candy in bulk and selling it to whomever would come to our house. When I was younger, I loved playing teacher, then enjoyed tutoring as I got older. I thought I would become a teacher and work around kids and families. However, after a brief time as a CPA, I realized retail was my calling. I opened up Building Blocks and decided on specialty and educational toys for the mere joy and love of learning and teaching.

8.) Anyone who inspires you?

Warren Buffet, Oprah Winfrey, and all moms inspire me. My favorite sayings are:

In life: "You better get busy living, or get busy dying." -Shawshank Redemption, one of my favorite movies
In business "Do what you know" -Warren Buffet
In relationships: "Remember, no man is alone who has friends" - It's a Wonderful Life, movie

9.) Any tips for first time moms?

You are not alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance. Every mom's experience is different and every child is different. Don't ever let someone else be the expert about your child, cause that person is YOU. Oh and keep reminding yourself that "this will pass" so enjoy the moment and if it's a hard time, it'll pass!

Be sure to check out Building Blocks toy stores, where the shopping is fun, educational and they wrap your gifts for free. Check out neighborhood Toy Store Day on Saturday, November 12 for a fun filled day and like them on Facebook for the latest happenings and giveaways. And thank you Katherine for letting us in on your secrets, here is to another 15 years!