Expert Insights with Mompreneur Surya Sajnani of the Wee Gallery

by Michelle LaRowe
Editor in Chief

Recently, I had a chance to catch up with Surya Sajnani of the Wee Gallery, an art boutique offering smart art for little minds. Conceptualized by Surya, a graphic designer, and her husband Dave, a teacher, after the birth of their son, Wee Gallery is full of high contrast art designed to stimulate the minds of infants. From art cards to wall art and toys to blankets, there are plenty of bold prints for babies to enjoy.

eNannySource: Tell us about the Wee Gallery.

Surya: Wee Gallery makes smart and artistic products for babies and kids. It was started by us – Surya Sajnani, a graphic designer, and Dave Pinto, an English teacher. We started making the Art Cards for Baby in 2004, and now we have an extensive line of decor and products for babies and kids. Wee Gallery started in California and is now sold all over the world.

eNannySource:  How did you come up with your business?

Surya: When our son was born 10 years ago, we painted a mural in his room. It featured zebras in black and white stripes so that he could enjoy the high contrast pattern when he was a newborn, and later see all the colors behind. He loved staring at the zebras so much that we decided to literally box the idea, and so Wee Gallery was born.

eNannySource: What makes your company eco-friendly?

Surya: Being green is very important to us. And it isn’t enough using recycled paper and eco-friendly materials. We could easily slap our graphics onto bags, cushions, t-shirts and mugs, but when we make a product, we try to be absolutely sure that it’s presence on the planet is welcome. We try to produce as much as we can in the US. When we make products in other countries, like India and China, the social and environmental aspect is key in choosing our suppliers.

eNannySource: Are your children involved with the company?

Surya: Our children have always been involved in Wee Gallery. They are Idea Generators, Product Testers, Models, as well as Trade Show Booth Assistants!

eNannySource:  As a working mother, how do you balance work, family and home?

Surya: It’s not easy. I try and get all my work done when the kids are at school, so that we can play when they get home. It doesn’t always happen that way, but we make it work most days.

eNannySource: What motivates you?

Surya: I LOVE what I do. There’s nothing I enjoy more than sketching, painting, playing on the computer and creating fun and well made products. I feel very lucky to be able to make a living while creating products that bring joy to kids and make a parent’s life easier.

eNannySource:  Is there anything else you want readers to know?

Surya: We appreciate you! There are so many times that a sweet email or a handwritten card from a customer has cheered us up when things were less than perfect, or we have received a suggestion to improve an existing product, or a request for a new one. We read everything. I wish we could write everyone back personally, or please every request, but even if we don’t, we are honored and appreciate that you took the time and effort to get in touch, and that every suggestion of yours is considered.

To learn more about Surya, her family and Wee Gallery, visit www. WeeGallery.com.