Hi Alicia and Annalee! Thank you for taking time to chat with us. Please share with our readers what your claim to fame is in the toy industry?
We created a unique new product that did not exist before, requiring us to obtain multiple patents to make ChattySnaps a reality. That whole process slowed us down a bit out of the gate, but we were determined to see our idea through and as a result we have patented products!

Do you have a mantra that you live by?
When we first approached people with our products, we received our fair share of no's, which we expected, as we were new, but we always told ourselves that "no means not yet"--something we still say to this day.

What trends do you see in toys or games that excite or worry you?
Everything seems to be going digital. We love technology, and this is definitely a place for it, but fro the start our products have been about getting kids of all ages to look up from their devices and start conversations. We want to support real interactions, not send people off to another app, website, or screen.

What advice would you give a young adult graduating from high school or college today?
Develop a lifelong love of learning and pursue your interests wholeheartedly, as you are responsible for your education from now on. Pursue your dreams, but be alert to opportunities, as they're not always easy to spot. Stay in touch not just with the friends you made, but the nice people who helped you or the ones you helped. It's nice to have contacts.

What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?
Definitely the people! This is such a fun group. We have learned from the best and made lifelong friends since being welcomed into this warm community. 

What has kept you motivated to stay in the toy industry?Again, the people have a LOT to do with it. We have some great retail cheerleaders who keep us in the sales data loop. (We’re looking at you, Richard Derr.) So many wonderful, trendy snap ideas suggested by toy store staff have helped build our library of ChattySnaps. We couldn’t be more grateful!

Do you have kiddos?
Yes, we both have 2, a boy and a girl.

What do you play with your kids?
AS: Mine are grown, but we still get together and do what we did when they were home. We play board games, work puzzles, and sometimes we pull out coloring books and color.
AO: Lego sets always topped wish lists in our house. Now, we always have a deck of cards onthe kitchen table to fill those 5- or 10- minute free moments.
AS: Us too, Annalee! We love quick card games and dice games! Our latest obsession is Tenzi because it goes so fast and doesn’t require a lot of thinking.

What is your favorite way to waste time on your phone?
AS: I play Wordle every morning. It’s practically the first thing I do before getting out of bed. Basically any word game will keep me distracted. Also, I am new to LinkedIn, so I tend to scroll through that more than I should.
AO: I love to send random photos to friends from my camera roll to put a smile on their face or to remind them of a fun moment we spent together.

What is the first thing you notice about people?
AS: If they smile. I’m a sucker for a smile!
AO: Me too!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Positive feedback from the end user. Hands down, the best place for this opportunity is when we are at CHITAG - Chicago Toy and Game Fair - and the kiddos (and their parents and grandparents) come to the booth. We love to see their reaction and are thrilled when they choose ChattySnaps amidst all of the awesome toys at this event.