My Tiny Teepee: special little tents for young kids and hearts

November 8, 2016

I first came across My Tiny Teepee tents on Instagram and after seeing the gorgeous images of teepees for kids, I got in touch with My Tiny Teepee's Olivia Fox to chat more about the teepee tents that everyone wants, and which seem to turn play areas into Pinterest-worthy wonderlands.

There is no website for My Tiny Teepee, and you cannot order from a mass-produced batch online. Rather, each teepee is custom made, and personally and lovingly made, and it shows in the products.

Here, Olivia, also mom to Blake (4) and Ethan (2) answers questions about My Tiny Teepee:

When did you start My Tiny Teepee, and why?

My mamma has been creating since I was born. She magically handcrafted everything in my life. I was so blessed to have almost everything I own made from her hands . After running a clothing factory and Embroidery Studio for almost 18 years, her path making corporate wear ended, and it was time to slow down. To craft. To do what she was passionate about. Teepees, knitted toys, jerseys, quilting. She did this on a small scale. Nothing like My Tiny Teepee.

Her moving to Cape Town in 2015 opened up my eyes to my mother's talent and I decided to start marketing for her – and so started My Tiny Teepee. Slowly getting the most incredible locals involved proved easy because of the strong sense of community. And so it spread. It is 100% my mom's business.

I don't get anything from it except the one thing you should get from your job – joy. I never fully understood how your passion can be your occupation until I started this business. I now know.

My mom owns the business and so do I but it's hers because she makes everything. I just make everything pretty. That's my job. So yes. Partners. Mom and Daughter.

Describe My Tiny Teepee in five words

It's literally my heart every day on Facebook and Instagram and with the people I love so dearly. All of my "clients" are now friends. We walk a path together. We make their children smile. It's an honour. Believing in what you do SO much that you don't even care if you don't make a cent from it. I love My Tiny Teepee. It's my happy place.

How are your products different from other similar teepees?

We are all different. Each one appealing to a different market. It's quite nice because there is such a difference that our target markets are completely different.

What are you hoping children will get out their teepees?

Joy. Endless joy. My boys sit for hours and imagine different worlds. They rumble and play and bounce around inside. Happiness. Children have a safe place. A hideout.

What age/size kids are the teepees suited for?

This is a common question. It depends from child to child. Girls have used them to 13. I still lie in ours. My boys will use it as a fort until they are probably 10. So it differs. This is why I always suggest minimalism because it'll be with your family for a really long time.

Explain the custom-making process.

It's personal. It's unique. I totally believe that your child doesn't come from a catalogue so why should the object that will be in your life for 10 or more years. Each one is different. I work through every single detail. Sometimes the conversation is over in minutes. Some Teepees I've been working on with clients for months. Making every exactly to their spec.

You'll mail/message me and I'll send you a host of options and discuss every detail. Chop and change until you're happy. Sending materials and colours and bouncing around ideas. I've even visited homes to get exact colours right for clients. Mail me…

Your Instagram account is gorgeous… who takes your pics, and who are the subjects in the pics, and where are they shot?

I've got incredible brand ambassadors to thank for all the lovely photos. Why don't you head over and click click – I tag all these incredible little souls. Give them a follow. I'm endlessly thankful to the beautiful mammas I meet who so willingly share their joy with me. It's a privilege.

For more information, email Olivia here.