Life & Work with Enas Lanham of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Enas Lanham.

Hi Enas, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really begins in education. Before opening Dublin Toy Emporium, I was a dance teacher and later taught preschool and kindergarten. Those experiences, along with being a mom, gave me a front-row seat to how children learn, grow, and connect through play.

I started noticing that it was becoming harder to find toys that truly encouraged creativity, imagination, and hands-on learning. I believed there was still a place for a neighborhood toy store that carefully selected products based on their value to children, not just what was trending.

I’ve lived in Dublin for many years, and when I saw an opportunity to open a storefront in Historic Dublin in 2018, I knew it was the right moment. My goal wasn’t simply to sell toys. I wanted to create a place where families could discover something special, where grandparents, parents, and children could all enjoy the experience together, and where play was celebrated as an important part of childhood.

Since then, the business has grown into so much more than I imagined. We’ve become part of the community, hosting classes, events, and creating magical experiences alongside our carefully curated collection of toys. Every day, I still love helping families find that perfect gift or toy that sparks a child’s imagination.

Looking back, I don’t really think of myself as someone who went from teaching to retail. I still see myself as an educator. The classroom has just changed, and now I get to help inspire learning and creativity through play every single day.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most small business owners.
Opening an independent toy store was a leap of faith. You’re competing with big-box retailers and online marketplaces, so from the beginning, I knew I had to offer something they couldn’t: a personal experience, knowledgeable recommendations, and a sense of community.

One of the biggest challenges came just a couple of years after we opened when the pandemic changed everything. Like so many small businesses, we had to adapt quickly. We found new ways to serve our customers, stayed connected with families, and focused on making shopping as easy and enjoyable as possible despite the circumstances.

There have also been ongoing challenges like supply chain disruptions, changing consumer habits, and rising costs. Every year brings something new to navigate. But those experiences have also made us stronger and more creative. They’ve reinforced the importance of building genuine relationships with our customers because that’s what keeps people coming back.

Looking back, every challenge has taught me something. Running Dublin Toy Emporium has required resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to keep learning, but seeing the joy on children’s faces and becoming part of so many family traditions make it all worthwhile.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Dublin Toy Emporium, we specialize in thoughtfully curated toys, games, books, and gifts that encourage creativity, learning, and imaginative play. Every item in the store is chosen with intention. We look for products that inspire children to explore, create, and connect with others.

What really sets us apart is that we’re much more than a toy store. We create experiences. Whether it’s our events, classes, seasonal celebrations, or simply helping a customer find the perfect gift, we focus on making every visit memorable. We know many of our customers by name, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch children grow up and come back year after year.

I’m especially proud that we’ve become part of so many family traditions. Parents who first visited with toddlers are now bringing in younger siblings, and grandparents often tell us they make a stop at our store a part of every birthday or holiday tradition. That kind of trust means everything to me.

I also think my background in education gives me a unique perspective. I don’t just see toys as products. I see them as tools for learning, imagination, confidence, and connection. When we recommend a toy, we consider the child’s interests, developmental stage, and what will truly bring them joy.

At the end of the day, I hope people know us for creating a place where childhood is celebrated, families feel welcome, and play is recognized as something that’s both fun and meaningful.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the best ways I’ve found to build relationships is to create opportunities to work with others. Through our events and classes, I’ve had the chance to connect with local educators, artists, performers, small business owners, and other professionals who share a passion for serving families.

Those partnerships have been incredibly valuable because they’re built around supporting one another. When we collaborate on an event or class, we’re creating a great experience for our community while helping both of our businesses grow. It’s a true win-win.

As for mentors, I think it’s important to stay curious and be willing to learn from people around you. A mentor doesn’t always have to be someone in a formal role. I’ve learned from fellow business owners, customers, and community leaders just by asking questions, listening, and being open to new ideas.

My advice is to show up, get involved, and look for ways to add value to others. Genuine relationships tend to grow naturally when you’re focused on building community instead of simply expanding your network.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dublintoyemporium.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dublintoyemporium/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dublintoyemporium
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enas-lanham-2b3a201b6/
• Other: https://dublin-toy-emporium.company.site/