Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Schmidt.
Hi Samantha, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Oliver’s Toy Chest was opened in memory of our son Oliver Robbins. Oliver was a big toy collector. He had a vast knowledge about toys, movies and games. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of 9. During his treatment he dove deep into his passion by often talking about one day opening a toy store of his own. At the age of 10, devastating Oliver passed away after a gracious and courageous fight with cancer. As his parents, we knew exactly what we had to do, and Oliver’s Toy Chest was open for business in May of 2022. We started out small working only online, sending a handwritten letter to every customer. We quickly outgrew our dining room table and decided to move to a storefront in the heart of Hamilton. We have done several fundraisers for Cincinnati Childrens Hospital in the Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant units. Our saying is ‘toys with memories’ because that’s exactly what most toys provide for people! We sell vintage and modern toys, as well as buying and trading in store. It provides a blast from a childhood memory, and people have really enjoyed the eclectic spin we have done with decoring the walls in some of Oliver’s favorite characters. We have customers that range from young to old, and we love sharing Oliver’s story with each customer who walks in our doors. We’ve met some great people along the way, and it’s been a great opportunity to give back to people as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We do a lot of toy shows in other areas, which will sometimes make our hours vary on certain weekends. Aside from that being an obstacle.
We wish Oliver was in the backseat with us driving from one place to another, finding some cool pieces to include in the store. We have struggled with grief, but it’s been a labor of love and a wonderful way to honor his passion and love for being a kid. It has helped with the hard days and provided us with joy that we are doing this for him.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Marley is Oliver’s 14-year-old brother who also has helped us open the store and has been by our sides as we have set every up! He’s been a huge help.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Oliver’s Toy Chest
