We’re looking forward to introducing you to Enas Lanham. Check out our conversation below.
Enas, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is a mix of creativity, problem-solving, and connection. I usually start the morning by checking orders, inventory, and messages from customers, before the doors open. Once the day gets going, I’m often helping customers find the perfect toy, chatting with families, and keeping an eye on what’s new and exciting in the store. Behind the scenes, I’m also planning displays, sourcing unique toys. I also spend a lot of time thinking about how to make Dublin Toy Emporium feel welcoming and magical. No two days are exactly the same, which is something I really love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Enas Lanham, and I’m the founder and owner of Dublin Toy Emporium, an independent toy store in Historic Dublin, Ohio. I opened the shop in 2018 after working as a dance teacher and as a preschool and kindergarten educator. That background in early childhood education shapes everything I do, from the toys I choose to the way I interact with families.
Dublin Toy Emporium specializes in thoughtfully curated, high-quality toys that foster imagination, creativity, and learning through play. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of finding toys that are engaging, safe, and truly meaningful for children. What makes the store special is the sense of community. It’s not just a place to shop, but a welcoming space where families can connect, kids can explore, and play is genuinely valued. Right now, I’m continuing to grow the store as a community hub through classes, activities, and experiences that bring families together.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that really shaped how I see the world was working in early childhood education. Being in a classroom every day showed me how much children learn through play, curiosity, and feeling safe and supported. It made me more patient, more observant, and more aware of how important it is to create environments where kids are encouraged to explore and be themselves. That experience continues to guide how I approach both parenting and running Dublin Toy Emporium, and it’s a big part of why community and connection matter so much to me.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I’ve had many moments when someone really listened to me, but the ones that mean the most happen here in our community. At Dublin Toy Emporium, I love taking the time to connect with families. Often, they share details about a child on the autism spectrum or a parent with Alzheimer’s so we can find toys or tools that support their abilities and needs. Those conversations are about understanding and care, and they remind me that the relationships we build are at the heart of everything I do.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts by looking at what truly supports children and families over time. Fads are often flashy and short-lived, while foundational changes show up in how people learn, grow, and play. I pay attention to what families need and the challenges they face. When something genuinely helps build skills, encourages creativity, or supports different abilities, it has lasting value. That’s what I focus on in the store, rather than following what’s temporarily popular.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I listened, that I cared, and that I showed up for my friends, family, and community. I hope they remember that I created a space where families felt seen and supported, where children were valued for who they are, and where meaningful connections were made. If the story is that I helped bring people together, strengthened relationships, and made play and learning feel joyful and important, that would mean everything to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dublintoyemporium/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enas-lanham-2b3a201b6/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dublintoyemporium/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dublin-toy-emporium-dublin?osq=Dublin+Toy+Emporium&dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yelp.com%2F
- Other: https://dublin-toy-emporium.company.site/
https://dublintoyemporium.wordpress.com
