Meet Carleen Kirksey | Creator of Austin Nature Works

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carleen Kirksey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carleen, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Oh man! The pandemic has really given us all this unique opportunity to examine what is working and what isn’t working in our lives. I’ve been thinking quite a bit about how I can incorporate more of what truly makes me joyful. For me it’s being in nature. I’ve been hiking and camping more than ever. Mostly because it’s one of the few safe things we can do right now. But, also because my anxiety and stress levels are cut in half out in the hills.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a toy maker, my designs were initially inspired by nature, and creating opportunities to bring nature inside. For example, our rainbow mountain stackers are based on Vinicunca in Peru. But lately, I’ve been focusing more on sustaining play outside. I think about my friends who enjoy reading outside, who might not be as inclined or able to explore the outdoors physically. I like to create for them. That’s where the idea for our wooden Flower Truck, with holes for picked flowers, came about. I believe mindfulness is best practiced through spending time outside. My goal is for every child to find that peace within themselves and in doing so, build a relationship with our planet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In the city, I am all about parks! So we would probably do a park tour. Here are my top six. 1. Jazz on the lawn at Klyde Warren. 2. Hitting the sculpture garden on those summer nights for Late Night at the DMA. 3. Biking around White Rock Lake. 4. Katy Trail walk and talk after seeing Sunday matinee of amazing live theatre! 5. (Speaking of live theatre) Shakespeare in the park! 6. Stargazing at the Botanical Gardens.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
On social media, you might notice I often refer to Austin Nature Works using us/we. I’m currently wearing all the hats in the co; toy maker, marketer, etc. I use us/we because I believe in the power of community. I would not be able build this business without the ongoing support of my family, friends, and instagram community. So thanks to my community of mama’s, educators, and environmental advocates! Love y’all.

Website: www.MindfulWoodenToys.com

Instagram: @AustinNatureWorks

Facebook: @AustinNatureWorks