What the Store Means to Me, Erin Bollhorst

Erin's story

It's like one of those cheesy essay topics: "What the Store Means to Me." But that's what I'm writing about, from the heart.

I always say, one of my favorite things about having this store is being a part of a child's life. Being part of their childhood memories. Those memories shape us, comfort us, bring a smile to our face when we look back on them. I love that people let me hold their babies, show me their grandchildren's pictures, tell me about their potty training woes and their child's first steps.

I love seeing children grow from babies and toddlers to "finally old enough to come to a tea party", then on to American Girl or Science Events or Book Clubs... and "I can't believe how big you are getting!"  I love sharing these experiences with the families who are our customers.

 

I take great pleasure in finding just the right gift... that, "this is SO them, they are going to love it!" kind of gift. I love wrapping it for them and handing them something that they know will bring joy to the one they are giving it to. 

My other passion? I love providing an environment of wonder, one that invites play and learning.  I admit, I get quite excited when the creative juices flow and the shelves start to move!  A new, fresh look is always exciting! Whether it's decorating for a holiday or just creating new areas to shop and play, it satisfies in me what I said before we opened: I want this to be a place that both kids AND adults want to come back to! A stimulating environment that earns the name IMAGINATION Station.

I studied Elementary Education at Franklin College, and so I guess the teacher in me is what drives me to love doing events that engage kids. The book clubs that we hold each summer have grown from 4 or 5 kids in each group to over 20 kids in each club!!!!  In a children's book club!!  During summer vacation!!!  As an educator, I find that quite exciting!  Kids come to our events and learn about science, nature,  friendship, gardening, being an entrepreneur, manners and etiquette, even hula dancing!  We pride ourselves on putting on the best events possible.  And birthday parties are no exception!

We have never had more party bookings and take great pride in putting on quite a bash, I must say!  I admit, I still have pirate on the brain after hosting a dozen boys at a pirate party yesterday!  Twas' fun Mateys!!! 

I hope that your experiences with our store have meant something special to you. I hope we have been a happy part of your life and your children's lives. I hope that we can continue to serve our community and beyond with our uniqueness in service, product and style. Lord willing, we will have the privilege of watching this generation, and the next grow and play and we hope they will always want to come to Imagination Station!

Most Sincerely

Erin Bollhorst

Let's ALL Celebrate MAY!



Erin Bollhorst & Julie Wells, The Early Days!

From Humble Beginnings...

Perhaps you thought we had entirely forgotten to CELEBRATE MAY.  Au contraire, nos amis! We have not forgotten, but instead have been so busy preparing to celebrate our own 8th birthday, we are just a few (okay...14) days behind!  The important thing is that we plan to celebrate and celebrate BIG! Watch your email for a special coupon you can use this month.  WHAT?!?!? You aren't on our email list?  Well, HURRY on over HERE, scroll down the home page just a wee bit and look for the Sign up for our Email Newsletter link!

Check out that picture above left!  Isn't that fun?!? This was taken very early on at our old location (26 East Jefferson St, Franklin). Erin and Julie are no doubt making some serious business decisions! Some things never change. Actually who are we kidding? Things have changed SO MUCH in the last 8 years...from questionable hair styles to new locations, we have continued to grow and change almost as rapidly as our own children. More on our "newest additions" later...  Again, watch for that email, because it is going to be chock full of goodies!
Just because we are celebrating our own birthday, we don't want to neglect all the little people with May birthdays! Each month we give you grown ups the chance to register your birthday kiddos to receive a fun present picked out especially for the winner.  We love seeing their joy-filled little faces when they come in to pick up their prize! May shall be no different.  If you have a birthday child, post a reply to this post telling us the name, birthday and age, and current favorite toy(s) or activities of said child.  This contest is for those under 12 and we do not ship prizes, so pick up will be necessary at one of our 2 locations! You will have until Thursday, May 31st to enter, but, really...why wait? 

We know you're busy...Let us plan your party for you!

We're Celebrating April!

Are you celebrating April?

Moms and Dads, you can help your April Birthday boy or girl win our giveaway!  All you have to do is comment below with your child's birthday, age, and what they (currently) LOVE to play with the most!
We will accept responses until Saturday, April 28th. You must be able to pick up your prize at either of our locations, Franklin or Columbus.
Party planning?  We can help!

Don't forget to bring in you kiddo to fill up a BIRTHDAY BUCKET!

Want to make birthday shopping SUPER easy for your friends and family? WE DO!
Bring in your birthday boy or girl just a few weeks before the big day and we'll let them pick some of their favorite toys, games, and books to put in their "bucket." Think baby/wedding registry for you kiddo!
When friends and family ask what the birthday boy/girl would like, you share the news of the BIRTHDAY BUCKET! Make sure you tell them that we always gift wrap for FREE and that we are happy to help with an order over the phone for out-of-town family and friends!
See....we told you that was easy!

Celebrating March!

Are you feeling LUCKY? Irish or not, if your birthday is in March, and you are 12 years old or younger, this may just be your lucky month!

Parents, help your kiddo win our March Birthday Giveaway!  Just tell us their name, age, and what they enjoy playing with most.  One lucky winner will be selected at random. Last day to enter is Friday, March 30th. WINNER AND PRIZE TO BE ANNOUNCED Monday, April 2nd! Stay tuned...
**We will not ship prizes. You must be able to pick up your prize at either the Franklin location or the Columbus location!
Moms...it you want to feel LUCKY (stress-free & relaxed), let us do all the planning and you can have all the fun! PARTY WITH US!

Check out these fun themes:

• Tea Parties (Princess, Fancy Nancy, Pinkalicious, American Girl...you get the point--we do girly!)
• Spa
• Cupcake Crazy
• Dogs, Dogs, Dogs
• Tie Dye
• Candy Girl
• Wacky Science
• Space Invaders
• Super Heroes
• Pirates Ahoy
• Bugs
• Plus, many more! 

Don't forget to make a Birthday Bucket! Your kids can share their BIRTHDAY WISHES with all their family and friends!

**Congratulations to 7 year old, AVA! She is our March winner! Mom, Shelly, please contact us and let us know if you prefer to pick up Ava's prize in Franklin or Columbus!

We LOVE February!

We LOVE birthdays all year long! We LOVE watching your kids grow up. And, we LOVE helping you and their friends and family pick out the PERFECT gift to give! PLUS, we LOVE to give a gift each month too!
Each and every month we will give away a fabulous PRIZE to one lucky birthday boy or girl! Our contest is simple: Just comment on this post and tell us the name, age and, of course, what their favorite thing to play with is! One lucky winner will be selected at random. Last day to enter is Wednesday, February 29th. (We're feeling generous, so added an extra day to February this year...)

WINNER AND PRIZE TO BE ANNOUNCED Friday, March 2nd! Stay tuned...
**We will not ship prizes. You must be able to pick up your prize at either the Franklin location or the Columbus location!

On another note, have you planned your birthday party yet? Let us do all the planning and you can all the fun! PARTY WITH US!

Check out these fun themes:

•  Tea Parties (Princess, Fancy Nancy, Pinkalicious, American Girl...you get the point--we do girly!)
• Spa
• Cupcake Crazy
• Dogs, Dogs, Dogs
• Tie Dye
• Candy Girl
• Wacky Science
• Space Invaders
• Super Heroes
• Pirates Ahoy
• Bugs
• Plus, many more! What does you child LOVE?

Kids LOVE to make a BIRTHDAY BUCKET! Make sure you come in 2-3 weeks before the BIG DAY to fill a bucket!

Celebrating January!

Welcome WINTER! And welcome WINTER BIRTHDAYS!  If your kiddo is turning 12 or younger during January, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THEM!

Each and every month we will give away a fabulous PRIZE to one lucky birthday boy or girl! Our contest is simple: Just comment on this post and tell us the name, age and, of course, what their favorite thing to play with is! One lucky winner will be selected at random. Last day to enter is Saturday, January 28th.
WINNER AND PRIZE TO BE ANNOUNCED Tuesday, January 31st! Stay tuned...
**We will not ship prizes. You must be able to pick up your prize at either the Franklin location or the Columbus location!

On another note, have you planned your birthday party yet? Let us do all the planning and you can all the fun! PARTY WITH US!

November Birthday Giveaway!

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED! WATCH FOR OUR DECEMBER CONTEST COMING SOON!
Who doesn't like a special treat for their birthday?!  If your kid-o has an November birthday, then WELCOME to a special giveaway JUST FOR HIM/HER!

Each and every month we will give away a fabulous PRIZE to one lucky birthday boy or girl!  Our contest is simple: Just comment on this post and tell us the name, age and, of course, what their favorite thing to play with is! One lucky winner will be selected at random (we use the random number generator at random.org).  Last day to enter is Monday, November 28th.
WINNER AND PRIZE TO BE ANNOUNCED Thursday, December 1st!  Stay tuned...
**We will not ship prizes.  You must be able to pick up your prize at either the Franklin location or the Columbus location!

On another note, have you planned your birthday party yet?  Let us do all the planning and you can all the fun!  PARTY WITH US!

October Birthday Giveaway!

Contest CLOSED... NOVEMBER Giveaway Coming Soon!
We just love fall and fall birthdays!  If your kid-o has an October birthday, then WELCOME to a special giveaway JUST FOR HIM/HER!

Each and every month we will give away a fabulous PRIZE to one lucky birthday boy or girl!  Our contest is simple: Just comment on this post and tell us the name, age and, of course, what their favorite thing to play with is! One lucky winner will be selected at random.  Last day to enter is Friday, October 28th.
WINNER AND PRIZE TO BE ANNOUNCED Monday, October 31st!  Stay tuned...
**We will not ship prizes.  You must be able to pick up your prize at either the Franklin location or the Columbus location!

On another note, have you planned your birthday party yet?  Let us do all the planning and you can all the fun!  PARTY WITH US!

Congratulations to 6 year old Cooper!  He was our October Birthday Giveaway winner! He can stop in the Franklin location and pick up his prize pack including a 22 pc. set of Clics and a Lego Brick Flash Light!