Podsplay

Overview

Growing up, I was a practical kid, always building dens in the woods, fashioning makeshift tents out of sheets and washing lines, and constructing fortresses from cushions. But what really fueled my creativity was my boundless imagination. I unabashedly played with figurines well into my secondary school years, immersing myself in imaginary worlds for hours on end…

My journey into understanding the impact of disabilities on family life began early, with experiences in the family. This awareness deepened when, as one of the older kids at school, I was paired with an autistic boy during lunchtimes. Witnessing his meltdowns and observing how he sought solace under tables to create his own space was eye-opening. I learned that creating a calm and relaxing environment, especially under pressure, was key to helping him….

This experience sparked the idea of creating a "calming safe space" where children could freely express themselves, have a space of their own, and transport themselves to another world.

I inherited an engineering background from my Dad, who was a farmer and a self-proclaimed geek of a model engineer. Alongside years of studying music and gaining experience in structural design, my curiosity and experiences with children with sensory needs inspired me to create PODS.

Since its inception in 2014, PODS has undergone continuous development, with a focus on creating interchangeable environments for children. When my daughter was born in 2018, I was thrilled to provide her with the immersive sensory experience of PODS. The addition of themed audiobooks, eBooks, and sound effects in 2019 allowed me to dive deeper into building the imaginary worlds that I had sought as a child.

Today, the PODS range continues to positively impact countless children, fostering imagination, learning, relaxation, and sensory exploration.