October 28, 2015
*iA Playhouse
We always get excited when Makers come out with innovative, interesting, and aesthetically pleasing kids’ stuff. Which is why *iA Playhouse scores a 10 in our books! Gift-giving just got a whole lot easier, so make sure you stop by our San Francisco Holiday Fair November 21+22 and meet Chloé Leguay, the designer behind these playful goods.
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting history behind?
The name *iA came from the 3 simple elements of this construction game. “i” is a stick, the asterix dot of the i is the star shape connector and A is the fabric triangle. The essence of *iA is included in his name! With stars, sticks and triangles you build any shapes you want. With *iA you build any shapes you want. Pyramid, igloo, boat, giant ball, doll house, teepee, space ship…
*iA would be in french a fast way to say “il y a” meaning “There is”
*iA un bateau (There is a boat)
*iA un teepee (There is a teepee)
*iA de la joie ! (There is joy!)…
Have you always been passionate about design?
Yes, as a movie set decorator, sculptor and model maker I always been interested in craft and design.
When/Why did you start working in this particular craft/field?
Since I can remember. Treehouse, fort, craving the sand, best hiding place, diving in caves… As a mom I spend so much time playing that I believe games need to be awesome for both kids and parents. I started *iA since I moved to San Francisco, 1 years and half ago, from Paris, France.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
It is both a construction game and a playhouse.
It is both for kids and adults.
It is both, flexible and stable.
It’s essential. With only 3 different elements to assemble, you expand world large enough to play in and around.
Colorful triangles create any patchwork you imagine.
IT’S AWESOME!!
Have you had any major failures? If so, what were some important insights gained?
Communication and marketing, designer common sense, I guess.
Have you sacrificed anything to create your business? If so, what was it, and do you have any regrets?
I’m selling my dream house (ruin) on a french river desert island to begin it, then I might regret it strongly ;)
What has been your proudest/favorite moment since creating your business?
My daughter eyes when she build her own creation with *iA
How does the city you live in influence your work?
San Francisco is like a city made of playhouses. Dream place for kids. Best inspiration.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
Set design
Graphic design
Sculpture
Model Making
Being a Mom
What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
Knowing that I have an amazing product and no one is going to do it better than I will!
What are some inspirations for your work?
Patchwork and diamond, fashion and math, craft and architecture
What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?
Make things you’re proud of!
We love love love *iA Playhouse and think you should, too! Stop by their booth at our San Francisco Fair and find them online here: