The Dough Folk - Rachel Ward

OHbaby! Tell us a bit about your business.

RW: I started The Dough Folk just over 12 months ago while on maternity leave with our fourth child. After some brain-storming with my partner, I began designing and crafting nature-based play resources, such as play dough, wooden dough stamps and tools. Our play dough is made from premium non-toxic ingredients, including jojoba and coconut oil, and our wooden dough stamps and tools are crafted from raw wood that we ethically and sustainably source from local farms and forests.

OHbaby! What’s your biggest inspiration?

RW: Nature. We firmly believe that when children reconnect with nature through play, they develop an understanding of the value of our land which will help them become fierce protectors of it in the future.

OHbaby! How do you find a balance between family life and your business?

RW: I’ve found that I need to give my kids my undivided attention after school and kindy, so I make time where I’m not distracted by my phone, dinner prep or work. Often this devoted time is enough to fill their cup and makes them calmer and settled. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to sometimes just say “No”, as this allows me to give 100% to my other commitments.

OHbaby! What’s on the horizon for your business?

RW: We’ve just launched our new Play Dough Kits and are releasing a new range of natural wood Dough Stamps, Nature Tool Kits, and Dough Tools. Our beautiful new Petal Confetti Play Dough is now available as part of our spring collection.

Follow Rachel on Instagram @thedoughfolk or find out more from thedoughfolk.co.nz.