Rekha Anem and Rohit Jinka are Canadian entrepreneurs who recently launched Bujjify, to empower parents to raise smarter and well-rounded children right from the start. Combining the Montessori philosophy with the latest research and advancements in child development, they developed PlayRigs; a children’s toy box providing unique developmental toys, tools, and enriching experiences that are instrumental in shaping a child's developmental trajectory.
Hello there! We're Rohit Jinka and Rekha Anem, the co-founders of Bujjify Inc. Nearly a decade ago, we migrated from India to Canada and we now call Toronto our home. Our backgrounds are a fusion of Engineering and Business, and this blend of skills has been instrumental in shaping our venture.
Our lives took an extraordinary turn with the arrival of our daughter, Reva, who just turned two.
Parenthood fueled our commitment to create a natural and nurturing environment for her. We became avid advocates for natural, eco-friendly choices, reshaping how we approach daily life. This dedication extends to studying child development, sharing insights, and supporting fellow parents on this rewarding journey.
Beyond our roles as parents and entrepreneurs, we're off exploring new places, soaking up nature's beauty. With its jaw-dropping landscapes, Canada holds a special place in our hearts. We even celebrated Reva's first birthday in the stunning Lake Louise!
What is your business name and how do you help your clients?
We co-founded and run a unique company called Bujjify Inc. "Bujji" in our language translates to "cute". When our daughter, Reva, was born, we added a cool twist with 'fy', and coined a special nickname for her, calling her “Bujjify”. Later, when we launched our business, nothing resonated more with us than the name 'Bujjify'.
Bujjify is dedicated to optimizing early childhood development through play. During early years, a child's cognitive growth is astounding. In fact, about 85% of a child's brain develops by the age of 3. The research states that providing age-appropriate, stimulating toys and tools in this critical phase can help the child's development immensely. Sadly, this is not very common knowledge that every parent has, nor do they typically have the time and energy to learn about it. That is where we step in.
At Bujjify, we created PlayRigs, drawing on extensive research and the Montessori approach. These are essentially toy boxes, or what we like to call, ‘treasure chests’ filled with toys and tools perfectly suited for your child's developmental age. They're like a superpower for parents who want to give their kids the best beginning!
With every PlayRig, parents receive a companion digital guide that provides key developmental information, such as how to utilize each toy, developmental milestones, fun activities and more. With Bujjify, we're here to make parenting fun and smart for every parent! Parents can learn more about our PlayRigs here!
What kind of audience do you target your business towards?
We're committed to supporting all parents navigating the early years of child development. Presently, we've rolled out our PlayRigs designed for infants aged 0 to 12 months. However, we're eagerly working on expanding our product line to cater to children up to 24 months and eventually 36 months. This will allow us to offer valuable resources for parents across various stages of their child's growth and development.
What are your current goals for your business?
Our primary goal right now is to extend our reach to parents in Canada and across the United States. We're passionate about providing valuable resources that empower parents in nurturing and guiding their children's development. By expanding our offerings to families in Canada and the US, we aim to positively impact the lives of many more young children and parents.
What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business in the future?
Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond being seen solely as a toy company. We aim to firmly establish ourselves as a dedicated child development resource. We envision Bujjify as a community and a safe haven for parents seeking essential knowledge and tools to nurture their children's growth. Our ultimate goal? To empower parents to guide their little ones towards becoming extraordinary, talented individuals - true superheroes in their own right.
Who inspires you to be the best that you can be?
Our journey to become the best version of ourselves began with our daughter, Reva, and our unwavering determination to provide her with the very best from the start. Witnessing the incredible potential within her ignited a passion to extend the same level of care and support to other parents and families. They are our constant source of inspiration, reflecting the dedication, love, and commitment we strive to embody. Knowing that we can influence young minds' developmental journey positively fuels our drive for excellence in everything we do.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
Our professional journey has been marked by extensive experience in technology product and program management, having worked with prominent companies both in India and Canada. Together, we've overseen over 25 significant product launches, resulting in substantial revenue generation and cost savings for these organizations.
While these accomplishments hold a special place in our careers, we consider the launch of our PlayRigs this year to be our most significant milestone. The reason is simple - it's not just about the numbers, but the potential impact it holds on the lives of others. The prospect of empowering parents and positively influencing the developmental journey of countless children is what truly sets this achievement apart in our eyes.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
Shockingly, the toy industry is one of the most plastic-intensive sectors globally. The UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) report suggests that single-use plastics make up a staggering 90% of toys in today's market. Also, a recent study published by the University of Toronto claims that 87% of the toys tested had carcinogenic chemicals that were banned in Canada for a decade.
We are deeply committed to driving a transformation and bringing a change in this statistic by crafting toys with sustainable materials that prioritize safety and contribute to a healthier environment. This shift towards eco-conscious practices is a personal mission and an endeavour to inspire positive change across the industry, ultimately benefiting the well-being of infants and the planet they'll inherit.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
A pivotal moment that profoundly influenced our journey was the birth of our daughter, Reva. It sparked a renewed sense of purpose within us, compelling us to strive for the very best for her. This pivotal juncture led us to delve into natural, nurturing practices, seeking alternatives to conventional synthetic products. It marked the inception of our venture, Bujjify, which intends to provide a resourceful platform for parents seeking to create a wholesome, enriching environment for their children. Reva's arrival redefined our roles as parents and galvanized us into a mission to empower others in their parenting journey.
