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SALT LAKE CITY — Two Utah businesswomen who created a new toy have been invited to show it off at the New York Toy Fair this week.
Aubren Johnson is originally from Minnesota, and Terra Memmott is from Sugarhouse. Their business partnership began about three years ago at a book club, of all places.
"We really hit if off there," Johnson said. "If you need a business partner, go to book club!"
Their creations, called Sidekix, are small stuffed animals that zip into a round pouch. The furry toys also have clips and magnets so the animals can be attached to things like backpacks, bikes or lockers.
The company also incorporates kids' ideas by inviting them to go online and submit ideas for the next Sidekix. A tag on the toy will give credit to the child that suggested it.
"This is all about giving kids credit," Johnson said. "We want to be a toy company that really involves the kids."
Their creators can't wait to show them off at the toy fair, which they say is a big honor.
"It was actually quite a shock," Memmott said. "We were on a waiting list. Someone we know in New York said, ‘You guys are going to be in the show, right? Because we love your product.' We said, ‘We're on the waiting list,' but they said, ‘We're bringing you on.'"
The toys are sold in independent toy stores in 30 states.
