We recently had the chance to connect with Kimmy Sauer and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimmy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This is an easy one – pickleball! I am OBSESSED!
I started playing for fun but now I’m completely hooked. It’s the perfect mix of social time, exercise and competition. I love how you can play with all ages and skill levels and have fun with every game. I even started an informal meet-up group for female pickleball players.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kimmy, the mom of three behind 2+3=WE, where I design themed activity kits and snack boxes for all of life’s special moments. My kids range in age from 5 through 13 so I know the value of having something fun, colorful and age-appropriate ready to grab as you head out the door. These are perfect for traveling, celebrating or entertaining children at home.
My busy boxes cover all occasions – travel, summer camp, big brother/sister, weddings, get well soon, sports events and holidays. Each one is designed with intention, bright colors and the right mix of creativity and practicality. They are a great way to show your kids or grandkids you are thinking of them or entertain them on a long road trip. My activity kits also make great gifts!
What makes 2+3=WE’s products special is each box is personal. I take into account the occasion, child’s age and interests as I fill the box with activities to put together the perfect box. I also consider what items my kids love and what has kept them entertained the longest.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandpa.
Despite coming from humble beginnings, my grandfather fought for our country in the Korean War, earned a master’s degree, and started multiple successful businesses. Growing up, I would “work” for him in the summers. This entailed a little work, lots of donuts, and an early lunch. After lunch, he would drop me back off so he could take his afternoon nap. I’m sure he did not get much done on those days, but they were certainly memorable for me.
My Grandpa inspired me to start Kimmy Inc. in my parent’s basement. While it wasn’t a “real” business, it was my opportunity to emulate the business tasks I observed my grandpa doing. I was so inspired, I even asked for a 3-hole punch for my 10th birthday. I attribute my successful HR career and entrepreneurship journey to the passion for business my grandpa instilled in me at such a young age.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, even if it scares you.
After our third child was born, I made the bold (and somewhat terrifying) decision to leave my well-paid corporate HR job to stay home with our children. At the time, I didn’t have any plans to start a business, just a gut feeling that this was the right decision for our family.
Not long after, I started 2+3=WE, a business started on a whim that has brought purpose and fulfillment to my life as a stay at home mom. It’s built around joy, connection and bringing smiles to kids and families around the world. I went from business meetings to busy boxes and I haven’t regretted that decision for a single moment.
My younger self might have stuck with climbing the corporate ladder because it felt like the safe choice (and what I envisioned for my career). I’d tell her that sometimes the “scary” choice is the exactly the one that will land you in the colorful, creative and flexible world you belong in!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Connecting and inspiring others to reach their full potential. I love being everyone’s “hype girl”, cheering them on and supporting them along the way. I get so much energy from lifting others up, making people feel seen and bringing people together. Whether it’s my small business community, pickleball or life, I’m always there to support the people I love.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the bright colors, creativity and fun that goes into every busy box I make. They wouldn’t just be losing an activity kit, they’d be losing the convenience and reassurance that their kids will be quietly entertained, happy and engaged in the moments that matter.
My customers would miss having someone that already thought of everything their child would love in an activity-filled kit. They would miss the ease of packing for that cross-country flight or road trip and not having to think about what toys to bring. And they would also miss the ready to gift wedding favor boxes, big brother/big sister activity kits and summer camp care packages that require little forethought because I’ve done all the work for them.
I’ve built 2+3=WE to feel like that mom friend that already knows what you need so you can focus on the moment instead of scrambling last minute for ideas. Without my business, my customers would miss the ease, smiles on their kids faces and fun that I add to every box.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://2plus3equalswe.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/2plus3equalswe
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/2plus3equalswe
- Other: https://pinterest.com/2plus3equalswe
Image Credits
Lily Notz Photography
Turn the Paige Photography
