Childhood is a realm of boundless imagination, where each moment is painted with the colors of play. Amidst these youthful experiences, toys become more than mere playthings – they are companions in discovery, sources of joy, and catalysts for growth. As a mom or dad picking the right toys for your kids is super important. But a lot of toys in India especially ones made of plastic, come from other countries and could be bad for your child’s health. Addressing this concern, a Chennai-based dynamic husband-wife duo started Ariro to offer handcrafted wooden toys.
Ariro wooden toys prioritize both play and safety. If your childhood echoes with the memories of wooden toys then the offerings of this startup will surely rekindle your nostalgia. Their efforts have even captured the spotlight on Shark Tank India Season 1, Episode 9.
We explored the heartwarming story of Ariro, where tradition intertwines with innovation to shape a fresh era of joyful education. Within this tale lies The Inspiring Chapters, where childhood memories unfold through imaginative play.
Ariro Wooden Toys – The Beginnings
In 2016, Nisha Ramasamy started a remarkable journey. Faced with her daughter’s atopic dermatitis diagnosis and allergies to plastic toys, Nisha, a Montessori teacher, saw a need for safe, natural alternatives. She searched different markets for wooden alternatives for her child with which she can play. However, she didn’t find anything interesting or useful.
It was during that time, Nisha, with the guidance of a skilled carpenter began crafting wooden toys herself. The toys grabbed the attention of a few other parents. They requested her to make a couple of such toys for their children too to which Nisha happily obliged. This gap in the market for high-quality wooden toys for children aged zero to three sparked a brilliant idea.
Nisha along with her husband Vasanth decided to take this further and co-founded Ariro in 2018. What began as a personal endeavor quickly transformed into a beloved brand cherished by both kids and parents alike!
Empowering Indian Artisans
During their travel, the couple visited different places where wooden toys are made. This helped them learn more about materials and how the toys are designed. In China they found new ideas and felt that India could do more in the toy industry. When they came back home, they partnered with talented artisans to make wooden toys.
The designs for Ariro wooden toys are conceived by Nisha and a team of Montessori educators. They focus on children’s sensory development and help them feel and move better. Every toy they make is carefully designed for certain ages, so kids can have fun and learn the best way.
From enchanting puzzles to versatile pikler triangles, Ariro Wooden Toys have large varieties. They have a bunch of interesting things like learning towers, sliders, step stools, indoor gym stuff, and more. These things cost from Rs 200 to Rs 19,000, so there’s something for everyone’s budget.
Ariro Funding Details and Journey on Shark Tank India
With an initial investment of Rs 1 to 2 lakh, Ariro Wooden Toys has witnessed exponential growth.
Stepping into the spotlight on Shark Tank India, Ariro showcased their journey and passion. With a pitch of Rs 50 lakh for a 2.5 percent equity stake, the founders aimed not just for financial backing, but also the expertise of the sharks. Amidst multiple offers, team Ariro chose to partner with Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal, accepting a Rs 50 lakh investment for a 10 percent equity share in their company.
Growth and Challenges
Ariro wooden toys can be found on nearly 20 platforms, including renowned names like Amazon and Flipkart. They also have partnered with preschools and toy companies, like the famous Hamleys India which helped them grow a lot.
The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Because of the lockdowns, B2B transactions with local Montessori schools were completely halted. On the other hand, more people started buying their toys online because parents wanted to keep their kids engaged at home.
When the pandemic situation started to normalize, Ariro started its first physical store in Chennai, diversifying its retail presence.
A Vision for the Future of Ariro Wooden Toys
Ariro toys was born as a result of the hard work and innovation of Nisha Ramasamy. Overcoming obstacles in conveying the concept of developmental toys, this successful startup has nurtured a network of over 200 artisans. In the next 3 years, Ariro has plans to rope in 1000 skilled artisans onboard. Since the market is growing a lot, the startup wants to get bigger. They also want more people to know about the wooden toys.
Ariro isn’t just a regular business. It is more than that. With Nisha Ramaswamy and Vasanth Tamilselvan at the helm, Ariro has seamlessly woven tradition, innovation, and a commitment to safety into every wooden creation!
