At 59, when many people embrace retirement, Kokila K embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that would redefine her life and uplift an entire community. Hailing from Walajapet, Tamil Nadu, Kokila founded Woodbee Toys in 2020, a company dedicated to producing non-toxic, sustainable wooden toys for children. Her story is one of resilience, family support, and the power of purposeful work.
Overcoming Tragedy and Financial Struggles
Kokila’s life took a devastating turn at 35 when her husband was diagnosed with a lung tumour, a result of prolonged exposure to pesticides. Her husband, a pesticide distributor and fumigation service provider, faced a prolonged battle with illness. Despite seven years of treatment, he passed away, leaving Kokila to support their three sons alone.
Financial burdens weighed heavily on her, with mounting medical expenses draining her resources. By the time her husband passed away, Kokila’s monthly income had dwindled to just Rs 200 after deductions. Determined to support her family, Kokila took over her late husband’s pesticide fumigation and wooden box supply business.
Though challenging, her eldest son encouraged her to continue the family business. However, fearing the health risks linked to pesticides, Kokila transitioned solely to wooden box manufacturing, marking her entry into the woodworking industry.
Balancing Work and Family
Managing both a full-time government job and the family business demanded incredible dedication. Kokila juggled her responsibilities with a strict routine—spending mornings at the factory before heading to her job, visiting the factory again during her lunch break, and returning in the evening to oversee operations.
Her unwavering commitment paid off. Years later, her eldest son left his role at Infosys to join the family business full-time. When the pandemic struck in 2020, impacting their export business, they pivoted to a new idea: wooden toys.
The Birth of Woodbee Toys
Kokila’s inspiration for wooden toys stemmed from her experience as a grandmother. Observing the abundance of low-quality plastic toys in the market, she decided to create safer, sustainable alternatives. Starting with neem wood teethers, Woodbee Toys soon expanded to include a diverse range of products.
The decision to focus on neem wood was strategic. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, neem wood offers a safe, chemical-free option for children. Embracing digital platforms, Kokila’s family leveraged Instagram to promote their creations, quickly attracting customers who valued quality and safety.
A True Family Enterprise
Kokila’s family played a crucial role in the venture. Her daughters-in-law took charge of social media, product quality, and innovation. Drawing inspiration from her grandchildren, Kokila designed creative toys that promote learning and imaginative play. Products like the balance beam and indoor gym dome were developed to cater to children’s growing curiosity and energy.
The company’s designs are rooted in Waldorf education principles, promoting open-ended play that sparks creativity rather than following rigid instructions. This distinctive approach resonated with parents seeking healthier, more meaningful alternatives for their children.
Empowering Rural Women
One of the most remarkable aspects of Woodbee Toys is its impact on the local community. The company employs 40–50 women from nearby villages, many of whom had limited educational backgrounds. Under Kokila’s guidance, they learned woodworking skills, mastering machinery and contributing confidently to the factory’s operations.
The company initially earned Rs 20,000–50,000 per month. Today, Woodbee Toys generates Rs 20–30 lakh monthly, producing 10,000–20,000 toys. The brand supplies to major retailers like FirstCry, Hamleys, and Funskool, while also selling directly through Instagram and its website.
Innovation and Customer-Driven Growth
Kokila credits much of her success to listening to customer feedback. For instance, when parents suggested improvements for gym toys, Woodbee Toys swiftly implemented design changes. This customer-first mindset has helped the company build a loyal community of parents who enthusiastically share review videos, boosting Woodbee Toys’ credibility.
Customers consistently praise the durability, design, and child-safe nature of the toys. One customer noted that after three years of use, the toys remained intact and were now enjoyed by her second child, proving their lasting quality.
Expanding Horizons
Woodbee Toys is now preparing to enter the global market. Trial exports to Australia and the USA are underway, with plans to expand to Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka in 2025. To support this growth, the company is forming a dedicated design team to enhance innovation while staying true to its customer-focused values.
Despite facing challenges like high shipping costs for wooden products, Kokila remains determined to find solutions and expand her impact globally.
A Legacy of Strength and Purpose
For Kokila, her entrepreneurial journey is more than just business success—it’s a testament to her resilience, dedication, and belief in continuous growth. Her ability to transform tragedy into triumph has not only empowered her family but also created a powerful ripple effect within her community.
“Education and knowledge are different. Interest matters the most. I feel enthusiastic about being involved in this; otherwise, I’d feel very old,” Kokila remarks with a smile.
Kokila’s inspiring journey reminds us that no matter the circumstances, determination, purpose, and family support can turn adversity into opportunity.
Kokila K, the visionary founder of Woodbee Toys, maintains a robust social media presence to promote her company’s mission of providing non-toxic, sustainable wooden toys. Woodbee Toys actively engages with its audience across various platforms:
- Instagram: The official account, @woodbeetoys_official, showcases their diverse product range and behind-the-scenes content, boasting a following of over 139,000 users. instagram.com
- Facebook: Their page, Woodbee Toys, features product updates, customer testimonials, and company news.
- X (formerly Twitter): The handle @WoodbeeToys shares updates on new products and media features. x.com
- LinkedIn: Woodbee Toys’ LinkedIn profile provides insights into their business operations and professional milestones. in.linkedin.com
Through these channels, Kokila K and her team effectively communicate their brand’s values and engage with a broad audience, fostering a community around sustainable and safe toys for children.
Edited by Disha
