Meet Brad James | Toy Store Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brad James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brad, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
During my time working for companies, over two decades, I had been feeling increasingly like my efforts to excel at my job were being unnoticed or unappreciated. I came to the conclusion that as long as I’m working as an employee for someone else, I will never be able to fully excel within my strengths, that I would limited to the goals and priorities of an employer. I needed something more. I needed more opportunities to excel, to push the boundaries of personal excellence and expression of my personal passions.

Simultaneous with realizing the limitations of working for an employer, I was also realizing the change I was craving my my industry (Web, IT, and screentime primarily) at the time. I knew I was due for change, and started moving toward a direction that felt exciting to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Having spent all the years of my professional life in front of a screen, I became acutely aware of the effects that constant screen time has on the mind and body. Our toy store is a direct response to the heavy amounts of technology that many children and adults find themselves immersed in. It is our mission to provide hands-on, interactive alternatives to the “entertain me!” mentality that tends to result from the overuse of devices and media. We hope that our toys, puzzles, games, tricks, and other novelties will require more thought, and will inspire more creativity and meaningful interactions than the “trendy” or tech-driven pastimes.

Our store is heavily focused on the “experience.” We hope that as customers walk through and engage with various demonstration toys, etc., that the visit in of itself becomes something to seek after, as opposed to simply making a purchase as one would do online. We have created a “magical” experience of whimsical displays, and decor, with a centerpiece of a giant tree which we constructed in the center of our store.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The entire downtown of Prescott is worth a visit spanning several days. There is so much to see, including historical places, good food, art galleries, and interesting shops. Great places to visit include Sharlot Hall Museum, Van Gogh’s Ear, the Ian Russell Gallery of Fine Art, Fite & Sons Mercantile, and the Peregrine Bookstore. Some of my favorite places to dine include El Gato Azul, Brown Bag Burger, the Raven Cafe, Papa’s Italian Restaurant, and Bill’s Pizza.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Over a decade ago, I was inspired to open a toy store when I visited a tiny toy shop in Jerome, AZ with my two sons. The shop reminded me of elements of my childhood, and brought out a part of me that I had long since forgotten and buried deep inside. This visit sparked in me a desire to spread the same feelings and experience to others, and I made the statement that someday I would like to open a toy store in my hometown of Prescott, AZ. The storeowner of the former Mr. B’s toy store was my inspiration.

Website: https://toyful.shop

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingtoyful/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/beingtoyful