Loot and Toy is a Vancouver-based company that makes bath time a fun, safe and a bonding experience for kids and caregivers. With a range of hypoallergenic products, caregivers can be confident that their children will be safe, valued and have fun! We connected with founder Byran Krafchik to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Loot Toy Company. We hand-make fun, eco-aware and skin-friendly kids’ bath products
What made you want to do this work?
My son had eczema as a small child. Too many remedies caused more problems than they solved. But some bath bombs really helped to soothe and reduce inflammation. So I learned to make bath bombs to help him. We stuck a sponge toy inside to make bathing fun and it became a hit with his friends as well. That simple idea is what started Loot. We have since expanded our range to include hypo allergenic bath bombs and a range of powder-based bubble baths.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Our motto is “Bring magic and delight to what is often a battleground, your kids’ bath time”. We want to produce fun bath products so that bath time becomes a fun, bonding experience for small kids and those that care for them. We also believe that bath time is a great way to introduce skin nourishing ingredients to promote good skin.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We sell 95% wholesale to retailers across Canada and the US. Our retail customers range from smaller high-end boutiques to regional and national chains. Our key demographic is those that buy gifts and everyday supplies for small kids – moms, dads, grandparents especially.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We manufacture and wholesale our products. We also sell directly to consumers online and in our factory shop.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We are located in New Westminster
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Do you independently safety test your products to guarantee they are safe to come in contact with my kids’ skin?
Any company selling products to go into kids’ bathtubs should safety test everything; from raw materials to finished products. There are unfortunately a lot of materials containing harmful parabens, phthalates and other chemical hormone disrupters – much of which is not disclosed by the manufacturer. At Loot, we test everything independently through third party safety testing agencies to ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is researching and creating new products, and designing the packaging. We also are a wonderful, supportive team helping to make every day a joy to be at work. The worst part is accounting and finance. I know it’s super important but it’s hardly fun, is it?
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I don’t have a joke, but amongst other things, we make bath bombs. The first time I drove across the border, I declared that I had bath bombs in my car. The next 4 hours involved me trying to explain myself to the US border agents. We quickly changed the name to Bath Fizzies.
Where can we follow you?
We are on Facebook and Instagram – just search for Loot Toy Company
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I’m not vegan but V Café is… and makes the most delicious Vietnamese food. I highly recommend their tofu salad rolls.
