Custom Yoga Mats – Focus on Therapist Small Business Owners

I am continuing this series taking a closer look at small businesses that are owned and operated by Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists.  Today, the focus is on custom yoga mats created by Rebecca, a Pediatric Physical Therapist.

Q:  First just tell a little bit about yourself – job experience, years on the job, etc.

A:  Hi all! My name is Rebecca Talmud and I am a Pediatric Physical Therapist and the owner of Dinosaur Physical Therapy based in Washington, DC. I received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York University and have always had a passion for the field of Pediatrics! In addition to being a Pediatric PT I am also a proud mom to Abe and wife to Rory!

Q:  What made you come up with the idea of creating yoga mats in addition to being a Pediatric Physical Therapist?

A:  As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, I am always looking for fun and creative ways to engage the children I work with, and encourage carry over with families and caregivers outside of our therapy sessions. Early in my career, with the help of some amazing colleagues, we created custom Yoga mats with shape cut outs to designate different body parts. Made out of felt in bright colors, the Yoga mats were a hit with children of all ages. I created  many sets of these Yoga mats, and offered a lending library for clients to take home and try with their family and friends. But the sets were fixed and a bit bulky. I wanted something compact, portable and completely customizable that I could share with more families and therapists around the world!

Q:  Do you create the yoga mats yourself from start to finish?

A:  Our new and improved yoga mats are made of textured rubber mats and foam cut outs with velcro backing on the different shapes. This allows the parent, caregiver or children themselves the ability to transform the mat to allow for different configurations and new challenges! We are able to customize the mats and shapes to size and color preferences of each individual child or therapist! You can provide families with their own yoga cards, with photos of the poses to easily replicate at home! We laminate our photo cards to ensure durability. Use the cards to create a variety of ways to engage the child. Therapists, teachers, parents or caregivers can set up poses to address strength, balance, flexibility, and motor planning. For older children, the child can choose a card and create the corresponding yoga mat with their shape cut outs to practice visual-spatial skills and increase the challenge as you go!

Q:  Is it difficult to find the time to do both?

A:  Part of my passion for the field of Pediatric Physical Therapy is sharing my ideas with other professionals, educators, parents and caregivers. It is fun to create products which provide children with new ways to build strength, balance, motor planning, and most importantly confidence!

Q:  Where can we find your products?

A:  Learn more about the Custom Yoga Kits on our blog here: http://blog.dinopt.com/yoga-for-kids/ and to purchase ready made yoga kits visit our Etsy page here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/263501429/yoga-for-kids-complete-set-with-cards

Sorry folks but I do have to add in a DISCLAIMER here:  This series is not meant to be product recommendations.  I have not tested and in some cases even seen the products.  It is just meant to provide you will some information on how other therapists are generating income while doing something they are passionate about. Your Therapy Source Inc will not be liable for any impairment, damage, accident or loss that may occur from any of the products or services provided by these small business owners.

Check out more yoga ideas for Kids.