If you’ve ever driven miles and miles and fought for parking spaces at big box toy stores, only to not find what you’re looking for, then you can relate to Aubrey Hinkson’s journey.
Late last year, the 33-year-old Aiken native had a conversation with her young child that would change the trajectory of her life as a professional and a mother. The bargaining chip? Classic toy royalty: A jump rope.
“I told her that if she could listen to mommy, daddy, and her teachers and have a good week at daycare, I would take her to get her very own jump rope,” Hinkson recalled. “After a good week, it was time to deliver on my promise. She had held up her end of the deal, after all.”
Soon it would be time for Hinkson, a former Associate Vice President at Augusta University, to strike a new deal of her own. Inspired by her daughter and also a desire to see other children enjoy good, old-fashioned toys, Hinkson birthed the concept of the Orange Otter Toy Store.
While it won’t officially open its doors until later this month, OOTS, she says, is reminiscent of a classic toy store offering a retro selection and carefully curated toys across multiple categories including baby, Montessori, and wooden toys, pretend play, plush, puzzles and more. The shop offers unique American-and European-made toy brands and a customized, hassle-free shopping experience.
That’s not all. Her vision, as it relates to her faith, is bigger than any big box toy store.
“Faith to me is trust that God is greater than what we can humanly comprehend,” she said. “God is love, and His beauty is all around us. I truly believe that our main job on this earth is to love and care for one another. I have always felt called to contribute in a meaningful way to my community, and I believe the experience we offer at the Orange Otter will be a wonderful way to serve the families and friends of the CSRA.”
That service comes in the form of a boutique-style toy-shopping experience that caters to parents looking for a great experience with their child. As the Father cares for His children, Hinkson quotes a particular bible passage to describe fully what her sole proprietorship really means and how OOTS will be a haven for parents to care for their children with love, compassion, and grace.
“Matthew 19:14, says, ‘Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”’ Being a kid should be wonderful and pure, and every moment should be celebrated. Orange Otter Toys will be a safe place for children to imagine, explore, create, and play.
“When we ask for daily bread, God gives it to us. At the Orange Otter, we will strive to create a space of acceptance, compassion, joy, and pureness of heart. God wants to restore us to be more like children. In this, we would enjoy simplicity, see the best in one another, wonder and smile.”
Orange Otter Toy Store is located at 336 Georgia Avenue, Suite 105, North Augusta. Learn more on Facebook, at orangeottertoystore.com, or call 803-508-1261.
