A 'SPECIAL' toy and craft company running in Dorset for 25 years - Myriad Natural Toys and Crafts is Trader of the Week.

Inspired by a natural department store in Germany, Myriad was first introduced by Veronica Moem in 1998.

To start with Myriad was run from home, with Veronica producing a range of handmade products and posting them to customers.

The business was then expanded to a small office in the village of Sixpenny Handley in Dorset - with a handy post office located just across the road.

With word spreading about Myriad, and its popularity increasing, it outgrew the office and was moved to a new home in Cranborne.

Years on, and Veronica remains at this location running the business with her husband Richard Parks.

Bournemouth Echo: Veronica and RichardVeronica and Richard (Image: Myriad Natural Toys and Crafts)

During this time, Myriad’s ethos has remained the same: ‘To offer playthings that encourage creativity, imagination, and meaningful play. Because play matters.’

It has also maintained a natural product range, featuring art and crafts materials, toys, wooden figures, books, games, musical instruments and much more.

Veronica explained the range is inspired by Steiner Waldorf education principles, offering a “comprehensive approach to playing, creating and learning”.

She told the Daily Echo: “Our range is about the children, not about fashion and trends. That’s why our range has stayed mostly the same since 1998.

“The focus is always on what the benefit is for the children and what are they getting out of the products.

Bournemouth Echo: Myriad Natural Toys and CraftsMyriad Natural Toys and Crafts (Image: Myriad Natural Toys and Crafts)

“We started off selling products, and no one knew what they were, but we knew they were good for children.

“We do what we do regardless of whether other people deem it to be a commercial success or not. I think that sets us apart.

“Also, when it’s your own business, you stick out because you’re involved in every step of the process, and the care you put into it comes across to customers.”

Myriad Natural Toys and Crafts is found at Nine Yews House, The Old Stables, Cranborne, BH21 5PW.

For more information visit the website at https://www.myriadonline.co.uk/