Meet the founder, Shelly
Coming from a background of fine art, theatre and linguistic studies, Shelly Luan, a school teacher at the time (around 2010) - a passionate lover of the arts and creative expressions, a big dreamer and educator of youngsters in Manhattan - had the idea of combining her artistic visions and sensibilities, her deep love and understanding for children, to create this one-of-a-kind place for children to play, learn and grow.
Shelly was born in Nanjing, China, an old capital with rich history, vibrant metropolis and beautiful landmarks. She had a wonderful childhood there, absorbing its wise and humble ancient culture and philosophy, going to public school all the way to last year in high school. She then migrated to the US and went to college for fine arts in San Francisco, California. She explored oil painting, ceramic sculpture, creative writing and French. Her works were frequently displayed in the school art gallery. Shelly then went to graduate school for design and visual communication at the École de Commerce in the South of France in 2004. She obtained a masters degree in business of design and art education from the International School of Design, a branch of the Euromed Business School. She also graduated from the Conservatory of Dramatic Arts and Theatre, with a degree in performing arts and dance, from Toulon, France. During this time Shelly visited New York City frequently. Each time this magical place made her heart throb. Its incredible diversity and vitality, its loud pulse and magnetic energy, constantly drew her in and inspired her to be her best self. In 2009 after graduating, She decided to move to New York City to pursue a career in the arts.
Once settled in New York City, Shelly soon started working as an immigration court interpreter and legal translator, while on weekends she worked as an art and language instructor for kids. She discovered that when she was working with children it gave her tremendous joy and peace, a sense of fulfillment and purpose. She quickly decided to quit her day job and try her luck as a creative entrepreneur, building a business that will allow her to do all the things she loves most.
Shelly also loves nature, animals and all the beauty that surrounds us in every previous moment of life. She loves to work with her hands building things, read, run by the beautiful Hudson River near where she lives, paint and draw on anything and everything she can find, and is always generating quirky new ideas :)
