Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
Christina Collura: Our chalkboard-based puzzle concept came after my son’s Autism diagnosis at the age of 3! Having been in education for 20 years, I knew his learning wasn’t going to be “a barrier” but rather a learning curve and experience for everyone who encountered him. Autism is not the end but the beginning of a journey with a wonderful tour guide! I decided to use his love for chalk to improve his fine motor skills by enabling him to print successfully in the indented spaces of his name puzzle. He couldn’t “go out of the lines,” which led to consistent development in printing his name. This progress translated onto paper in just four weeks!
Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Creative Beginning?
Christina Collura: Creative Beginning is home to the ONLY patented chalkboard-based puzzle brand. We provide educational products featuring our award-winning concept, which combines identification and printing in one platform! Our products cover letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and word building – all designed for successful printing and learning.
Great Companies: What makes Creative Beginning different from hundreds of other similar service providers?
Christina Collura: There’s no other educational product that uses a chalkboard base with indented spaces – it’s that simple! We are the only brand bridging the gap between special needs and mainstream students. As I say, “You can teach a child with special needs using the same resources as someone who isn’t on the spectrum.” Our brand has proven this, reaching children of diverse needs and abilities.
Creative Beginning stands out because of its innovative use of chalkboards as a learning medium, its commitment to sustainability, and its dual focus on education and creativity. It’s not just a puzzle but a holistic tool for childhood development and play.
Additionally, our Multisensory Learning Experience sets us apart. The tactile nature of our puzzles allows children to engage through touch (moving pieces), sight (writing and drawing), and identification, enhancing memory retention and focus for a more enriching learning experience.
Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Christina Collura: One major challenge has been balancing life as a full-time educator and a single mom while building a business. Growing up, I was taught that giving up wasn’t an option, so I’ve always focused on perseverance. I keep in mind the impact, reach, and joy our concept brings, which motivates me to take things one day at a time.
I also had to overcome “mom guilt.” I realized I was teaching my kids valuable lessons about hard work, resilience, and chasing dreams. They’ve seen me hustle, problem-solve, and pursue my passions. I’ve accepted that perfect balance isn’t realistic and instead focus on being present when I’m with them. Seeking support from friends, family, and professionals has also been vital, especially with a child on the spectrum.
Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does five years down the line look like for Creative Beginning?
Christina Collura: I’ve been fortunate to secure distribution with a major North American toy company. With their guidance and expertise, I’m confident we will grow into a million-dollar company! I firmly believe in trusting the universe, and with the right people and a strong “cheering squad,” you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Christina Collura: JUST GO FOR IT! Focus on solving real problems for real people. Many new entrepreneurs get caught up in the excitement of their ideas and forget that success lies in creating value others are willing to pay for. Start by deeply understanding your customers – their pain points, frustrations, and needs. Building a product or service that addresses these needs will provide a solid foundation for your business.