Name: Tina Allen
Business: Liddle Kidz Foundation
About Liddle Kidz Foundation
Liddle Kidz Foundation is an internationally focused nonprofit organization that uses the power of touch to reach the world’s most vulnerable children with experiences of appropriate nurturing touch that they often lack. The organization was officially created in 2005.
With nurturing, compassion and touch therapy, children will develop and reach their full potential. We strive to address their critical tactile needs by working directly with their families and healthcare providers in pediatric hospitals, hospices, and orphanages to provide comprehensive nurturing services, consultation, education, program development and support. We are committed to furthering the development of touch therapy services for vulnerable and underserved populations internationally. Through education and support we work to create replicable and sustainable change.
Children are our greatest gift and should be treated with extraordinary care!
What inspired you to open your business?
The Liddle Kidz Foundation began as an answer to the great lack of nurturing touch and connection in our society, and to encourage improvements in children’s health and welfare. This mission has broadened to provide educational trainings and hands-on volunteer outreach journeys worldwide.
As the Founder and Director of the Liddle Kidz Foundation, my work focuses on developing touch therapy educational programs and training healthcare professionals and caregivers how to incorporate safe and nurturing touch with children, both in North American and abroad.
In order to try and fulfill this mission, my day consists of lots of work, but fun at the same time. When I’m not traveling, teaching, speaking at a conference or seminar; I’m touring hospitals, developing new pediatric massage programs and programs overseas. When I get some down time, that’s when I answer my ever growing stack of emails, consult parents and professionals, participate in research studies on massage therapy, write grants, speak to donors and visit children to provide hands-on touch therapy.
What has been your biggest unexpected challenge?
Time management. I devote as much time as possible to my family and business. This means, I work when my son is sleeping and spend time with him when he is awake. The balance has been something I needed to learn. I have had to create my own office hours and stick to this schedule. Every morning, I wake up, have a cup of coffee and start my day regardless of whether I slept enough the night before or not.
How do you balance family/business?
I spend my busy days teaching, traveling the world, speaking at conferences, touring hospitals, and supporting the needs of the Liddle Kidz Foundation through grant writing and working with donors. Every now and then, I welcome the time to practice the techniques that brought me to where I am today. To keep up with the demands on my time and energy, I am supported by my husband and son. They live alongside me in the tour bus, and travel with me everywhere they can, including overseas outreach to orphanages.
When you are really stressed, you are most likely to ______________________
Look for a massage therapist. I know first hand the benefits of massage therapy, and the biggest one of these for me is stress reduction. Massage therapy is beneficial for everyone, and knowing that I promote the health benefits of this therapy for children and families, I have to remember to walk the talk.
A piece of advise for other Moms interested in opening a business
You’ve got to be tough, stick to your guns and believe in your mission. As in any venture, there are challenges that need to be met, and having a strong work ethic gets it done. Finding your passion and believing that what you are doing is making a difference, makes getting up and going to work each day possible. When I started Liddle Kidz Foundation, I began with the thought that one person can truly make a difference and I have found this to be true.
Fun fact about you:
I love playing Legos with my son. We can spend hours and hours building robots, and buildings. Just the other day we built a large massage studio and spa. The great part, it was his idea!
Are you a Mom with a business? We would love to feature you. Email us for more information.
