Meet Little Omo: An Inclusive Educational Brand

Absolutely Mama meets Desriee Asomuyide, the founder of Little Omo, an inclusive educational brand for children...

Tell us about Little Omo. What’s it all about?

Little Omo is an inclusive educational brand I founded in 2020. I have a passion for representing children of colour through educational products. Currently, we stock flashcards in a range of skin tones, puzzles, wrapping paper and my recently launched children’s book. The brand was founded because it was important for my two year old son Isiah, and other children like him see themselves represented through educational developmental resources. I am very passionate about flashcards featuring a variety of skin complexions, facial features and hair textures representing people from different backgrounds and cultures.

How did you come to launch it? Did you have a lightbulb moment?

When I gave birth to my son, I started browsing shopping centres and looking for educational toys for my son, unfortunately I was unable to locate any. I then used this opportunity to create flashcards that looked like my son and other ethnic minority children.

I was going into big retailers and didn’t see anything that represented my son, and I was unable to see a diverse range of toys in different shades or skin tones. They had dolls and action men but there weren’t any learning materials where children could see themselves.

How did your own motherhood journey play into your decision to launch the brand?

My son was the reason why I created the brand, and realised how important educational inclusive products are. Personally, I believe It’s essential for other children to see themselves represented in educational development resources.

What challenges did you face setting up the brand and how did you overcome them?

I did experience some challenges, but I managed to overcome them by being strong and understanding why my brand is so important and what I wanted Little Omo to achieve.

Tell us about your new book. What’s it all about?

Isaiah’s Extraordinary Mum is based on an adventure between Isaiah my son and me, who he adores so much. Isaiah is a cool, smart two year old who wants to be just ordinary as his extraordinary mum.The book celebrates the bond between a mother and her child while they go on their adventures. Celebrating our Nigerian culture, visiting the market and dancing to our favourite songs.

Proudest moment since launching Little Omo?

Seeing multiple mums and children buying Little Omo‘s products. Little Omo has had an amazing response especially the flashcards, it’s been amazing having different mums use the products with their children.

What changes would you like to see in the current children’s toy market?

My dream would be to see more diversity in educational resources. I would love to see more toy brands incorporate different skin tones and complexions when creating their products. Most educational resources do not have any products with different skin tones, it’s important that this is implemented.

How do you juggle motherhood and running a business?

Being organised, I am also an early bird. I think it’s helpful waking up at a certain time so I’m productive throughout the day.

Best (and worst) bits about motherhood?

Best bits : seeing my son grow every day it is a blessing and I love spending time with my son and seeing him develop every single day. I don’t have any worse bits, but when he was a baby the sleepless nights weren’t the best but I managed.