This month’s VM Mom to Follow is Heather Mannas, the Founder and CEO of Sloane & Blake Inc. She lives in Kitsilano with her two girls (Sloane and Blake) and their dog. When her eldest, Blake was teething, Heather, who was a hockey player herself, was unable to find a hockey silicone teether for her daughter. Again, a year-and-a-half later, was unable to find one for Sloane. After extensive research, she discovered there were no hockey designs on the market and was motivated to create one. Sloane & Blake Inc. currently has a total of five exclusive silicone teether designs: Hockey Net, Hockey Jersey, Football Helmet, Basketball and Compass. They also have Bracelet Key Rings, Silicone Beach Toy Playsets and other Baby Goods.
When Heather started playing hockey, it was predominately a male sport. She wants to break barriers, inspire, and see more female participation in all sports. As an advocate of living an active lifestyle through sports and being outside, Heather built her business to encourage little ones to share the same passion through her designs and products.
Vancouver locations Heather likes to go with her family
Spanish Banks West
My favourite spot where both my children and dog can play on the beach. During the Fall and Winter, with children and early bedtimes, we eat dinner on the beach and watch the sunset. Bonus: going when it’s low tide because it offers breathtaking views.
Deep Cove
A beautiful, scenic spot in North Vancouver, best during the weekdays because it’s quieter. We usually grab a box of doughnuts from local café, Honey Doughnuts & Goodies, and head down to the water where we eat and enjoy the view.
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies: 4373 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver
Vancouver Seawall
Running with the kids along the seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, is one of many reasons why I love Vancouver. It’s beautiful, we’re outside, and it’s free.
UBC Thunderbird Arena
Sloane and Blake went to UBC for skate lessons and now we go for public skating. We’ve had positive experiences with the staff, plus the campus is beautiful.
Grouse Mountain
A beautiful city lookout from the top of a mountain, skyride and lots of space to explore. This past winter, we spent a lot of time skating on the outdoor pond due to full ice bookings around the city. We have annual passes because there are lots of activities to do year-round and this is a very family-friendly place.
Follow Sloane and Blake!
- Website: www.sloaneandblake.com
- Facebook & Instagram: @sloaneandblake / @sloaneandblake
- Personal Instagram: @twodegreeslater
