Kate Glynn came to Northampton to study at Smith College, where she earned her degree in Child and Family Studies. Upon graduation, she was offered the opportunity to buy impish’s sister store, A Child’s Garden, and leapt at it. Why? For one thing, she’d always wanted to own a children’s bookstore (and A Child’s Garden has a great selection of children’s literature) and two, she wanted to find work that supported families. Her approach to both stores is to provide much more than gear: Kate hopes to offer resources that can educate families and inspire joyful parenting.

In addition to running her businesses, Kate actively participates in her community. A founding member of the NAYP (Northampton Area Young Professionals), she’s an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, and a member of many local efforts including a committee that helped bring The Louise Finn Midwifery Center to Cooley Dickinson Hospital to fruition. Currently, she’s the Vice-Chair of Northampton’s Business Improvement District and is on the Board of the Handmade Toy Alliance.

Meg Carlan can see where her interest in creating a place like impish came from. At Colby College, she studied sociology and art history—giving her a love of design. Next, she moved to Washington D.C. where she worked at the World Wildlife Fund. That love of planet has contributed to her commitment to find organic and sustainable materials for children’s clothing and furniture. Certain it does take a village to raise a child, Meg was enticed to Northampton for the opportunity to be closer to her family as she and her husband, Jovan James, raise Quin, two and Mateo, baby. She especially likes that the village she’s living in is an open-minded, accepting one.

Meg decided to launch impish after Quin arrived. She says, “I decided that I really wanted to open a place where people could get well designed but practical wares for their babies and children.” Jovan’s store, Unite, is right next door to impish’s sister store, A Child’s Garden!