Hey, I’m Liz, the creator of NimiMinds...
In 2019, as I entered my fourth year of university, I had to choose a thesis topic. My personal journey with mental health—and the impact mindfulness had on me—became the driving force behind my project. I kept thinking that if I had been exposed to these tools as a child, navigating life's challenges would have been easier. With that in mind, I set out to create mindfulness tools for kids that are fun and easy to integrate into everyday life.
Developing the Concept
At first, the idea of children practicing mindfulness raised eyebrows: “How do you expect toddlers to sit and meditate?” But I wasn’t discouraged. As a teen, I had worked as a gymnastics coach for toddlers 3+, so I knew they were full of energy, but I also knew that if the exercises were engaging and varied before they got bored, I could make it work. Inspired, I created a mascot, Nimi, and turned meditation into a bedtime story infused with Yoga Nidra, where kids could move a little, make sounds, and use their imagination. Yoga became a form of pretend play, letting children imagine themselves as different animals and objects, making mindfulness playful, interactive, and accessible.
Testing out Early Research
In my research, I also discovered how important it is for kids to do activities with their caregivers. I am talking about uninterrupted face-to-face time even if it is brief. That connection plays a huge role in building bonds and also gives children a role model to imitate. To test this, I started doing yoga with my nephew and quickly saw that my theory was holding true. Everything was really adding up.
What makes us different?
The core of the NimiMinds kit is its interactivity. The meditation book includes bedtime stories that children can customize with themed cards that match their interests, making the stories more engaging. The yoga book features rows of flip-able cards that children can use to create their own yoga combinations, encouraging creativity and giving them the autonomy they desire. The cards are mounted in a standing flip binding that allows the child to sit opposite of the caregiver while still seeing the book's pages. Each move also comes with subtle activities that make the experience more playful.
*At this time we only have one theme available, with plans to expand gradually.
Community Support & recognition
The development of NimiMinds has really been a mission-driven team effort. My husband, Ilan, and my close friend, Ivana, have been central to making it happen, providing support every step of the way. Our extended family and friends have all played a part, helping us bring this project, which is so close to our hearts, to life.
The project has also been recognized in several contests and pitch presentations (as seen on our homepage), and the funds we have won have been continuously reinvested to help NimiMinds grow.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, our mission is to bring mindfulness into the lives of children around the world in a playful and accessible way. From daycare curriculums to nonprofit organizations and orphanages, our goal is to help children everywhere feel confident, loved, and supported, especially those who may not always feel that way. With the birth of our daughter in 2024, our drive to bring this vision to life has only grown stronger.