From Hospital Beds to Handmade Play: How One Mum Turned Resilience into Joy

Some stories begin in boardrooms or brainstorms; others begin in hospital beds. For Aileen Kogan, the founder of Happy Little Fingers, her story began somewhere in between, where determination met motherhood and creativity became her medicine.

After years of living with lupus, enduring IVF, and eventually receiving a kidney transplant, Aileen had every reason to slow down. But when her son was born, everything changed. Watching him grow gave her the motivation to start again not just to live, but to create.

“Life felt fragile,” she says. “But when my son arrived, everything shifted. I wanted to support him in every way I could. When he needed help strengthening his fine motor skills, I began making homemade playdough as a simple, sensory way to help him explore, squeeze, and build strength in his little hands.”

Those first batches weren’t meant to be the start of a business. They were made at the kitchen table, between naps, during lockdowns it was messy, magical, and full of love. What started as a small therapy activity became something much bigger: a creative outlet that brought calm, joy, and purpose back into Aileen’s world.

That’s how Happy Little Fingers was born, from therapy, love, and the healing magic of play.

Finding Calm in the Chaos

Aileen’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped the gentle philosophy behind everything she creates. “Those experiences taught me the true meaning of patience and perseverance,” she says. “I learned to appreciate small victories and slow down. In both business and motherhood, everything I do now is intentional, gentle, and full of gratitude.”

That ethos runs through every jar and play kit she makes. Handmade in small batches using non-toxic, food-grade ingredients, Happy Little Fingers isn’t about mass production — it’s about meaningful play. “Every colour, scent, and theme is thoughtfully designed to encourage sensory exploration, imaginative play, and learning through play,” she explains.

Each kit comes with a story, themed figurines and curated pieces that spark creativity while building fine motor skills, focus, and imagination. From their Unicorn and Mermaid jars to the much-loved Play Dough Dentist Kit, there’s a story waiting to unfold in every tin.

“This isn’t just playdough,” says Aileen. “It’s play that grows with your child.”

A Business Built on Connection

During the long days of COVID lockdowns, Aileen’s kitchen became a studio. Between her son’s naps, she’d mix small batches of playdough, testing different textures and colours. As he got older, he joined in sometimes pouring flour, sometimes just making a glorious mess.

“I still remember the joy on his face when I handed him a fresh batch with a few figurines,” she laughs. “His imagination took over instantly. Seeing that joy made every late night and flour-covered bench worth it.”

From those early moments came the brand’s biggest strength: connection. The same way Aileen found calm and creativity in making playdough, parents now tell her how Happy Little Fingers has become a tool for connection in their own homes.

“We live in such a fast, noisy world,” she says. “Even kids feel that pressure, I hear and see how many are anxious. Sensory play slows everything down. It helps children regulate emotions, build concentration, and develop fine motor skills. For parents, it’s a chance to pause, connect, and play without screens or structure. It’s grounding for both of us.”

That connection extends beyond families too. Occupational therapists have reached out, sharing how they use Happy Little Fingers in clinics to support children with sensory needs. “Hearing that feedback is humbling,” says Aileen. “It’s why I do what I do.”

The Joy of Imperfect Balance

Running a business while being a mum is never smooth sailing, and Aileen doesn’t pretend otherwise. “There’s no such thing as perfect balance,” she admits. “Some days I’m packing orders while my son plays beside me, other nights I’m up labelling jars after bedtime.”

Her secret? Letting go of perfection and focusing on progress. “My workday follows our rhythm of everyday life. My son is part of every step from helping test textures and themes. Seeing his joy reminds me daily why I started this brand. It never really feels like work.”

That authenticity shines through the brand itself — joyful, handmade, and proudly imperfect in all the right ways.

Handmade with Heart

In a world obsessed with fast everything, Aileen’s slow, hands-on approach stands out. “Slowing down is what saved me,” she says simply. “Facing significant health challenges taught me to value peace over pace. Creating by hand allows me to pour care and intention into every batch.”

Every jar and kit is made with that same patience and gratitude, a celebration of slowing down, being present, and cherishing small moments. “It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come,” she reflects, “and the incredible gift of becoming a mother.”

Each product feels like a love letter to childhood – colourful, sensory, and soothing. The Up & Go Jars are especially popular with parents, perfect for taking to restaurants, flights, or playdates — small, contained, and designed to entertain without chaos. Larger kits come boxed and ready to play, eliminating the need for extra accessories or set-up.

“They’re practical but also personal,” says Aileen. “Every detail has a purpose whether it’s sparking creativity, improving focus, or just bringing a smile.”

Small Hands, Big Impact

Ask Aileen about her biggest pinch-me moment and she doesn’t hesitate. “It’s when my son proudly tells someone, ‘Mum made this for me.’ That was everything,” she says. “Every message from a parent saying our kits helped their child focus or calm down means the world. That’s what makes the late nights worth it.”

That genuine impact has helped Happy Little Fingers grow far beyond her kitchen bench. It’s now a much-loved Australian small business known for bringing mindfulness and joy into homes across the country and soon, beyond.

Advice for Dreaming Mums

For mums sitting on an idea but scared to take the leap, Aileen has heartfelt advice: “Start small. Start where you are. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, it doesn’t exist. I began with one bowl, one batch, and a heart that was still healing.”

She’s honest about the hard parts too. “There were moments of doubt, whispers behind my back, people asking, ‘What is she doing?’ or ‘Is she even making money?’ But for me, it was never about that. I did it because I love children, I love to create, and I wanted to share a piece of that joy with others.”

It’s that love, not the business metrics that keeps her going.

What’s Next for Happy Little Fingers

The brand’s next chapter looks as playful as ever. Aileen is expanding her sensory range to include new textures like slime and creating themed kits that continue to inspire creativity and mindfulness. Collaborations with educators, parents, and therapists are also on the horizon.

“I want Happy Little Fingers to be part of early learning environments, homes, and communities,” she says. “To help more children discover the joy, calm, and creativity that come from exploring with their own hands.”

For Aileen, it’s not just a business, it’s a mission. To remind families that sometimes, the most healing things in life are also the simplest.

From hospital rooms to kitchen tables, from one tiny reason to a thriving creative brand, Aileen’s journey is a story of hope, heart, and the transformative power of play. Because sometimes, all it takes to change your world is a little imagination and a pair of happy little fingers.