I am a mother of two. An entrepreneur with a unique concept specifically for parents with toddlers. And a full-time worker with a regular 9-5 job.
I lived in Los Angeles County most of my life and had my eyes opened to different cultures and countries when I traveled during my college years. This helped me to be more empathetic towards people and to see the good in people rather than the bad.
I became a mother of two within the last 5 years and it has been a blessing, but at the same time, it’s tiring. As a mother, I know how hard it is to take a break. Going to the bathroom is no longer a single-person thing. Going to sleep is never easy to stay asleep. They have so much energy to burn when I have half of that.
After they sleep, I like to play video games or watch a good anime or Korean drama on TV. I also love going to conventions and dressing up in different cosplays.
About Kim Skulavik
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a mother of two young children. My eldest is 6 and the other one is 3.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I currently work in Secondary Marketing as an event planner as well as the president of Toucan Play, a new unique concept for parents to rest while their child plays. I love to coordinate and manage events as well as hear the giggles and laughter when toddlers step into my space. Their squeals of delight make my mission all the more worth it.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
When you see a mother walking with her children, tell her she is doing a great job. It’s a thankless job and to hear that from someone makes everything more worth it and can make someone’s day. Empathy goes a long way because we never know what sort of struggles someone is going through.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself fully immersed in Toucan Play without the 9 – 5. I want to create a fun play area for young children where it takes away the anxiety from parents when they go to the park or other indoor playgrounds.
Kim Skulavik & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Hanu because I love some Korean BBQ.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in San Diego County for 4 years now.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
It’s hard to say because when I opened Toucan Play, I have met many amazing mothers and fathers, caretakers, and grandparents. It’s been a blessing to be able to hear each person’s story and how they navigate today’s world.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Toucan Play
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
This is a growing community and with the help of social media, there is a real sense of community. You don’t have to go out and knock on doors just to meet your neighbors. I’ve met so many wonderful neighbors through social media and this has helped us all keep up to date on the happenings around the area.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would have lunch with Hugh Jackman. He’s such a talented actor and singer. It’s very inspiring to see him be humble despite his fame. I would meet him at a local sandwich shop to keep it casual. A local banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) shop recently opened near me so probably there, so I can introduce him to something I enjoy eating.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movies are The Lord of the Rings. The journey and visuals that we see throughout it are amazing. In terms of TV shows, right now I am into Bluey with the kids.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can crochet and make up any pattern that I want. For example, I can look at a picture of a Pokemon, and know how I can make it with just some yarn and a hook.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
In terms of anything? This is a hard one because it’s so broad. A random thought that came to mind is a comic I recently finished is a 10 out of 10. It was a 3 year journey since they released the chapters weekly and I had stopped intermittently but it was an amazing storyline.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family. I am working hard for them.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I admire the San Diego Rescue Mission. I partnered with them at my 9 – 5 and really love their mission to help those less fortunate.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Do what you can do *right now*. Don’t think about the what-ifs or what happened previously. Work with what you have at this exact moment to solve the problem you have with what you can do right now.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Eastlake Chula Vista
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The online community is amazing. Everything feels connected and we get real feedback from locals.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Sun, not too hot, and hanging on an isolated beach just listening to the waves washing in and out for hours without any obligations.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Toys, lots of toys everywhere. Hahaha
