February 10, 2025 • 25 mins
Transform your perspective on entrepreneurship with Brittany McMills Anderson, the captivating third-generation business owner who traded her dental scrubs for the vibrant world of toys and pools. Brittany's journey from dental hygiene to taking the helm at Funtime Pools and launching the Zachary Toy Store during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic is nothing short of inspiring. Listen as she shares heartwarming stories from her childhood swimming competitions and unveils her unexpected prowess as a turkey caller. Discover how Brittany harmonizes her passion for dentistry with the demands of running two thriving businesses, all while keeping her playful spirit alive.
Step into the enchanting realm of Zachary Toy Store, where quality and creativity come to life. Brittany reveals her commitment to offering toys that are not only fun but also educational, ensuring a memorable experience for children and adults alike. From nostalgic Bunny Lulu key chains to innovative dual-level puzzles designed for family bonding, the store's diverse selection is sure to impress. We also spotlight standout offerings like reef-friendly SPFs with whimsical packaging and Duke Cannon’s distinctive men’s grooming line. Brittany's dedication to providing meaningful products for all ages is evident throughout this engaging episode, promising listeners a delightful peek into a world where play meets purpose.
God, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you’d expect!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Hey, it's Brittany Anderson with Funtime Pools and
Zachary Toy Store.
You're listening to Porch andParish, the podcast.
Keep listening what's up.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Zachary.
We are back with anotherexciting episode, broadcasting
from our headquarters right herein downtown Zachary.
Our team is planning contentfor the spring print issue of
Porch and Parish and we wouldlove to hear from you is
planning content for the springprint issue of Porch and Parish
and we would love to hear fromyou.
If you're interested in placingan ad with us in 2025 or have a
fun story, idea or event to addto the calendar, reach out to
editor at porchandparishcom orgive me a call 225-324-9515.
(00:39):
Today we're joined by BrittanyMcMills Anderson, the third
generation owner of FuntimePools, bringing a whole new
meaning to fun by making asplash in the toy business.
That's right.
Zachary Toy Store is now open.
Brittany dipped her toe in thewater I will never stop with the
pool puns Of toy sales for morethan a year before diving in
(01:02):
headfirst on this exciting newventure in early 2025.
Zachary Toy Store is much morethan water.
Year before diving in headfirston this exciting new venture in
early 2025.
Zachary Toy Store is much morethan water and outdoor play toys
for kids.
Today, we'll hear from Brittanyon how she brought this vision
to life so quickly and whatshoppers can expect.
I am Jen Gennaro, founder andeditor of Porch and Parish, a
wannabe comedian and your hostfor today.
We bring you the best ofZachary and the development
(01:24):
North region through candidconversations every Monday from
our headquarters right here onVirginia street.
This is porch and parish thepodcast.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Stay tuned, we will be right back with the lightning
round from the latest Tik TOKviral sensations to time-tested
playroom staples, zachary toystore offers a wide range of
products designed to delightchildren of all ages.
Zachary Toy Store is located at4860 Highway 19 inside of
Funtime Pools.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
All right, so we are back and, brittany, I did not
send these to you because I wantit to be totally off the cuff.
That's scary.
Okay, so this is the lightninground.
What was your favorite toygrowing up?
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Favorite toy growing up was anything Barbie.
Oh really, I was a Barbie girl.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
But you're also like a daddy's girl and a hunter,
right?
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Big fisher, hunter, love all that too, but I didn't
mind putting makeup on andplaying with Barbie.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Got it Okay, so this is a fun one.
What is your hidden talent?
I'm going to tell everyone realquick.
While you're thinking that,when you came here a few days
ago and you saw Mike's littleturkey farm in the backyard, you
began speaking turkey out ofnowhere.
So why don't you give us alittle gobble gobble into the
microphone?
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Yeah, so my dad had probably eight bourbon reds when
my first daughter was born andthey would follow her around
like she was their cult leaderand you could just and they
would just immediately gobbleback at her and it was the
funniest, funniest thing ever.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
So every time we saw the turkeys we had to go they're
so crazy they're like our ownlittle hokey laugh track, like
if the dogs say something or dosomething funny, then the
turkeys like laugh and they'returkey yeah, they're, they're
your, they're your punchline,they are, they totally are so do
you have another hidden talentthat you want to tell us about?
Hidden talent?
(03:25):
Can you juggle?
Speaker 1 (03:28):
No, oh, come on, no.
Growing up I played the piano,but that's kind of fallen.
You know what?
Speaker 2 (03:35):
We'll just leave this as a turkey caller.
There you go.
That's your hidden talent, Allright.
So when it comes to playing inthe swimming pool, which
competition would you win?
Cannonball, high dive orholding your breath underwater?
Speaker 1 (03:50):
the longest as a kid, holding my breath under the
water.
The longest as an adult.
I am a expert lounger,supervisor, drink holder, drink
indulger.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
I love that, so underwater tea party yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Mine was the high dive.
So I used to.
You know, we had like a 10 or12 foot ridiculously high high
dive at Kenworth Pool in BatonRouge, where I grew up swimming,
and man, I just love those highdives.
They don't make them like thatanymore.
No, no.
That's a bummer.
Anyway, that is it for thelightning round.
We are going to move right oninto these interview questions
(04:28):
with Brittany Anderson ofZachary Toy Store.
Brittany start first by givingus a brief history of Funtime
Pools.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
All right.
So Funtime Pools started.
My grandparents opened FuntimePools in about 1976.
They were building themselves apool and it just started
rolling into building otherpools and the store was building
pools, selling chemicals,maintenance, and they pretty
much were the only provider inZachary.
For a long time Before I wasborn, my dad bought Funtime
(05:00):
Pools from them and continued tooffer the same services, but he
specialized in vinyl linerpools and he built a lot of the
pools around old Zachary and I'mcalling old Zachary like the
Fenwood, like the establishedneighborhoods of Zachary.
But in 2023, my husband and Ibought Funtime Pools from my
parents and we're continuing tooffer the vinyl liner
(05:23):
replacements, equipment repairs,pool chemicals, toys parts and
water chemistry analysis in thestore.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
So Funtime Pools is not going anywhere, Not going
anywhere.
So did you know?
Did you always know that youwere going to one day run this?
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Absolutely not Really .
Prior to COVID, I waspracticing dental hygienist.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Oh.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
And I still have my license.
I still work here and there asneeded when I'm not needed at
the store.
But I was fully convinced I wasgoing to be a dental hygienist
and I still do love dentistry.
But when COVID happened I sawan opportunity to help my
parents out at the store and bemore available for my kids and I
(06:07):
make a really bad Miley Cyruspun that I came in like a
wrecking ball.
Because, day one.
I just started making changesand took over.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Has that been difficult, like with the parent
dynamic of seeing you step inand do it your own way?
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Not with my parents, which is crazy because I was a
very headstrong kid.
So I probably gave them lots ofgray hairs, but with this they
totally embraced it and werehappy, as long as I wasn't
trying to, you know, make themstand on their heads.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Right, all right.
So you started carrying a lineof water and outdoor play toys
to complement your pool businessabout a year ago.
Was Zachary Toy Store alwaysthe?
Speaker 1 (06:45):
end goal At first.
No, I've always had the mostfun shopping for those items to
bring in.
I definitely when I startedtaking over the store, I would
bring in a lot more of that funstuff because it was fun to shop
for.
And then, when we no longer hada toy store, I really saw a
(07:06):
need for it, not only for myselfbut other working families, and
I missed having the toy storehere, and so last year I went
out and expanded, but I think Istruggled getting the name out
there that the pool store hadmore than pool toys.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Right.
It was kind of like hard tofigure out how they both fit
together.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
So at the beginning of the year, I decided to give
the toy department its ownidentity and facelift and make
it stand out differently thanthe pool store.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
So, while we're on that topic and I know I'm
skipping ahead a little bit, buttell us about the modifications
that you've made to the space.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
So we painted the inside pink and there's
sprinkles on the ceiling and thedoor inside and outside is a
bright mint green, tiffany blue,whatever you want to call it.
And, um, putting some of oursignage out in the front, that's
still ordered and coming in alittle bit at a time and just
trying to make it look differentthan the blue pool store, sure,
(08:04):
um well, how do you compete?
Speaker 2 (08:07):
with the convenience of online shopping.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Uh, I think all small businesses are trying to tackle
that in this, this environment,and I don't it's hard, I'll
tell you that uh, there, it'ssuch a gratification of the one
click shopping.
Um, and I am, I do, I do, as asmall business owner, I worry
about how that's going to affectus and if we're all going to be
corporate at one point.
But, um, I wanted to be able totake a text, a phone call and
(08:33):
have your present ready, wrappedand just swipe your card and be
done and out the door and yourgifts ready to go, and so, so
y'all offer free wrapping, we doso.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
If I call you and I'm on my way to this birthday
party that I have to go totomorrow, that I've completely
forgotten to shop for Um, I'llcall you and be like, hey, I
need a gift for a three-year-oldboy.
Yep.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
My budget's $30 or whatever budget what they like,
if you know what they like, ifnot, we'll pick something and
we'll have it ready for you andyou'll wrap it up, and then
we'll both be surprised.
I know Right, then it's like a,it's a surprise for you too.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Oh, that's awesome.
So free gift wrapping and y'allwill kind of personal shop it.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Yeah, and you don't have to cross your fingers on
one day shipping anymore andthen hope it didn't get damaged,
and then you got to wrap it andwe can have it all ready and we
have it yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Well, that's a great option, especially for for
things like the birthday partiesor christening or you know
whatever.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Um, all right, so you recently returned from Dallas
market?
Yeah, tell us about that.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Uh so Dallas market is like Disney world for the
retail industry.
Um, it's like it's multiplebuildings and it's like 18
floors of re retail shopping andeach floor has its own like
theme.
Um, so like there's one floor,that's just Christmas one floor
that's just kids toys Western,where it's just overwhelming and
(09:57):
it's really fun.
So of course, I had to visitevery floor, even though I don't
.
I don't need any of that, itwas just really fun.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
And you dragged your husband with you, right.
He wanted to go, and then heregretted it.
He wanted to go.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
He didn't regret it, he had fun and he was happy to
go and he'd go back a milliontimes with me.
But at the end of day one helooked at me as we're putting
our feet up in the hotel roomand he's like I know why all the
(10:29):
associates would give.
It was like I had a toddlerwith me, because they would give
him toys to play with whilethey discuss things with me.
It was the funniest thing thatis hysterical.
He got to try everything, and Ithink that was the coolest part
about market, was thateverything I brought in I've put
my hands on?
Or at least seen it in my hands, and so him getting to try
(10:50):
stuff out and he'd be like, oh,look at this, and so that that
was worth it, because I reallywant to bring in things that are
unique and, um, you know thataren't going to be breakable
thrown out immediately.
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
I get that, so tell us a little bit more on that
note, like how do you curate thetoys?
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Um, so it's multi-factor.
Um, we, we ask our kids, we askour friends, kids, we ask our
friends hey, what do you thinkof this?
What do you think of this pricepoint?
Um, kids probably give us thethe realist advice.
Um, they don't know anythingabout price.
Yeah, when I look, when I lookat things as a buyer, I'm
(11:34):
looking for value and it beingunique and I keep budget in mind
.
That's been a big, big thing ofme.
For me, and I'd say most of mytoys average under $20.
And that was a huge thing forme.
I wanted value and budget toysbecause I mean, who wants to
spend hundreds of dollars on atoy?
(11:56):
Now, there are some items I'mbrought in that are worth that,
but they're unique and specialand for certain events.
So one thing it's on order andit hasn't come in yet.
It might be later in the yearbefore it comes in, but like an
animatronic stitch, no way.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
I'm not in this stitch trend, but my 14 year old
is mentioning it.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
I'm like yeah, so uh, another one that's coming is an
animatronic toothless thedragon.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Okay, I don't speak that language.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
The real, toothless movies coming out.
So that's, you know, but uh, sothose are some things that I
have ordered that hopefully comethrough.
But but being able to see thatkind of stuff was really cool,
but most of my gifts I would saythe average is under 20 and I
really wanted that way.
Kids like quality and quantityand so I wanted to combine the
(12:49):
two.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yeah, quality is so important, especially, you know,
we're just coming off ofChristmas.
How many parents can saythey've already had to like
throw out a toy that we spentyou know 20 bucks on or whatever
?
I would rather spend $60 forsomething that they love that's
durable, you know.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
And that's why I say it's multifactorial, because
then when I look at it from aparent, I'm looking for an
educational value andpracticality.
We don't want the little pieceseverywhere and we don't want
the mess making and like thelittle tagline I came up for
Zachary Toy Store was learningand playing, and that's because
learning is easier when you'rehaving fun, and we wanted all of
(13:27):
our toys to reflect that sothat it wasn't just a
meaningless toy and, likeparents, saw the value in those
toys too.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Sure, but from what I've gathered so I spent
probably half an hour in there afew weeks ago with you, ashley,
and I did going through thecatalogs and you were showing us
some of the stuff which we putin a gallery on our website
under that article.
So it seems like it's a reallygood blend of educational, some
nostalgic stuff and some uniquefinds.
(13:54):
So tell us kind of about bothends of that spectrum, like the
unique finds and the TikToktrends and all that stuff.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
Yeah, my girls really really get on the TikTok trends
and they like the Bunny Lulukey chains which were really
really hot.
And so I had to bring those in.
And then my preteen girls werethey're into the Wrangler
crossbody bags, and so, um, so Ihad to bring those in.
And then, um, my preteen girlswere they're into the Wrangler
crossbody bags, and so we havethose, and um, as far as like
the educational viral ones, wasthe tracing pads that um the
(14:26):
little BBs pop up when you tracethe letter or the number, so
that they know they did itcorrectly, and then they can
reset it and start over.
So it's reusable.
And then, do you remember, it'sabout as big as like an iPad
and it's for adding andsubtracting facts and
multiplying facts where, like,you click on the numbers.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
That's like ringing a very vague bell, so it's kind
of like a nineties or eighties.
Yeah, but come with you afterthis, let's see.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
But it's um no more flashcards.
It's all on this tablet thingnow, yeah, so that's so cool.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
And then, um, so there is some playroom staples,
I like to call it so you know,like I saw a really nice little
guitar tell us about that kindof selection, like a little
electric mini guitar that'sgonna play noises and be fun.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
And then, of course, you had to bring in the stick
pony, because who didn't have astick pony, right, um, except
ours didn't?
Nay and winnie and all thatthat there's two ours were in
our head.
Yeah, right, um, but yeah, we'rejust trying to bring in
something for everyone and I'mI'm excited to hear feedback
(15:41):
from the community and and ifthere's something that, hey, I'd
really like you to see this inhere, then, um, one item I'm
really looking into right now isthese puzzles, and the puzzles
on one end is kid size puzzlepieces and on the other end is
for adults, so that you cancombine and it makes one picture
at the end, so that the kidshave their side of the puzzle
(16:03):
and the adults have their end ofthe puzzle.
That's so like just findinglike unique things like that
that you're not going to find inbig box and you're not going to
find on big web, and you're notgoing to find on big web.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
And you you mentioned a couple of pieces of apparel,
so like the bags for the kids.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Yes, okay, that's big for the tweens and the teens,
right it?
Speaker 2 (16:22):
is, it is Um.
And then you have tell us aboutthe skincare and the SPF.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Yeah, so I'm really excited for the kids one to come
in Um it's, so there's a clearoption.
So you know, not everybodylikes glitter, but if you have
one that likes glitter andshimmer, there is a glitter,
shimmer SPF coming in.
It's called like unicornsparkle and sunshine is the
company.
But yes, they have a mermaidone and a unicorn one.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
And the packaging is beautiful.
It is so pretty and it goes onsmooth, right it does.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
It's not chunky like when you put on glitter, you
know body paint or anything likethat.
It's very and it's reeffriendly.
So, it's biodegradable.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
Oh, that's so important.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
It is.
It is Now the women's skincareI'm absolutely loving because
it's an all-in-one product, soit includes all your serums and
your peptides, Hyaluronic acidand all that and a sunless
tanner.
It's in the the morning is inis more of your SPF, but it has
all that in there.
And then in the evening you puton your sunless tanner with all
(17:27):
of your serums already added toit.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
That's so great.
I'm excited about that.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
And then y'all have something y'all have something
um y'all are carrying, is itDuke cannon?
Duke cannon for the men.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
My husband is obsessed with the um.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Buffalo trace bourbon scent.
Um, that's right up his alley,and so I really I greedily
brought that in for him, causehe's obsessed.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Sure, yeah, but I mean, you know, when your man
comes back from getting hishaircut or his beard trimmed and
they smell so good and it'sthese products that they offer
in these salons right and youguys are going to be carrying.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
Yes, it's so good and some chapstick that doesn't
melt yes, so all my working guys, my dad included, they would
put a tube of chapstick in theirtruck and it would melt.
This one has like a really highmelting temperature, like it
has to be over 140 degrees forso many hours before it would
melt.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Okay, um, so do you have any exciting plans for the
store, such as events orworkshops or like seasonal
things?
Speaker 1 (18:22):
We do and I don't have too many details to share,
but March are?
Um we're we're excited to bringback our pool chemical rebates
this year, and they start inMarch.
Um, so we're planning an eventto celebrate our pool chemical
rebates this year and they startin March.
Um, so we're planning an eventto celebrate our pool chemical
rebates and um the toy store and?
Um, I don't know for sure yet,but there may be some bunnies
(18:45):
and pictures, and of course, ourfood truck, aji, is always out
front Wednesday through.
Saturday, I believe, um, butyeah, they're pretty addictive.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Okay, yes, they definitely are.
Um, yeah, and they're out theretoday, so great.
I will be um carpooling withyou back to the store.
I have a few gifts to pick up,so if you could add one dream
feature to the store, what wouldit be?
Speaker 1 (19:13):
That one was probably the hardest question you gave
me and I thought about it for along time.
And there's a practical answer,and then there's, like the
dream.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
No, tell me your Willy Wonka.
Speaker 1 (19:22):
answer my Willy Wonka is I want to be the destination
, like I want your kids to getout of school and be like I want
to go to the Zachary toy store.
I want to go there.
I want to be on your kids andon your minds to to come see
what I have and play with it andlet's open it up and try it and
, um, let's see how it's goingto work.
(19:44):
And I want to be that go-todestination in Zachary.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Yeah, I'm excited about that.
Now, what's your practicalanswer?
Speaker 1 (19:50):
My practical is.
I would love to renovate thebuilding.
We rent the building so it'sreally not in my budget but I
would love to renovate.
I love all the renovationsgoing on in Zachary and things
coming to life.
That building was the old grosshardware and it's one of the.
It's not the oldest building,but it's one of the older
buildings in Zachary and I wouldjust love to renovate it.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
But maybe one day.
So, circling back to a previousquestion about the events and
workshops and all that stuff,will you be offering seasonal
things like for Easter baskets?
Speaker 1 (20:25):
Yes, so we just are setting up our Valentine's
baskets.
Our Easter baskets are alwayswe did those last year but again
trying to get the word outthere that it's not just pool
stuff in our Easter baskets.
Our Easter baskets are always.
We did those last year butagain trying to get the word out
there that it's not just poolsto stuff in our Easter baskets
but our Valentine's baskets.
We're building those currently,plan to get some images out
there for everybody and see howthat's going to go.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Okay, and how can people in Zachary and beyond
support small businesses likeyours?
Speaker 1 (20:52):
Come by, um call, stop by, uh, spread the word,
share anything on social, butmainly we want to see you.
We want you to come in, we wantyou to say hello, we want you
to see what we have, we want tohear your feedback.
Uh we want to hear what youthink is the next cool toy and
that we should think aboutbringing in.
We want um, we want communityinvolvement.
(21:13):
We want you guys to come by andthat's the way you can support
most of our small businesses andkeep us going.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
And small businesses want to hear from you.
We want to hear directly fromyou.
We don't want screenshots ofrants you know like come tell us
.
We are, we exist for you.
Yes, zachary toy store existsfor the people of Zachary.
So if you want to see somechanges or you want to see some
new products, tell us.
(21:40):
Give, give feedback to Brittanyand, you know, all these other
small businesses.
You can help make it betterwith positive, constructive
criticism and feedback ratherthan you know bashing right.
Okay, rant over, but I'm goingto get down off my high horse
here but um okay, so tell usaddress hours phone social all
(22:00):
that stuff.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
So the toy store is inside of fun time pools.
It's 4860 highway 19.
Um, our hours are eight, 30 tofive, 30, starting Monday, um,
and Saturday from 10 to 1 um.
Again, we take phone orders.
We make accommodations for ourcustomers.
There have been times whereI've stayed late just because a
(22:21):
customer wasn't going to make itin time.
Um, and we've always offeredlocal delivery and we will
continue, even for the toy sideis offer local delivery, for I
have some regular customers thatdon't drive and we'll always
bring bring things out there.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
That is the benefit of of shopping small and knowing
the owners of these stores.
Speaker 3 (22:41):
Like you can just text Brittany, yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Yeah, and on social you are Zachary toy store on
Facebook.
And yes, Zachary toy store.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
We are on Instagram.
We have a website, zachary toystore.
We are on Instagram, we have awebsite, zacharytoystorecom, and
then, of course, it's alllinked up with Funtime Pools, so
FuntimePoolsLAcom and thenFuntime Pools on Facebook.
We actually have a VIP page onFacebook for the pool store and
sometimes I will poll those VIPsand offer them some specials.
(23:14):
So if you're not on the VIPpage, I do post a lot of sneak
peeks there.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Great Well, that is it for this week's episode of
Porch and Parish, the podcastwith Brittany McMills Anderson
of Zachary Toy Store.
It has been a pleasure to haveyou here today.
Make sure to stop by ZacharyToy Store on Highway 19, across
from the Oldwyn Dixie futureAldi right yeah, and follow
Zachary toy store on Facebook tosee the latest and greatest
(23:39):
offerings.
Huge shout out to our communitypartners, like the city of
Zachary, the East Baton Rougeparish library system and Breck
parks, who stand with us in ourmission to make make Zachary a
place where every resident feelsheard and engaged.
Thanks to the generosity andsupport of our community
partners, including FuntimePools, the magazine podcast and
everything you see online ispossible and free because of
(24:00):
them.
Remember the three T's thatmake up quality of life Pick up
trash when you see it, fostertechnology at any expense and
embrace an attitude of tolerancefor diverse voices to begin to
engage everyone's talents in ourcommunity.
Those diverse voices are thecreative engines that will drive
(24:20):
the future success of oureconomy.
Have a great week, everyone.
Hey, it's Brittany Anderson with Funtime Pools and
Zachary Toy Store.
You're listening to Porch andParish, the podcast.
Keep listening what's up.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Zachary.
We are back with anotherexciting episode, broadcasting
from our headquarters right herein downtown Zachary.
Our team is planning contentfor the spring print issue of
Porch and Parish and we wouldlove to hear from you is
planning content for the springprint issue of Porch and Parish
and we would love to hear fromyou.
If you're interested in placingan ad with us in 2025 or have a
fun story, idea or event to addto the calendar, reach out to
editor at porchandparishcom orgive me a call 225-324-9515.
(00:39):
Today we're joined by BrittanyMcMills Anderson, the third
generation owner of FuntimePools, bringing a whole new
meaning to fun by making asplash in the toy business.
That's right.
Zachary Toy Store is now open.
Brittany dipped her toe in thewater I will never stop with the
pool puns Of toy sales for morethan a year before diving in
(01:02):
headfirst on this exciting newventure in early 2025.
Zachary Toy Store is much morethan water.
Year before diving in headfirston this exciting new venture in
early 2025.
Zachary Toy Store is much morethan water and outdoor play toys
for kids.
Today, we'll hear from Brittanyon how she brought this vision
to life so quickly and whatshoppers can expect.
I am Jen Gennaro, founder andeditor of Porch and Parish, a
wannabe comedian and your hostfor today.
We bring you the best ofZachary and the development
(01:24):
North region through candidconversations every Monday from
our headquarters right here onVirginia street.
This is porch and parish thepodcast.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Stay tuned, we will be right back with the lightning
round from the latest Tik TOKviral sensations to time-tested
playroom staples, zachary toystore offers a wide range of
products designed to delightchildren of all ages.
Zachary Toy Store is located at4860 Highway 19 inside of
Funtime Pools.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
All right, so we are back and, brittany, I did not
send these to you because I wantit to be totally off the cuff.
That's scary.
Okay, so this is the lightninground.
What was your favorite toygrowing up?
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Favorite toy growing up was anything Barbie.
Oh really, I was a Barbie girl.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
But you're also like a daddy's girl and a hunter,
right?
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Big fisher, hunter, love all that too, but I didn't
mind putting makeup on andplaying with Barbie.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Got it Okay, so this is a fun one.
What is your hidden talent?
I'm going to tell everyone realquick.
While you're thinking that,when you came here a few days
ago and you saw Mike's littleturkey farm in the backyard, you
began speaking turkey out ofnowhere.
So why don't you give us alittle gobble gobble into the
microphone?
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Yeah, so my dad had probably eight bourbon reds when
my first daughter was born andthey would follow her around
like she was their cult leaderand you could just and they
would just immediately gobbleback at her and it was the
funniest, funniest thing ever.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
So every time we saw the turkeys we had to go they're
so crazy they're like our ownlittle hokey laugh track, like
if the dogs say something or dosomething funny, then the
turkeys like laugh and they'returkey yeah, they're, they're
your, they're your punchline,they are, they totally are so do
you have another hidden talentthat you want to tell us about?
Hidden talent?
(03:25):
Can you juggle?
Speaker 1 (03:28):
No, oh, come on, no.
Growing up I played the piano,but that's kind of fallen.
You know what?
Speaker 2 (03:35):
We'll just leave this as a turkey caller.
There you go.
That's your hidden talent, Allright.
So when it comes to playing inthe swimming pool, which
competition would you win?
Cannonball, high dive orholding your breath underwater?
Speaker 1 (03:50):
the longest as a kid, holding my breath under the
water.
The longest as an adult.
I am a expert lounger,supervisor, drink holder, drink
indulger.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
I love that, so underwater tea party yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Mine was the high dive.
So I used to.
You know, we had like a 10 or12 foot ridiculously high high
dive at Kenworth Pool in BatonRouge, where I grew up swimming,
and man, I just love those highdives.
They don't make them like thatanymore.
No, no.
That's a bummer.
Anyway, that is it for thelightning round.
We are going to move right oninto these interview questions
(04:28):
with Brittany Anderson ofZachary Toy Store.
Brittany start first by givingus a brief history of Funtime
Pools.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
All right.
So Funtime Pools started.
My grandparents opened FuntimePools in about 1976.
They were building themselves apool and it just started
rolling into building otherpools and the store was building
pools, selling chemicals,maintenance, and they pretty
much were the only provider inZachary.
For a long time Before I wasborn, my dad bought Funtime
(05:00):
Pools from them and continued tooffer the same services, but he
specialized in vinyl linerpools and he built a lot of the
pools around old Zachary and I'mcalling old Zachary like the
Fenwood, like the establishedneighborhoods of Zachary.
But in 2023, my husband and Ibought Funtime Pools from my
parents and we're continuing tooffer the vinyl liner
(05:23):
replacements, equipment repairs,pool chemicals, toys parts and
water chemistry analysis in thestore.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
So Funtime Pools is not going anywhere, Not going
anywhere.
So did you know?
Did you always know that youwere going to one day run this?
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Absolutely not Really .
Prior to COVID, I waspracticing dental hygienist.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Oh.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
And I still have my license.
I still work here and there asneeded when I'm not needed at
the store.
But I was fully convinced I wasgoing to be a dental hygienist
and I still do love dentistry.
But when COVID happened I sawan opportunity to help my
parents out at the store and bemore available for my kids and I
(06:07):
make a really bad Miley Cyruspun that I came in like a
wrecking ball.
Because, day one.
I just started making changesand took over.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Has that been difficult, like with the parent
dynamic of seeing you step inand do it your own way?
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Not with my parents, which is crazy because I was a
very headstrong kid.
So I probably gave them lots ofgray hairs, but with this they
totally embraced it and werehappy, as long as I wasn't
trying to, you know, make themstand on their heads.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Right, all right.
So you started carrying a lineof water and outdoor play toys
to complement your pool businessabout a year ago.
Was Zachary Toy Store alwaysthe?
Speaker 1 (06:45):
end goal At first.
No, I've always had the mostfun shopping for those items to
bring in.
I definitely when I startedtaking over the store, I would
bring in a lot more of that funstuff because it was fun to shop
for.
And then, when we no longer hada toy store, I really saw a
(07:06):
need for it, not only for myselfbut other working families, and
I missed having the toy storehere, and so last year I went
out and expanded, but I think Istruggled getting the name out
there that the pool store hadmore than pool toys.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Right.
It was kind of like hard tofigure out how they both fit
together.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
So at the beginning of the year, I decided to give
the toy department its ownidentity and facelift and make
it stand out differently thanthe pool store.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
So, while we're on that topic and I know I'm
skipping ahead a little bit, buttell us about the modifications
that you've made to the space.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
So we painted the inside pink and there's
sprinkles on the ceiling and thedoor inside and outside is a
bright mint green, tiffany blue,whatever you want to call it.
And, um, putting some of oursignage out in the front, that's
still ordered and coming in alittle bit at a time and just
trying to make it look differentthan the blue pool store, sure,
(08:04):
um well, how do you compete?
Speaker 2 (08:07):
with the convenience of online shopping.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Uh, I think all small businesses are trying to tackle
that in this, this environment,and I don't it's hard, I'll
tell you that uh, there, it'ssuch a gratification of the one
click shopping.
Um, and I am, I do, I do, as asmall business owner, I worry
about how that's going to affectus and if we're all going to be
corporate at one point.
But, um, I wanted to be able totake a text, a phone call and
(08:33):
have your present ready, wrappedand just swipe your card and be
done and out the door and yourgifts ready to go, and so, so
y'all offer free wrapping, we doso.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
If I call you and I'm on my way to this birthday
party that I have to go totomorrow, that I've completely
forgotten to shop for Um, I'llcall you and be like, hey, I
need a gift for a three-year-oldboy.
Yep.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
My budget's $30 or whatever budget what they like,
if you know what they like, ifnot, we'll pick something and
we'll have it ready for you andyou'll wrap it up, and then
we'll both be surprised.
I know Right, then it's like a,it's a surprise for you too.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Oh, that's awesome.
So free gift wrapping and y'allwill kind of personal shop it.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Yeah, and you don't have to cross your fingers on
one day shipping anymore andthen hope it didn't get damaged,
and then you got to wrap it andwe can have it all ready and we
have it yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Well, that's a great option, especially for for
things like the birthday partiesor christening or you know
whatever.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Um, all right, so you recently returned from Dallas
market?
Yeah, tell us about that.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Uh so Dallas market is like Disney world for the
retail industry.
Um, it's like it's multiplebuildings and it's like 18
floors of re retail shopping andeach floor has its own like
theme.
Um, so like there's one floor,that's just Christmas one floor
that's just kids toys Western,where it's just overwhelming and
(09:57):
it's really fun.
So of course, I had to visitevery floor, even though I don't
.
I don't need any of that, itwas just really fun.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
And you dragged your husband with you, right.
He wanted to go, and then heregretted it.
He wanted to go.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
He didn't regret it, he had fun and he was happy to
go and he'd go back a milliontimes with me.
But at the end of day one helooked at me as we're putting
our feet up in the hotel roomand he's like I know why all the
(10:29):
associates would give.
It was like I had a toddlerwith me, because they would give
him toys to play with whilethey discuss things with me.
It was the funniest thing thatis hysterical.
He got to try everything, and Ithink that was the coolest part
about market, was thateverything I brought in I've put
my hands on?
Or at least seen it in my hands, and so him getting to try
(10:50):
stuff out and he'd be like, oh,look at this, and so that that
was worth it, because I reallywant to bring in things that are
unique and, um, you know thataren't going to be breakable
thrown out immediately.
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
I get that, so tell us a little bit more on that
note, like how do you curate thetoys?
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Um, so it's multi-factor.
Um, we, we ask our kids, we askour friends, kids, we ask our
friends hey, what do you thinkof this?
What do you think of this pricepoint?
Um, kids probably give us thethe realist advice.
Um, they don't know anythingabout price.
Yeah, when I look, when I lookat things as a buyer, I'm
(11:34):
looking for value and it beingunique and I keep budget in mind
.
That's been a big, big thing ofme.
For me, and I'd say most of mytoys average under $20.
And that was a huge thing forme.
I wanted value and budget toysbecause I mean, who wants to
spend hundreds of dollars on atoy?
(11:56):
Now, there are some items I'mbrought in that are worth that,
but they're unique and specialand for certain events.
So one thing it's on order andit hasn't come in yet.
It might be later in the yearbefore it comes in, but like an
animatronic stitch, no way.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
I'm not in this stitch trend, but my 14 year old
is mentioning it.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
I'm like yeah, so uh, another one that's coming is an
animatronic toothless thedragon.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
Okay, I don't speak that language.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
The real, toothless movies coming out.
So that's, you know, but uh, sothose are some things that I
have ordered that hopefully comethrough.
But but being able to see thatkind of stuff was really cool,
but most of my gifts I would saythe average is under 20 and I
really wanted that way.
Kids like quality and quantityand so I wanted to combine the
(12:49):
two.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yeah, quality is so important, especially, you know,
we're just coming off ofChristmas.
How many parents can saythey've already had to like
throw out a toy that we spentyou know 20 bucks on or whatever
?
I would rather spend $60 forsomething that they love that's
durable, you know.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
And that's why I say it's multifactorial, because
then when I look at it from aparent, I'm looking for an
educational value andpracticality.
We don't want the little pieceseverywhere and we don't want
the mess making and like thelittle tagline I came up for
Zachary Toy Store was learningand playing, and that's because
learning is easier when you'rehaving fun, and we wanted all of
(13:27):
our toys to reflect that sothat it wasn't just a
meaningless toy and, likeparents, saw the value in those
toys too.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Sure, but from what I've gathered so I spent
probably half an hour in there afew weeks ago with you, ashley,
and I did going through thecatalogs and you were showing us
some of the stuff which we putin a gallery on our website
under that article.
So it seems like it's a reallygood blend of educational, some
nostalgic stuff and some uniquefinds.
(13:54):
So tell us kind of about bothends of that spectrum, like the
unique finds and the TikToktrends and all that stuff.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
Yeah, my girls really really get on the TikTok trends
and they like the Bunny Lulukey chains which were really
really hot.
And so I had to bring those in.
And then my preteen girls werethey're into the Wrangler
crossbody bags, and so, um, so Ihad to bring those in.
And then, um, my preteen girlswere they're into the Wrangler
crossbody bags, and so we havethose, and um, as far as like
the educational viral ones, wasthe tracing pads that um the
(14:26):
little BBs pop up when you tracethe letter or the number, so
that they know they did itcorrectly, and then they can
reset it and start over.
So it's reusable.
And then, do you remember, it'sabout as big as like an iPad
and it's for adding andsubtracting facts and
multiplying facts where, like,you click on the numbers.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
That's like ringing a very vague bell, so it's kind
of like a nineties or eighties.
Yeah, but come with you afterthis, let's see.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
But it's um no more flashcards.
It's all on this tablet thingnow, yeah, so that's so cool.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
And then, um, so there is some playroom staples,
I like to call it so you know,like I saw a really nice little
guitar tell us about that kindof selection, like a little
electric mini guitar that'sgonna play noises and be fun.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
And then, of course, you had to bring in the stick
pony, because who didn't have astick pony, right, um, except
ours didn't?
Nay and winnie and all thatthat there's two ours were in
our head.
Yeah, right, um, but yeah, we'rejust trying to bring in
something for everyone and I'mI'm excited to hear feedback
(15:41):
from the community and and ifthere's something that, hey, I'd
really like you to see this inhere, then, um, one item I'm
really looking into right now isthese puzzles, and the puzzles
on one end is kid size puzzlepieces and on the other end is
for adults, so that you cancombine and it makes one picture
at the end, so that the kidshave their side of the puzzle
(16:03):
and the adults have their end ofthe puzzle.
That's so like just findinglike unique things like that
that you're not going to find inbig box and you're not going to
find on big web, and you're notgoing to find on big web.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
And you you mentioned a couple of pieces of apparel,
so like the bags for the kids.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
Yes, okay, that's big for the tweens and the teens,
right it?
Speaker 2 (16:22):
is, it is Um.
And then you have tell us aboutthe skincare and the SPF.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Yeah, so I'm really excited for the kids one to come
in Um it's, so there's a clearoption.
So you know, not everybodylikes glitter, but if you have
one that likes glitter andshimmer, there is a glitter,
shimmer SPF coming in.
It's called like unicornsparkle and sunshine is the
company.
But yes, they have a mermaidone and a unicorn one.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
And the packaging is beautiful.
It is so pretty and it goes onsmooth, right it does.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
It's not chunky like when you put on glitter, you
know body paint or anything likethat.
It's very and it's reeffriendly.
So, it's biodegradable.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
Oh, that's so important.
Speaker 1 (17:06):
It is.
It is Now the women's skincareI'm absolutely loving because
it's an all-in-one product, soit includes all your serums and
your peptides, Hyaluronic acidand all that and a sunless
tanner.
It's in the the morning is inis more of your SPF, but it has
all that in there.
And then in the evening you puton your sunless tanner with all
(17:27):
of your serums already added toit.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
That's so great.
I'm excited about that.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
And then y'all have something y'all have something
um y'all are carrying, is itDuke cannon?
Duke cannon for the men.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
My husband is obsessed with the um.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Buffalo trace bourbon scent.
Um, that's right up his alley,and so I really I greedily
brought that in for him, causehe's obsessed.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Sure, yeah, but I mean, you know, when your man
comes back from getting hishaircut or his beard trimmed and
they smell so good and it'sthese products that they offer
in these salons right and youguys are going to be carrying.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
Yes, it's so good and some chapstick that doesn't
melt yes, so all my working guys, my dad included, they would
put a tube of chapstick in theirtruck and it would melt.
This one has like a really highmelting temperature, like it
has to be over 140 degrees forso many hours before it would
melt.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Okay, um, so do you have any exciting plans for the
store, such as events orworkshops or like seasonal
things?
Speaker 1 (18:22):
We do and I don't have too many details to share,
but March are?
Um we're we're excited to bringback our pool chemical rebates
this year, and they start inMarch.
Um, so we're planning an eventto celebrate our pool chemical
rebates this year and they startin March.
Um, so we're planning an eventto celebrate our pool chemical
rebates and um the toy store and?
Um, I don't know for sure yet,but there may be some bunnies
(18:45):
and pictures, and of course, ourfood truck, aji, is always out
front Wednesday through.
Saturday, I believe, um, butyeah, they're pretty addictive.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Okay, yes, they definitely are.
Um, yeah, and they're out theretoday, so great.
I will be um carpooling withyou back to the store.
I have a few gifts to pick up,so if you could add one dream
feature to the store, what wouldit be?
Speaker 1 (19:13):
That one was probably the hardest question you gave
me and I thought about it for along time.
And there's a practical answer,and then there's, like the
dream.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
No, tell me your Willy Wonka.
Speaker 1 (19:22):
answer my Willy Wonka is I want to be the destination
, like I want your kids to getout of school and be like I want
to go to the Zachary toy store.
I want to go there.
I want to be on your kids andon your minds to to come see
what I have and play with it andlet's open it up and try it and
, um, let's see how it's goingto work.
(19:44):
And I want to be that go-todestination in Zachary.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Yeah, I'm excited about that.
Now, what's your practicalanswer?
Speaker 1 (19:50):
My practical is.
I would love to renovate thebuilding.
We rent the building so it'sreally not in my budget but I
would love to renovate.
I love all the renovationsgoing on in Zachary and things
coming to life.
That building was the old grosshardware and it's one of the.
It's not the oldest building,but it's one of the older
buildings in Zachary and I wouldjust love to renovate it.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
But maybe one day.
So, circling back to a previousquestion about the events and
workshops and all that stuff,will you be offering seasonal
things like for Easter baskets?
Speaker 1 (20:25):
Yes, so we just are setting up our Valentine's
baskets.
Our Easter baskets are alwayswe did those last year but again
trying to get the word outthere that it's not just pool
stuff in our Easter baskets.
Our Easter baskets are always.
We did those last year butagain trying to get the word out
there that it's not just poolsto stuff in our Easter baskets
but our Valentine's baskets.
We're building those currently,plan to get some images out
there for everybody and see howthat's going to go.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Okay, and how can people in Zachary and beyond
support small businesses likeyours?
Speaker 1 (20:52):
Come by, um call, stop by, uh, spread the word,
share anything on social, butmainly we want to see you.
We want you to come in, we wantyou to say hello, we want you
to see what we have, we want tohear your feedback.
Uh we want to hear what youthink is the next cool toy and
that we should think aboutbringing in.
We want um, we want communityinvolvement.
(21:13):
We want you guys to come by andthat's the way you can support
most of our small businesses andkeep us going.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
And small businesses want to hear from you.
We want to hear directly fromyou.
We don't want screenshots ofrants you know like come tell us
.
We are, we exist for you.
Yes, zachary toy store existsfor the people of Zachary.
So if you want to see somechanges or you want to see some
new products, tell us.
(21:40):
Give, give feedback to Brittanyand, you know, all these other
small businesses.
You can help make it betterwith positive, constructive
criticism and feedback ratherthan you know bashing right.
Okay, rant over, but I'm goingto get down off my high horse
here but um okay, so tell usaddress hours phone social all
(22:00):
that stuff.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
So the toy store is inside of fun time pools.
It's 4860 highway 19.
Um, our hours are eight, 30 tofive, 30, starting Monday, um,
and Saturday from 10 to 1 um.
Again, we take phone orders.
We make accommodations for ourcustomers.
There have been times whereI've stayed late just because a
(22:21):
customer wasn't going to make itin time.
Um, and we've always offeredlocal delivery and we will
continue, even for the toy sideis offer local delivery, for I
have some regular customers thatdon't drive and we'll always
bring bring things out there.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
That is the benefit of of shopping small and knowing
the owners of these stores.
Speaker 3 (22:41):
Like you can just text Brittany, yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Yeah, and on social you are Zachary toy store on
Facebook.
And yes, Zachary toy store.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
We are on Instagram.
We have a website, zachary toystore.
We are on Instagram, we have awebsite, zacharytoystorecom, and
then, of course, it's alllinked up with Funtime Pools, so
FuntimePoolsLAcom and thenFuntime Pools on Facebook.
We actually have a VIP page onFacebook for the pool store and
sometimes I will poll those VIPsand offer them some specials.
(23:14):
So if you're not on the VIPpage, I do post a lot of sneak
peeks there.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Great Well, that is it for this week's episode of
Porch and Parish, the podcastwith Brittany McMills Anderson
of Zachary Toy Store.
It has been a pleasure to haveyou here today.
Make sure to stop by ZacharyToy Store on Highway 19, across
from the Oldwyn Dixie futureAldi right yeah, and follow
Zachary toy store on Facebook tosee the latest and greatest
(23:39):
offerings.
Huge shout out to our communitypartners, like the city of
Zachary, the East Baton Rougeparish library system and Breck
parks, who stand with us in ourmission to make make Zachary a
place where every resident feelsheard and engaged.
Thanks to the generosity andsupport of our community
partners, including FuntimePools, the magazine podcast and
everything you see online ispossible and free because of
(24:00):
them.
Remember the three T's thatmake up quality of life Pick up
trash when you see it, fostertechnology at any expense and
embrace an attitude of tolerancefor diverse voices to begin to
engage everyone's talents in ourcommunity.
Those diverse voices are thecreative engines that will drive
(24:20):
the future success of oureconomy.
Have a great week, everyone.
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On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!