Hello there!
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be spending my days creating children’s workbooks, journals, and story-driven keepsakes, I might have smiled politely and said, “That sounds lovely,” but deep down, I wouldn’t have believed it. My life back then was completely different.
I’m a graduate who worked in corporate product development back in Sri Lanka. My days were filled with meetings, deadlines, and strategies. I enjoyed the challenge, but my work was always for someone else’s vision, someone else’s dream. Then life brought me to Canada, a fresh chapter, full of hope and unknown possibilities.
And then came motherhood. Twice.
When my second baby arrived, my life shifted entirely. I was on maternity leave, caring for a newborn while also making sure my six-year-old was thriving in school. My days started before sunrise and ended well past midnight. Somewhere between diaper changes, homework help, and preparing countless snacks, a thought kept echoing in my mind:
I need to create something of my own.
It wasn’t just about money, though financial freedom was a big motivator. It was about using my skills, my creativity, and my love for learning to build something meaningful, something that could grow alongside my family.
The Spark of an Idea
While teaching my son at home, I began to notice the gaps in kids’ educational materials. Some math workbooks were too complex for his level, others were uninspiring, and most lacked a personal touch that could make learning fun. As a mom, I wanted resources that didn’t just “teach” but engaged and encouraged my child, materials that were practical, beautifully designed, and easy for parents to use.
That’s when my corporate product development brain kicked in. I had spent years creating and improving products for big companies — why not create my own? And so, an idea started to take root: I would design children’s learning books and journals that blend practicality, creativity, and heart.
From Idea to Action
With a newborn in one arm and my laptop in the other, I began researching, sketching, and writing. I used nap times to draft pages and late nights to design layouts. I poured my knowledge, my love for journaling, and my personal experience as a mom into every page.
The first books I created were children’s math workbooks, thoughtfully structured, visually engaging, and designed to make learning a joyful process. But I didn’t stop there. My love for writing and reflecting naturally led me to create journals, spaces where moms, kids, and anyone in need of reflection could write their thoughts, track their growth, and capture meaningful memories.
The Boarding Nest Is Born
What started as a small maternity leave project has now grown into The Boarding Nest, my little corner of the internet where I share books, learning tools, and creative resources inspired by family life.
Every book I create carries a piece of my story, the determination of a mom chasing her dream, the joy of watching her children learn, and the hope that these creations will help other families, too.
Why This Matters to Me
Writing these books is not just about creating products. It’s about connection. It’s about knowing that somewhere, a mom is using my workbook to help her child understand math for the first time… or someone is jotting down their thoughts in one of my journals after a long, overwhelming day.
It’s about leaving behind something meaningful, a legacy not just for my kids, but for anyone who finds value in what I’ve made.
A Note to You
If you’re reading this, know that you’re part of my journey too. Your support, whether it’s by reading my blog, using my books, or even just sending a kind message, means more than I can put into words.
Thank you for letting my creations be a part of your life. And if you’re a parent, creator, or dreamer yourself, I hope my story reminds you that your dreams are always worth pursuing, no matter how small the steps or how busy the season of life you’re in. 💛
