Mom of the Month: Kelsey Beaver, Owner of sensory dough co.
We love celebrating creative, passionate parents making a difference in our community, and this month, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Kelsey Beaver, founder of sensory dough co. Kelsey’s journey is one of love, resilience, and purpose, all rolled (literally!) into her magical sensory kits for kids.
Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
Hi, I’m Kelsey—a proud veteran, wife, and mom to two incredible boys, Braylon and Weston. We’ve made our home in Johnson County, Missouri, where we’ve found a beautiful, supportive community. I’ve personally struggled with sensory processing challenges my whole life, and one of my sons shares those same needs. That common ground opened a door—not just to helping him, but also to healing parts of myself I hadn’t even realized needed healing.
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What inspired you to start your business?
sensory dough co. started as something just for my son. I was searching for tools that could help him regulate and thrive without becoming overwhelmed. So I started crafting my own sensory kits, hoping they’d make a difference. And they did—so much so that others began asking for them too. I didn’t plan to start a business—I just wanted to help my child. But in doing so, I realized I could help so many others. This business is a reflection of our journey—it’s where healing, play, and purpose come together.
What does a typical day look like for you as a mom and business owner?
No two days are the same, but they all start with mom life—breakfast, morning chaos, emotional support, the works. Once my kids are settled, I shift into business mode. That means filling orders, developing new products, managing social media, and connecting with our community. I try to juggle all of that while also keeping the house semi-sane and carving out a little time for myself (a work in progress!). It’s messy, it’s chaotic, but it’s mine—and I love it.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business?
Hearing from parents who say, “This helped my child”—that’s the heart of everything. It’s not about numbers or profit margins. It’s about creating something that gives a child confidence, brings peace to a family, or gives a parent a moment of calm. That kind of impact? It keeps me going, every single day.
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What challenges have you faced balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship?
It’s hard—plain and simple. Some days I feel like I’m being pulled in every direction, and the weight of it all can be overwhelming. But I’ve learned that I don’t have to carry it alone. My husband is my rock, quietly holding me up when I fall and standing beside me through every late night and big decision. He’s witnessed firsthand how our sensory tools have helped our son—and because of that, he believes in this dream just as deeply as I do. This might be my business on paper, but his support is in every single piece of it.
What advice would you give to other moms thinking about starting a business?
Start small. Start scared. Just start. You don’t need a perfect plan—you need a purpose. Let your “why” keep you grounded when things get hard (because they will). Your story, your experience, your voice—it all matters. And what you have to offer? The world needs it.
How do you and your family like to spend time together when you're not working?
We live for the simple moments—backyard adventures, spontaneous kitchen dance parties, late-night milkshake runs, and couch snuggles for movie night. Life with little ones is busy and loud, but it’s those quiet, grounding moments that remind me why I do what I do. That’s where the magic lives.
Follow Kelsey’s journey and learn more about her business:
💼 sensory dough co.
📍 Location: While you can always shop online, our products are also available in person at the following retail stores: My Little Town (Warrensburg, MO), Queen Bee Boutiques (Blue Springs, MO) and My Play Cafe (Lee's Summit, MO)
🌐 Website: www.sensorydoughco.com
📧 Contact: sensorydoughco@yahoo.com
📸 Instagram: @sensorydoughco
📘 Facebook: @sensorydough
🎵 TikTok: @sensorydoughco
Kelsey, thank you for the love and creativity you pour into sensory dough co.—you’re helping so many families find peace and play, one kit at a time.
