Who am I? ✨
Hi, I'm Karlijn , a pedagogy student, mother of Viggo and the face behind MiniMission .
My journey began with a creative degree: the Allround Styling program at the Artemis Academy. From there, I briefly worked for various wholesalers, gaining experience in purchasing, image creation, and product presentation— everything related to creating a beautiful, safe, and effective look. Yet, I realized something was missing: I wanted to work more with people, feel a genuine connection, and make a difference for others.
That search led me to disability care , where I worked with children and young people with disabilities. An intense and educational beginning that gave me many insights. Meanwhile, I began studying pedagogy and transitioned to childcare , where I worked as a childcare professional for three years, working daily with young children's development. Both experiences taught me a great deal about child development, attachment, and personalized support .
It wasn't until I became a mother myself that I truly discovered what parenthood means. With my educational background and my maternal instincts, I try to support other parents in their search for answers: what does your child need to develop well in a world full of stimuli and products?
On my Instagram account @pedagogischemama, I share daily insights about parenting, development, and conscious parenting . You'll also regularly see my son Viggo there, in photos of him playing, exploring, or testing products. You'll also see him often on this webshop. If you see a child in a product photo or in images of him playing, chances are it's Viggo. I've actually used and tested many of the items you find here with him, from sensory toys to open-ended materials that stimulate motor skills and baby development .
🚀 How did Mini Mission come about?
When I became a mother, I was overwhelmed by baby supplies. But what does your little one really need? What toys are safe, sustainable, and educationally sound ? And how do you choose something that suits your baby's development , without overstimulation or the stress of making a choice?
MiniMission was born from that search. Actually, this idea had been in my head for years: I dreamed of something for myself, something that combined my knowledge, experience, and passion. Thanks to the wonderful community around @pedagogischemama , I was repeatedly reaffirmed in this dream. Parents often asked for tips on sustainable toys or where they could find developmentally appropriate toys . Then I thought: why not bring it all together, in one place --> in my own webshop?
And so MiniMission was born. More than just a baby webshop : it's a platform in development where pedagogically sound products meet honest experiences, inspiration, and (in the future) contributions from other professionals. A mission, in other words, to help parents with all those little mini-missions of parenthood. 💛
What does Mini Mission mean 🌟
On the one hand, MiniMission represents our mission to help little ones (our children) grow with safe, appropriate, and stimulating toys. On the other hand, it refers to the little mini-missions you engage in every day as a parent: grabbing, exploring, rolling, looking, feeling, learning—all small moments that contribute to major developmental leaps.
MiniMission supports you in those moments, with products that connect with natural child development and that encourage play and discovery.
What can you expect?
MiniMission offers a consciously and carefully selected range of products that match the natural development of your child - ✔ Development-oriented - ✔ Safe & sustainable - ✔ No excess, but impact - ✔ Personal and honest advice
Personal and transparent 🤍
MiniMission isn't a large chain, but a conscious, small-scale online store. Everything you find here has been personally tested, researched, or discussed with other parents and professionals. I believe in honest communication, sustainable choices , and an honest approach to parenting and development.
Do you have any questions, are you unsure about something or are you looking for something specific?
Feel free to send me a message, I'd love to think along with you.