About Us

Hi! I'm Manuela, the founder and owner of Melylu Sensory Play—named after my two greatest inspirations, my own children, Melody and Luca.
As a mom of two and an educator, I started creating sensory kits to spark my children’s imaginations, foster their creativity, and encourage independent play that’s both fun and educational. My journey began with a simple goal: to give my kids tools to grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively through the power of play.
With years of experience as a licensed K-12 teacher and over 15 years as a college preparation tutor, I’ve seen firsthand how early childhood experiences shape young adults. Through research and my own observations, I’ve come to firmly believe that sensory play is a catalyst for growth—helping children develop critical skills like problem-solving, language, and emotional regulation.
At Melylu Sensory Play, every product is designed with care, backed by research, and tested by my own little ones (Melody and Luca, of course!) before it reaches your family. Handcrafted with non-toxic materials like rice and homemade play dough, our kits are thoughtfully curated with coordinating themes, tools, and sensory fillers to inspire children to create, imagine, investigate, and explore—all while having fun.
But here’s the unexpected twist I discovered: our sensory kits don’t just benefit kids—they’re a gift to moms too. By fostering independent play, they give mamas a much-needed moment to breathe. Whether it’s enjoying a hot cup of coffee or simply sitting down for a quiet second, these kits are here to remind you that it’s okay to take space for yourself while your child thrives.
At Melylu Sensory Play, our mission is simple: to transform mom guilt into empowerment. I see you, I am you, and it’s okay to need a moment. Let’s give our kids the tools to grow while giving ourselves permission to breathe.
Last, but certainly not least, a sincere thank you for supporting small business; it means the world to us. I hope your family loves our products as much as we do!

✨PS...if you're a fellow mama, and by some miraculous twist of fate you find a fleeting moment to yourself, head over to my blog and explore some articles. Of course I discuss sensory play, but also Melylu's core principles, the ups and downs of motherhood, and even some bloopers. Plus, you get a deeper look into the real people behind MeLylu and everything that comes with being a "Momprenuer"... chaos and all!
~Manuela XO