Having a family member with learning disabilities was not the only reason Grace Parker went into a business that provides a wide variety of educational materials.

“At the Purple Camel we cater to kids of all needs and abilities,” says the owner of Purple Camel Learning Resources. “I have a passion for education and making sure all children, at all levels of learning, have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Grace was working at Purple Camel when the owner decided to sell the business. Seeing a growing need for educational resources, she bought the store in 2010.

With a motto of making learning “fun and accessible for everyone,” Purple Camel stocks parenting resource books, craft supplies, games and puppets.

“We know there are different learning styles, so we make sure all of those are represented in the products that we carry,” Grace says.

The store boasts a hands-on area so parents can shop while their children play. They also have an online catalogue for people to place orders if they cannot come to the store.

“We have a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within the store as well as in the products we sell,” she says. “We encourage people from all walks of life to come by and give us a visit.”

The business has evolved over the years. They now ship educational materials to schools across the region as well as to day-care centres. Grace also hopes to put more emphasis on products for children with special needs, for example, fidget toys and touchy-feely tactile gadgets that focus on sensory development, managing emotions and language skills.

“We carry products to help all children across the spectrum of learning succeed, no matter their abilities, from special needs to gifted,” Grace says.

Having bought the business nearly a decade ago, she attributes her success to an “amazingly” loyal customer base.

“Customers can become a friend who I sincerely appreciate,” she says.

She also credits the two employees who faithfully work with her, as well as husband Grant who is a great help behind the scenes.