SIMPLIFY MEALTIME AND PLAYTIME

THE TABLE TYKE

By Elizabeth Shane

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BERLYN HAUGHTON

Berlyn Haughton, Franklin resident and innovative mom behind The Table Tyke, was on a mission to keep little ones safe during meals and playtime. The Table Tyke placemat simplifies mealtime and playtime, making it easier for both parents and their kids. It eliminates the typical mess and stresses whether you're socializing with friends during a meal, immersing yourself in the real world, or engaging in free time with your little one. It’s simple, The Table Tyke makes family time easier and safer while minimizing messiness.

The idea for Table Tyke came to Haughton in 2018 while she was eating at a restaurant, with her mom and seven-month-old, complaining about how eating out with a little one was so stressful. “As parents know, when you put your kids in the restaurant high chair and pull them up to the table edge they inevitably would hit their mouths or bump their heads because they're still learning to sit up or wobbling around because they're toddlers. If they are teething, the babies suck on the table ends which always kind of grossed me out,” Haughton said. “So I thought to myself, ‘Why is there nothing with a table edge bumper out there?’ Since it didn't exist, that's when I said, ‘I'm just going to do this myself!’”

Haughton always had dreamed of owning her own business; however, she didn’t know what it would look like or the timeframe. After more than a decade in Corporate America, she was ready to start a business that she would be excited to be a part of every day. The turning point came with motherhood, longing to embark on a venture that wouldn't leave her returning home drained and depleted. She sought a career that would truly fuel her passion and after that fateful lunch in 2018, The Table Tyke materialized and subsequently launched in October 2020.

The non-toxic food-grade silicone Table Tyke placemat was designed with both functionality and fun in mind. It is equipped with a proprietary bumper design that protects children from bumps and also safeguards children against germs making The Table Tyke an essential companion for teething and dining out. The reusable 12-inch x 10-inch placemat is versatile and travel-friendly providing a secure hygienic surface for meals and activities, effectively managing messy spills, and simplifying cleanup. Plus, it’s dishwasher and microwave-safe.

As Haughton’s business journey continued, she appeared on Shark Tank in January 2024. To help her business grow, she went on Shark Tank seeking $100,000 in exchange for a 10% equity stake in her company with the funds being earmarked for inventory and marketing expenses. Although Haughton did not receive a deal from a shark, the advice received was very encouraging and orders poured in after the show aired propelling her business.

“Since being on Shark Tank, it's insane how many orders we've gotten,” exclaimed Haughton. In fact, so many orders were received after the show aired Haughton had to have a packing party the following weekend to help prepare all the orders. “I usually have a one- to two-day turnaround [for orders]. My manufacturers even needed a month to catch up on inventory,” Haughton said. The national exposure gained from being on the show, deal or no deal, is priceless. Since Shark Tank first aired in 2009, about 59% of the pitches receive a deal with approximately half of those never closing the deal due to paperwork issues. “Overall, being on Shark Tank was a very positive experience and was amazing,” Haughton concluded.

IN EARLY MARCH 2024, THE TABLE TYKE XL, A 20-INCH X 15-INCH NONSLIP ACTIVITY MAT WILL BE AVAILABLE.

In early March 2024, The Table Tyke XL, a 20-inch x 15-inch nonslip activity mat will be available. These flexible mats were designed not only for meal and snack time but also for activities for kids and adults alike. From a cooking mat to crafting, painting to baking, the uses are endless! Like The Table Tyke, the XL is made from non-toxic food-grade silicone and is dishwasher and microwave-safe. Nearly double the size for double the fun!

Both sizes of the patent-pending silicone Table Tyke placemats have a bumper that hugs that table edge protecting wandering teeth, unlike other placemats. They are travel-ready, simply roll up and hook the loops over each end to make carrying easy. The non-slip placemats have raised edges to help prevent spillage and the 100% food-grade silicone is non-toxic, odorless, ecofriendly, and BPA-free. The multifunctional Table Tyke placemats are great for endless activities and promote early learning fun

For additional information or to place an order for The Table Tyke, visit thetabletyke.com. Follow them on social media at @thetabletyke. Experience for yourself how The Table Tyke makes eating out or at home easier for you and safer for the little ones!