Rising From Watermelons

Traci Kimone reporting in today with a very inspirational interview!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Laura J. Wellington, a lovely woman who proved that people can triumph and emerge victorious after tragedy and loss. When her husband died of cancer, it would have been all too easy for Laura to sulk and waste away. Instead, she took her energy and reached out to parents from a global perspective by creating a multicultural cartoon series that aims to teach children about values and diversity called The Wumblers.

In the series, The Wumblers were born from watermelons, and the National Watermelon Association (yes, one actually exists) have since provided their mutual support and endorsement of the Wumblers. Watermelons are a favorite snack for kids, so the show is a great way to get the word out on watermelons.

The Wumblers is a rapidly emerging and very successful children’s television series fostering unity and a better tomorrow for children around the world. Already broadcasting globally and winning multiple awards, the series germinated from a successful entrepreneur and mother living in Ridgewood, New Jersey who is committed to making a difference. Laura believes in the long term approach and making a difference from the ground up through children, as this is the only way permanent change will arise.

Laura has proven to be a success story that all who read about her and meet her are immediately inspired. Laura herself is a dynamic, intelligent, and witty individual who faced the loss of her husband and her children’s father with dignity and perseverance. She wanted her children to have a future and not be stricken by a past they had no control over. Surviving the loss of their father wasn’t enough. Laura needed to make sure that they thrived, and she knew that it started with her.

A preschool teacher and mother of four, Laura’s insight and understanding of children has proven itself invaluable to her life, both professionally and personally. Her innovative accomplishments currently include the development of child-related products geared towards making everyday parenting easier and extend into the mentoring of other young women through her association with NAWBO, NAFE, WBENC, and WPEO.

Laura is the CEO and co-founder of The Giddy Gander Company LLC. The company was founded in August of 2006 in direct response to the demand for her proprietary intellectual property of The Wumblers.

Laura’s accomplishments, recent nominations, and awards include 2004 Business Woman of the Year Award (NJ), 2004 Ronald Reagan Gold Medal Award for Entrepreneurial Vision & Business Achievements, 2006 Wonder Women of Toys, Women-to-Watch Award, Garden State Woman of NJ 2006, The Forbes Enterprise Award, and The Top 50 Women in Business. She recently became a recipient of her university’s highest honor, The President’s Award of Merit. Laura Wellington has accepted a seat on the Business Advisory Board for the Anisfield School of Business at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She is one of two Alumni taking a seat on the board. The Wumblers preschool television series’ first episode has also been granted The Dove Foundation’s Seal of Approval for family entertainment.

It’s stories like this that makes life meaningful. This teaches the lesson that out of something that may seem devastating, something wonderful and positive can evolve. Laura is touching lives and fostering positive permanent change in children. To learn more about Laura Wellington and The Wumblers, visit www.giddygander.com. You can also listen to our podcast and be inspired! Until next time, Traci Kimone signing off!