Maria Koskela is a North Vancouver artisan who designs and makes modern baby toys under her mimi label. She uses organic, sustainable materials to create products that are safe, creative and encourages children to use their imagination while playing. Maria was born and raised in Finland. She graduated from the University of Industrial Arts of Helsinki, Finland with an Masters degree in product design, married a Danish/Canadian and moved to Vancouver to raise their two amazing sons, whom inspired Maria to design her first toys. Her inspiration comes from nature and she applies the Scandinavian design philosophy “less is more” in to her toy designs.