Our Roots

 

In 2005, 9-year old Savanna had to crochet a doily for her 3rd grade school project. While she did a very nice job, she added a few too many drop stitches at the outer edge of the trivet causing it to curl and form a small lip. On the end table it sat idly for over a year, until one night a family friend, Chris, picked it up and tossed it across the room at Savanna's dad, Patrick. As it floated across the room and landed softly in Patrick’s hand, the two of them stood silently, jaws hanging slightly. They played catch for the next hour, joking all the while about what a hit this thing could someday become.

 

Time passed. Day jobs continued. But each time they hung out, Savanna's doily took flight and the lure of its possibilities grew stronger. Finally, almost a year later, they decided "Let’s give this a spin." As it reminded them of a cross between a hippie hat and a hacky sack they began researching where hacky sacks come from. The answer: Guatemala. Meanwhile Savanna’s mom, Mindy, made a half dozen or so prototypes, each of which took her several days in her spare time. Patrick and Chris shipped the prototypes off to different village-based production groups in Guatemala. What was sent down were two-toned concentric circular striped discs of the most ordinary sort. What came back blew their minds. The colors, patterns and variety the Maya artisans had created was so striking and unique that they knew they had discovered something amazing.

 

For the next few years, Patrick and Chris worked their day jobs while establishing a strong production base in Guatemala and took booths out at trade shows like the NY Toy Fair and Outdoor Retailer. Their warehouse was Patrick’s basement. By the end of 2010, they were ready to sell Pocket Discs full-time. With a motley crew they dove into the festival scene at places like Bonnaroo, The Hangout Festival, Telluride Blues and Brews. Years later, the team still loves to hit the road to connect with Pocket Disc fanatics, to see smiles lighting up kids’ faces, and to create fun for all ages.  Our beliefs in global responsibility and fair trade live on and 600 Mayan artisans and over two million Pocket Disc owners can thank Chris for his inaugural throw of Savanna's doily that fateful night. Since then, the Pocket Disc line has expanded to include a range of toys, games, and accessories, all devoted to honoring the Maya and our green, sustainable ethics.