We’re so excited to introduce Juliana VanLaanen, the inspiring founder and creative force behind 2MamaBees.
Known for its beautifully designed, heirloom-quality playhouses, 2MamaBees sparks imagination and creates meaningful family moments. What started in Juliana’s backyard has grown into a nationally recognized brand committed to sustainability, purposeful play, and giving back. We sat down with her to talk about building a business, balancing motherhood, and the power of play.
Tell us a little about 2MamaBees! What inspired you to create it?
2MamaBees was born from my passion for meaningful, purposeful play. I wanted to create beautifully designed, eco-friendly playhouses that bring families together. It started as something I built for my own kids and quickly grew—now we work with Amish artisans to handcraft heirloom-quality pieces sold in over 110 retail locations. Everything we do is rooted in creating joy and giving back, from reforestation to supporting families facing pediatric cancer.
Your playhouses are stunning! Tell us more about the craftsmanship.
Thank you! The craftsmanship is something I’m really proud of. All our playhouses are handmade in the U.S. by Amish artisans using sustainable materials like domestically sourced white pine. Every detail is designed to inspire creativity and connection—these are pieces meant to last, be loved, and passed down.
How have your past experiences—and motherhood—influenced your success?
My background in leadership and business development taught me how to build and scale a brand. But being a mom gave the brand its heart. I knew what parents were looking for—safe, high-quality products that create real family moments. My kids have inspired so many of our features. And honestly, motherhood teaches you patience, grit, and flexibility—all critical for entrepreneurship.
What was your biggest “aha!” moment in year one?
Realizing we weren’t just building playhouses—we were building experiences. Seeing parents inside the houses reading books or hosting tea parties made it clear: we were creating spaces for connection. That moment shifted our whole brand mission.
Walk us through a typical Tuesday.
My day starts early—coffee and emails before the kids wake up. Once they’re off to school, I dive into leadership calls, marketing reviews, and product development. Midday is usually partner meetings, then afternoons are for creative work—content, design, customer feedback. After school pickup and dinner, I sometimes log back in for final emails. It’s full, but I love the balance.
You clearly have a heart for giving back. How does philanthropy play into your work?
Giving back is woven into everything we do. We partner with American Forests for reforestation and the BumbleBee Foundation to support families battling pediatric cancer. I also serve on the board of WeEmpowerHER, which helps women rebuild after hardship. To me, business should be a platform for real impact.
What advice would you give a mom starting her own business?
Start before you feel ready—and give yourself grace. You’re already managing a lot, which means you’re stronger and more capable than you think. Don’t wait for perfection. Progress is what moves you forward.
What’s surprised you most about motherhood?
How much it’s taught me about myself—my strength, my patience, and my ability to adapt. It’s also shown me how important it is to stay flexible and creative, which has directly shaped how I run my business. Motherhood has been the greatest teacher.
What are a few of your favorite summer pieces for your daughter from Danrie?
We live in sunny South Florida, so I go for anything light and breezy. Aviana loves dressing up, even for basketball practice. The New Society has the cutest summer dresses—perfect for beach walks, even in 90-degree heat.
Where can we find you?
Follow along on Instagram: @2mamabees
