How a Childhood Love for Slime Became a Mission About Play at Every Age

My love for slime began when I was six years old. I was fascinated by the creativity behind it, mixing colors, experimenting with textures, and discovering all the different ways something so simple could become a source of fun. Before long, slime became more than just a hobby. It became a way for me to create, explore, and share moments with the people around me.

One of my favorite memories is playing with slime with my grandpa. While I would play with slime for hours, he would often come by and watch me create my own recipes and also experiment with the slime in his own unique way, stretching it almost like he was making noodles from scratch, something he loved doing when cooking at home in China. While I was focused on creating new recipes, he brought his own creativity and memories into the experience. Those moments showed me that something as simple as playing together could connect generations in unexpected ways.

As I grew older, I began noticing the importance of hands-on activities in a different way. My grandma, who has Parkinson's disease, often uses tools and exercises to help maintain strength and movement in her hands. Seeing her use these tools made me start to wonder: what if activities like that could also be enjoyable, creative, and something people genuinely looked forward to — not just for her, but for anyone who could use more of that kind of engagement in their life?

That question led me to start volunteering, leading craft events, game nights, and community activities at senior centers. It was one of the first places I got to test the idea, and it taught me a lot. I watched people light up when they had the chance to try something new, express themselves, and reconnect with a playful version of themselves. During events like “Gorgeous Grandma,” where residents got dressed up and celebrated themselves, I saw how powerful it could be to create moments of confidence, joy, and connection through something as simple as play.

But over time, I noticed something else. The moments that sparked the most joy and connection weren't really about any one age group or setting — they were about people getting the chance to create, explore, and be present, the same way I had with my grandpa when I was six. Play, it turned out, wasn't something people outgrew. It was something they stopped being offered.

That realization became the foundation of Playing to Heal. It started with slime, and slime is still part of what we do — but the bigger idea was never really about the material. It was about making space for play throughout life, for people of different ages and abilities, not just the ones I happened to start with.

In middle school, I had started my own small slime shop and shared my creations with others. Although I eventually stepped away as life became busier, my passion for slime never disappeared. Years later, I found myself returning to something that had always brought me happiness — but this time, with a much bigger purpose behind it.

Through Playing to Heal, I hope to share the joy, creativity, and connection I've experienced through play with adults of all ages, older adults, people with disabilities or special needs, children with special needs and their families, and communities looking for meaningful ways to connect. Whether it's creating slime, joining a craft event, or simply taking a few moments to be present, I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to play.

Because play isn't just for childhood, it's for everyone.