Interview with NATALIE REBOT, CREATOR OF MOONLITE- Spin Master

Mumtrepreneur, Natalie Rebot is bringing the magic of kids’ bedtime stories to life, with an innovative and award-winning product redefining the popular night-time ritual.

Moonlite transforms any mobile phone into a storybook projector, as popular children’s stories are vibrantly projected onto a child’s bedroom ceiling or walls – creating an immersive and engaging reading experience. It combines traditional storytelling with modern technology to create a completely new way of reading with your child before bed.

The Moonlite projector is portable, lightweight and easily clips to any IOS or android mobile phone, as stories are bought to life through the projector and the phone’s torch. The free downloadable app takes storytelling to the next level, complete with sound effects and read-a-long features which are implemented through the words appearing on the phone. A glowing word signifies sound effects – an element that creates a complete audio-visual experience. While seamless page detection software automatically turns the page on the screen when you turn the reel, allowing parents to be present and enjoy the special nightly experience.

Inspired by her own daughter, five-year-old Chloe’s fascination with shadow play based stories, Natalie saw an opportunity for a child’s whole room to become part of the storytelling experience.

“My daughter loved being in her room at night, with a small light and we would create shadow puppets with our hands to tell stories. We were already passionate readers in our family, so this was just adding another dimension to the night-time ritual,” explains Natalie.

“It took about six months to bring my idea to fruition and until I had the first protype in my hand. Then it was another four to five months before I launched the product on Kickstarter (a fundraising platform for creative projects). Every day Chloe and I would eagerly watch the Kickstarter page – and to see people around the world donating funds as they believed in my product was simply overwhelming,” she adds.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in software engineering and seven years working in a variety of positions at Google, Natalie’s inventive creation has garnered international appeal, with Moonlite now sold in retail stores all over the world. It was recently awarded one of the top educational toys in 2018 by Play Advances Language (PAL).

  

In late 2017 Spin Master announced a global licensing partnership with Natalie to bring her popular Kickstarter campaign to life. Spin Master Australia is now pleased to launch the successful brand in Australia in October.

I was lucky enough to interview this fabulous mumma! Hope you enjoy.

1.)    What's your secret to being a super successful and savvy working Mum?

I think you need to take it one day at a time. When you are an entrepreneur, every day can be different. There are good days, bad days and everything in between. Layering that in with being a full-time mom requires great planning and organizational skills. I think you need to have balance and know when to focus on the business but then also be able to disconnect and focus on your family life. I think that is the most common struggle for any working mum, finding the balance that works for you and your family.

2.)    Tell us why you think storytelling is such an important part of childhood?

Storytelling fuels the imagination of children from a young age. I see storytelling as a bonding experience between parent and child but it also promotes and develops early-literacy skills. Reading aloud to your child helps develop their vocabularies and early reading skills.

3.)    What is your favourite story to tell with the Moonlite projector?

It can change weekly, depending on what my daughter likes. Right now we are really liking We're All Wonders, which is based on the bestselling novel Wonder. It is a book about choosing kind. 

4.)    There's lots of budding Mumpreneurs out there – what are your top tips for Mums wanting to start something of their own?

Don't underestimate yourself. Mums are amazing superhumans who can literally do anything. I think you should get started on things right away, lean on your other mum friends for advice and don't be afraid to ask for help.

5.)    What's been your most exciting moment since launching the Moonlite projector?

Probably launching the Kickstarter and seeing the product and video go viral. Within a month or so, it had amassed over 50M views, which was incredible to witness. Another key moment was seeing Moonlite in retail shops, it was one of the most incredible feelings ever to see something I had created in my favorite stores. 

6.)    What’s in the pipeline for 2019 for you and your business? 

Lots of new, amazing stories. Some creative line extensions and a bunch of other fun stuff! You will have to stay tuned for that.

Check out more on Moonlite projector HERE