For Bethany Chambers, sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a way of life rooted in compassion, community and conscious parenting. As the founder of Merry Go Round Toys, she is on a mission to make quality play accessible to all families while reducing waste and challenging the throwaway culture that dominates the toy industry. Inspired by her own values and driven by a desire to create meaningful change, she has built a business that gives pre-loved toys a second life, proving that sustainable choices can be practical, affordable and deeply impactful. At Merry Go Round Toys, Bethany shows how one simple idea can help create a brighter future for children, families and the planet. Here she shares her story with The Natural Parent Magazine.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Merry Go Round Toys was founded on a deeply held belief: children deserve access to quality play without harming the planet or placing additional strain on families already doing it tough. This belief is not abstract; it is grounded in lived experience, community observation and a clear-eyed understanding of the environmental and social failures of the traditional toy industry. Sustainability is not an add-on to the business; it is the reason the business exists. The enterprise is motivated by kindness, integrity and humanity, and by the conviction that sustainable choices should never be a luxury item reserved for those who can afford them.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
My vision came before my body was ready to engage in entrepreneurship and I had our logo designed some five years before I actually commenced Merry Go Round Toys. The huge “Launch” was in April 2023. Our first ever market was at the local church carboot sale and it was a total flop.
We quickly recognised that the downside to being innovative is that there is an element of education required. People need to gain an understanding as to what your mission is: “We give great toys a second life – safely, affordably and with heart”.
Merry Go Round Toys‘ commitment to sustainability is driven by compassion for families, respect for the planet and an unwavering belief in doing business with integrity. By addressing the real barriers that prevent reuse – trust, safety, affordability and convenience – the enterprise proves that sustainability can be practical, inclusive and deeply human. Every toy restored, every family empowered and every resource saved reinforces the same truth: when values lead, sustainability follows.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest breakthrough was understanding that Merry Go Round Toys was an innovation in itself, one that had huge potential for large scale impact. As testified by the amount of recognition we have received in a relatively short timeframe.
The simple-yet-effective business structure has ensured Merry Go Round‘s portability and impactful placement is possible, in a variety of geographical regions. A simple idea to tackle a global issue whilst also helping others was more than just a clever idea – it has become a mission
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Family is integral to the smooth running of Merry Go Round and we incorporate the two as best we can. MGRT operates both a recommerce channel as well as a portable toy stall for events and festivals throughout SEQ and beyond. This has given us the luxury of portability and a balance of extending the stay in a variety of small towns as campers, enjoying the serenity together. So we have designed a lifestyle business that is proudly family owned and run.
