Meet the Team!

  • Lainie Holmes

    FOUNDER + CREATOR
    of LYKKE Kids TM


    Lainie is the visionary behind the magical space called LYKKE Kids. As a former educator and leader in her field, Lainie was highly respected for her creativity, innovative thinking, and ability to build relationships and community. She now uses her vast skill set and background in child development and learning design
    to create a high quality space that kids love and where families enjoy spending time together.

    Lainie is always learning. She has taken courses out of Stanford University about Design Thinking, the LEGO Foundation in Denmark to learn more about supporting the social and emotional well-being of children, and courses through IDEO about innovation and storytelling. Lainie is a total nerd about research and ideas, and feels inspired and energized by people who choose to do things differently.

    LYKKE Kids is a culmination of years
    of thinking and learning, mixed with her love of Scandinavian design, small town values of knowing your neighbours and her care for kids.

    Lainie wanted to create a quality space thoughtfully designed for kids, where they could spend time with other kids and families could spend quality time together.

  • Eric Holmes

    HEAD OF MAINTENANCE
    (Eric gave himself this title)

    We joke that Eric has a “job” he never asked for and doesn’t get paid for. But joking aside, he is an incredibly valuable support and an important part of the space.

    Eric is a kid at heart. Little ones look forward to seeing Eric on Saturday mornings and the dads do too. He is endearing, laid back and when it comes to kids, quick to move down to their level to chat and always ready to play.

    Eric helped build benches in the space for families to relax on, the art easel for kids to have fun with, and even though he’s likely nervous every time he hears Lainie say “I have an idea,” he’s always
    up for it.

    Eric is Lainie’s husband, and he has always been that encouraging voice when she’s wanted to do something that feels risky or out there - which is why we now have LYKKE Kids!

  • Our 3 Kids (ages 8, 9, 10)

    TRUSTED ADVISORS



    The Holmes’ kids are very proud
    of the space their family has created.

    Their perspectives are valued
    and Lainie often asks for their feedback, “Do you think kids would like this…” And the scented glitter gel pens Charlie chose back in the summer for the art studio have gotten a LOT of love. Kids know what kids love.

    The Holmes’ kids have been a part of the process right from the beginning - exploring locations alongside Mom and her real estate agent. Because if it’s a space
    for kids, you need to see how kids respond to it.

    They have helped during the renovation phase, have been super patient with having to share their mom with other kids and families, and are happy to collect $5 for candy money when they help out.

And that’s literally the team, for now.

An east-end family who lives in the neighbourhood,
happy to create a space for families to enjoy.


And not pictured here are the countless people
behind the scenes who offer support and input.
Lainie often reaches out to former colleagues (and friends) to get their insight - into what she’s observing in the kids and noticing in their play, to talk through what she might do next in the space to support them, to provoke their thinking or to spark creation and play.

Her friends have a background in early childhood development and have spent their careers working
and learning alongside kids. They know so much and
it’s nice to have someone to chat kids with.

And most importantly, they love kids.
They know how capable they are and their potential
when grown-ups give them the space
so they can do their thing.

Thankful for their friendship and support.