Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Thomas.
Hi Stacey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a mom of four children, a special needs advocate, and a pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 25 years experience. I own my own pediatric speech therapy company in Tampa and more recently was inspired to create and launch Smile Paint Toothpaste, the Play-Based Toothpaste. My oldest son Liam has Down syndrome and struggled with intense oral sensitivities and toothbrushing aversions when he was younger. My husband and I tried different toothpaste flavors, toothbrushes, timers, and songs in an attempt to make toothbrushing more enjoyable for our son. Nothing worked and I felt robbed of a calm bedtime routine with Liam.
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I heard the same frustrations from so many other parents. I knew there had to be a better way to introduce toothbrushing. With my experience as both an SLP and a mom of four, it finally clicked: children learn through PLAY! For example, when children learn to eat, they explore the food first – they touch, smell, taste, and play before they truly eat. So why should toothbrushing be any different? Children need the same playful introduction to oral care. That realization sparked the idea for Smile Paint, a creative, playful approach to toothbrushing that transforms brushing from a battle into a positive experience.
Right then and there started my 6 year journey to creating Smile Paint. I knew that I wanted to create a fun toothbrushing experience for all kids and for kids to feel that they were in control of their toothbrushing experience. Smile Paint is unique because it is a Play-Based toothpaste where children mix naturally colored and flavored toothpastes together to create new colors and new delicious flavors. They then paint their teeth and brush them clean. Smile Paint allows the child to be creative, have fun, explore, and play with toothpaste.
The Smile Paint kit offers four yummy dessert-inspired, colorful toothpaste flavors including Fluoridated Vanilla Cupcake and three fluoride-free flavors, including Strawberry Shortcake, Banana Cream Pie, and Blueberry Cobbler. Each kit also includes a smock, paintbrush, toothbrush, and mixing palette. Kids mix, paint, and brush while having fun creating limitless color and flavor combinations, turning toothbrushing time into something to look forward to.
My son Liam also inspired me to create the Smile Paint Foundation. A percentage of each Smile Paint kit sold goes to our Smile Paint Foundation. The Smile Paint Foundation offers grants to companies that employ adults with intellectual disabilities and to organizations that support special needs adults in living a limitless, purposeful life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to creating Smile Paint has been anything but smooth. I first thought of the idea of Smile Paint in 2020 during Covid lockdown and it has taken me 6 years from idea to launch. Being a speech-language pathologist, I knew nothing about the toothpaste industry. For two years I struggled to find a toothpaste company willing to work with me and help me create my vision. I was working full-time as the owner of my growing speech therapy company and raising 4 young children. My time to learn all I could about the toothpaste industry was limited and very overwhelming.
After 2 years of trying on my own and in an act of desperation, I decided to reach out to a chemist Facebook page to see if I could be connected with chemists who could help me create Smile Paint. I sent an email to everyone on that list and unfortunately, most of the people on that list had little to no experience with the toothpaste industry. By divine intervention, someone reached out to me who had over 30 years experience in the beauty/health industry and focused on product development. There was SO much I did not know, and without her help I would not have had the time, resources, knowledge, and connections to bring my idea into reality. She believed in me right away and with every little step during the journey, I started to see my vision come to life. It took years and many iterations of toothpaste to create the flavors, naturally bright colors, and consistency I was looking for and to find the right kit components, as well.
I look back now and can’t believe that this idea I had in my head is now physically here! Although it’s taken me longer than expected to create and launch Smile Paint, not once did I ever consider giving up. My why was way too big! My son Liam inspired me everyday because of his positive attitude and limitless outlook on life. I tried everyday to live and think as he does. I knew that I was solving a problem for so many. The most beautiful part of this journey is having my children see that the ideas we carry in our minds can become something real—with imagination, courage, and the willingness to try.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Smile Paint Toothpaste?
What I have learned throughout my years as an SLP and by being a mom of 4 children, is that children learn through play. Children use all of their senses to learn, feel confident, and safe about their world. For example, when a child first learns to eat, they use all of their senses before they actually eat their food. They use their sight, taste, smell, touch as they play to fully experience their food. Smile Paint is unique because it’s a Play-Based toothpaste that puts the control in the child’s hands. Children have fun creating new colors and delicious flavors and they love being silly as they paint their teeth.
I am on a mission to create positive oral care habits for children from an early age so that they can carry these oral habits into adulthood. Smile Paint is also unique because it takes the typical mundane adult-led toothbrushing experience into a fun, creative, and child-led toothbrushing experience. Life is busy and many parents may rush their child through toothbrushing and make another checkmark on the list of things to do. Smile Paint builds family fun and connection with parents, fosters creativity, builds confidence, and lets the child feel in control.
Some cool things about our Smile Paint Community:
Our Smile Paint website also has a Professional Partner Program that brings together dentists, educators, therapists, and family-focused professionals who share our belief that brushing should feel safe, supportive, and FUN. We collaborate with trusted professionals to provide education, resources, and real-world insights that help families feel confident about their child’s oral health journey. Together, we’re transforming everyday routines into positive experiences.
Our Smile Paint Foundation: A percentage of each Smile Paint Kit goes to our Smile Paint Foundation. We offer grants to companies that employ adults with intellectual disabilities and organizations that support special needs adults in living a limitless, purposeful life.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Tampa is the extraordinary sense of community. It is a wonderful place to raise a family, where neighbors genuinely look out for one another and where children are surrounded by people who care about them. There is also an incredible sense of compassion and support within our community for our special needs population. It is truly special the way families come together, advocate for one another, and celebrate every child. It creates a community where you never feel like you are navigating life alone.
If there is one thing I like least, it would be the pace of growth we have experienced over the past few years. At times, it feels like our quiet little secret is getting out, but in many ways, that growth is also a reflection of what makes Tampa so special. More and more people are discovering the beauty of our city, the strength of our community, and the wonderful quality of life we are fortunate to experience every day. I certainly understand why so many others want to call Tampa home!
Pricing:
- Smile Paint Kit = $40.00
- Smile Paint Sibling Kit = $8.00
- Individual Smile Paint Toothpaste Tube = $7.00
- Individual smock = $10.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smilepainttoothpaste.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilepainttoothpaste/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smilepainttoothpaste
