It Started With a Craft Show Table…

Hello, Beautiful Peoples!

If you’ve ever wondered how All Things Sensory Shop came to be—or if you’re just nosy (same)—pull up a chair, grab some chicken nuggets (preferably dino-shaped), and let me tell you the story of how this little handmade shop turned into my dream job.

Long before this was a shop, it was just me—fidgeting, stimming, and trying to exist in a world that’s not exactly sensory-friendly. I’m autistic and have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and depression (a real party, I know). Fidgeting became a natural and necessary part of how I self-regulate, focus, and calm my nervous system.

But here’s the thing—back when I was looking for tools to help me, most of what existed was either made for kids or just… way too expensive. So I started making my own. And naturally, my hyperfixated little brain was like, “Ohhhh I could make this better… in ten colors… with five texture options…”

Cue the fidget flood.

I actually got my start in late 2018, tagging along to craft shows with my mom (she’s a bridal seamstress—she’s fancy, I’m chaotic). I brought some stress balls, homemade slime, and playdough I’d made and thought, “Why not see if people like it?”

Well, they really liked it.

I doubled my stock every show. I sold out every single time. I started adding more products—fidgets I had made for myself, then tweaked for other sensory needs. Eventually, I was renting two booths just for me. Ten feet of table space. I couldn't believe what was happening! Dozens of people at every craft show wanted something I had created.

Coming up with the shop name was actually kind of funny. I was talking to my mom about it and she asked "well, what do you want your shop to be? What do you want people to know about your shop?" And I said "I don't know...just...All Things Sensory..." She laughed and said, "I think you just found your name." I started as "All Things Sensory by Alissa" and then changed it to "All Things Sensory Shop" when I started my website (because that's a lot to type out.

And then... 2020 happened. Craft shows were cancelled, everything shut down, and I was sitting there with bins of fidgets and no one to give them to. So I did what any slightly overwhelmed, highly caffeinated neurodivergent person would do: I opened an Etsy shop (with a bit of prompting from my wonderful Hubby).

That was September 2020. Since then, I’ve added nearly 200 items, shipped to thousands of customers, and somehow made a living doing the thing I love most. And now I’ve got my own website—which feels like this big, beautiful, chaotic corner of the internet that’s all mine.

You’re in it right now! (Hi!)

What's next? Honestly? So much. I’ve got plans for new product lines. More blog posts. More fidget education. More community-building. More collaborations. Public Speaking. More cats stuck in boxes they can’t get out of. (Lookin’ at you, Roomba.)

This shop isn’t just a business to me—it’s a reflection of my brain, my passions, and the neurodivergent community that keeps me going. I’m honored to be part of your sensory toolbox, and I’m so freaking excited for what comes next.

Thanks for being here with me. Truly.

Stay stimmy,

– Alissa

Owner, Creator, Lover of Maps & Mugs

All Things Sensory Shop