Editor’s note: Lois Song is no longer an owner of Bunny Ears Art House. Please read the business’ statement regarding the matter.
More than 30 years ago, Jinny Choi and Lois Song started their first business – making and selling jewelry during grade school recess. Every day, while their friends were on the playground, they were taking custom orders for earrings and bracelets.
Today, the two ladies, still best friends, have that same hustle and passion for creativity. Last month, they opened Bunny Ears Art House, a play-based art studio for kids in Lincoln Square.
Bunny Ears caters to babies through elementary school age with classes, workshops and open art exploration. Choi and Song, former teachers, carefully curate weekly themes and fun, play-based art curriculums, complete with stories and songs.
“We wanted the studio to be process based rather than product-based art,” says Choi. “We focus on the experience of the child and the process it takes to make the art instead of what it looks like in the end, which avoids creating pressure on a child.”
Why do kids need play based art?
A goal of Bunny Ears was to bring kids back to their roots, Song says. With electronics readily available at home and school, kids often miss out on the simple, joyful experiences that make them a child.
“There is such joy in art and creating, and kids need more options to explore that creativity side of them,” says Song. “We believe in the philosophy that being bored is a good thing. From boredom, your imagination is born.”
Choi says that adults also love Bunny Ears because it brings them back to a simpler time in life. The studio boasts a large wet room that allows guests to paint all over the walls.
“We found that adults just love that,” she says. “It is an experience they haven’t had for a long time. At home, there are so many distractions, and we rarely get opportunities like this to just explore your creativity side.”
What’s it like to be a mompreneur?
Choi and Song are embracing their role as mompreneurs. While starting a business has taken away some initial time with their families, the two keep their kids involved with the studio. From testing out all the classes to cleaning up sensory bins, they have a strong presence at Bunny Ears.
“They are super proud of their mom,” says Choi, who lives above the studio. “After staying home for so long with them, I wanted to show them what I could do.”
Song says her kids now see her as both the boss of her family, and the boss of her business.
“It is especially important for our daughters to see their mom pursue a passion other than being their mom,” she says.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along the way?
Choi and Song hope their story shows kids the importance of strong friendships.
“If you have a best friend, hold on to them for dear life,” says Song, who says that she and Choi have remained close despite switching schools, going to different colleges and even living in different countries.
Choi says the thought of starting a business was scary but having her best friend alongside her put both of their minds at ease.
“We have the confidence to do what we are doing because we are in it together,” she says.
Fast talk with Jinny and Lois
Your to-go coffee order:
Jinny: Half Tan at La Colombe
Lois: I like my coffee in ice cream form — Haagan Dazs Coffee Ice Cream
Your favorite place to eat out with your family?
Jinny: We love eating out at Hello Jasmine in Lincoln Square and also on Thursdays we like to eat from the different vendors at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market — our favorite is the guacamole from Tamales Express.
Lois: My family loves Chi Cafe in Chinatown — our favorite dish is sweet sake fish.
Your personal saying:
Jinny: I can make that!
Lois: There’s never any mistakes in art, just happy accidents.
Your secret obsession:
Jinny: I love collecting pens, stickers and notebooks but I never use them.
Lois: I like to binge audiobooks by listening to them at 2x speed.
If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?
Jinny: I have a terrible sense of direction. If I could not get lost going places, that would be great.
Lois: I’d like to be less critical of myself and embrace setbacks as a part of making progress.
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