Meet Clare Frattarola | Founder of We Are Saplings™ & TEDx Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clare Frattarola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clare, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
This business has been a seed in the back of my mind since college. Back then, it was focused on building positive body image and confidence in young girls. Over time, it slowly evolved into what it is today—a brand centered on cultivating emotional intelligence in children. The evolution of the business mirrors my own personal growth. What started as a project focused on the outside has become something so much deeper: a mission to help kids accept all emotions and all parts of themselves.

That shift—from outer image to inner awareness—reflects my own journey. For years, I struggled with self-worth and chased validation through achievement. But underneath the striving were emotions I didn’t know how to feel, let alone regulate. Through therapy, mindfulness, and a lot of inner work, I realized it was never just about the surface. It was about learning to sit with the full range of feelings—and that’s exactly what I hope to give kids through the Saplings and their stories.

I poured myself into my media career, working on major brands like Disney and Paramount and climbing the corporate ladder quickly. I was successful on the outside, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t fulfilled. I always dreamed of working with kids, of starting something of my own—but the fear of leaving a “safe” path, and what people might think, held me back. So I kept going. Grinding. Pushing through burnout.

Eventually, I realized I had spent most of my life disconnected from my feelings. That was the turning point. I thought: what if we could give kids these tools from the start?

That’s when I began building what would become We Are Saplings™. I kept coming back to the metaphor of trees, specifically saplings, and how they bend in the wind but don’t break. It felt like the perfect symbol for kids. I also loved that trees are universal—something everyone can relate to, regardless of gender, background or culture. I became certified in mindfulness meditation and children’s yoga so I could weave those practices into stories and create tools that truly support kids. That’s when We are Saplings™ began to take shape. I wanted emotional learning to feel fun and accessible.

We Are Saplings™ was born from that vision—and from my own healing. It’s been a journey of turning pain into purpose, and now I get to share what I’ve learned in a way that hopefully makes it a little easier for the next generation.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We Are Saplings™ is a mindfulness-based brand that helps children build emotional intelligence through storytelling, movement, and play. We help kids learn to name what they’re feeling, why they’re feeling it, and what they can do about it.

I’ve created a whole world—with nature as the backdrop and the Saplings and their forest friends as the characters. The Saplings are emotion-based characters– each one represents a different feeling, like Ash the Angry Sapling or Willow the Sad Sapling. They each have their own story with mindfulness tools gently woven in, such as breathing exercises, movement, or self-reflection.

Through storytelling and play, kids learn that all feelings are valid—and that they have the inner resources to work through them.

What sets us apart is that we don’t teach from a clinical or overly academic lens—we teach from the heart. The forest setting feels grounded and safe, and the Saplings themselves are lovable and engaging. Our goal is for kids to connect to their inner world without shame or fear.

The idea for We Are Saplings™ was born out of my own healing. I spent over a decade in media and marketing, working across entertainment brands like Disney and Paramount—with many of those years focused on youth content. I loved my job, but deep down I always knew I was meant to work with kids in a more meaningful way.

After a surf accident in Costa Rica, everything changed. That experience cracked something open in me. I talk more about it in my TEDx talk, where I share my story and make the case for why teaching emotions early matters more than ever.

The first thing we’re launching is a series of what I’m calling “Audio Adventures.” They’re gentle, screen-free storytelling experiences that introduce each Sapling and the emotion they represent. Each story includes simple mindfulness practices woven in—like breathing exercises, body awareness, or quiet reflection. They’re designed to help kids feel more connected to themselves—whether they’re winding down before bed or just need a moment to reset during the day.

I’m also excited about our first product: a nature-inspired, interactive card deck that builds on the Audio Adventures. The cards bring each Sapling to life in a more tangible way and guide kids through breathwork or somatic movement practices tied to that emotion. The deck also includes affirmation cards and playful activity guides to help spark meaningful connection with others.

My long-term vision is to grow We Are Saplings™ into a global brand with low-stimulation content for kids, hands-on virtual experiences, and a full social-emotional learning curriculum. I want emotional intelligence to feel as natural and universal as learning the ABCs.

This isn’t just a business—it’s a mission. A love letter to the next generation. I firmly believe teaching kids emotional intelligence has the power to change the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When someone visits LA, I want them to experience the version of the city I fell in love with. I’m pretty much a Westside person, so most of my go-to spots are between Venice, Santa Monica, and Malibu. And yes, I know this itinerary might sound a little cliché and “basic,” but hey, it’s the truth.

We’d start one morning in Venice, walking the canals and grabbing coffee from The Cow’s End. That used to be my little tourist ritual, and eventually it became a routine. From there, we’d ride bikes along the beach path, take a walk on the sand with my dog Lennox, or head to the Venice Pier to watch the surfers. Those slow mornings by the ocean always remind me how lucky I am to live here.

I live in Marina del Rey, so we’d definitely spend time walking around the harbor. One of my favorite hidden gems is a little waterside café called United Bowl Nation. It’s tucked into the marina and feels like you’ve been transported to Europe. The owner, Chef Orcun, is the sweetest. We’d either stop by in the morning for coffee and one of their gorgeous pastries—or go for Wine Night Wednesday to enjoy tastings and dinner by the water.

One day, we’d head up the coast to the Lake Shrine Self-Realization Fellowship—aka my sanctuary. It’s one of the calmest, most sacred places in LA. After that, we’d grab lunch somewhere along the PCH, maybe Malibu Farm, and drive out to Point Dume for a light hike or a beach hang if the weather’s warm.

Evenings would include dinner on Abbot Kinney—Gjelina is my go-to—and of course, Salt & Straw for ice cream after. We’d take a meditation class or go for a sound bath at Unplug Meditation in Santa Monica, and definitely fit in a yoga class at Sweat Yoga in Playa Vista.

If shopping was on the itinerary, our first stop would be Century City Mall. A smoothie from SunLife Organics and some outdoor retail therapy? Sign me up.

We’d wrap the trip with a visit to Montana Ave. in Santa Monica for a more relaxed, local vibe. A little shopping, a stroll, and dinner at R+D Kitchen or Father’s Office to top it off. That area always gives me small-town vibes that remind me of my East Coast roots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I’d be where I am without the people who held space for me along the way.

My parents didn’t always understand the path I was on. I was making decisions based on gut feelings—and that’s not easy for a parent to watch. But they supported me anyway. My dad recently passed away, and in his final days, he showed me he believed in We Are Saplings™. From his hospital bed, he invested in my company with a random Venmo literally titled “Business.” That moment will stay with me forever. It was the kind of quiet love he always gave.

I’m also grateful for the friends who stood by me through so many versions of myself. I’ve gone MIA more times than I can count while navigating my healing, but they always welcomed me back with open arms. There’s something powerful about being witnessed by people who’ve seen it all and still choose to stay. Their support means everything.

And finally, Sonali Fiske, my TEDx coach, helped me take the next step: putting my voice into the world. With her guidance, I found the courage to own my story, plant a stake in the ground with Saplings, and begin sharing from a place of truth.

Website: https://www.wearesaplings.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearesaplings/; https://www.instagram.com/clarefrattarola/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-frattarola

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreSaplings

Other:
For speaking inquiries: clare.frattarola@gmail.com
For partnership inquiries: info@wearesaplings.com

Image Credits
tedx photos- Matan Mergi