Meet Nicole Bistric | Owner & Founder of ImagiDough

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

Hi Nicole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting ImagiDough was driven by a combination of personal experience and a desire to help others. As a mom of a child with sensory sensitivities, I wanted to create a product that would offer a safe, engaging, and comforting environment for sensory exploration. I realized that there was a need for sensory tools that could provide both educational value and fun, so I combined my background in education with my passion for supporting kids. ImagiDough was born out of this need to give children a space to explore, create, and grow, all while providing parents and educators with high-quality, non-toxic products that help develop essential skills like fine motor coordination, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

Additionally, my experience as a former educator made me want to create something that could support not only my own family but also other parents, teachers, and therapists who work with children who have sensory processing challenges. ImagiDough is about fostering creativity, providing comfort, and offering a meaningful, hands-on way for kids to engage in sensory play and learning.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
ImagiDough is more than just a business to me—it’s a reflection of my journey as an educator, a mother, and an entrepreneur. Before launching ImagiDough, I spent 20 years teaching both children and adults in the classroom and coaching in the corporate world. My extensive background in education and leadership has given me a deep understanding of how children learn, grow, and develop through play.

As a mom of two, one with sensory sensitivities, I saw firsthand how important sensory play is in helping children regulate, explore, and engage with the world around them. I wanted to create a product that was not only fun but also beneficial for kids who need hands-on, engaging sensory experiences. That passion led me to develop ImagiDough—where imagination truly takes shape.

One of the biggest driving factors behind starting my own business was the desire for flexibility. Having young children, I wanted to be present and available for them throughout their childhood while also building something meaningful. Owning my own business has given me that flexibility, but I’ve also learned that entrepreneurship is a 24/7 endeavor. The creative wheels never stop turning, and while I have the freedom to set my own schedule, I’m always thinking of new ideas, refining my products, and finding ways to grow.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has taught me something valuable—whether it’s navigating small business logistics, balancing work and family, or pushing through moments of doubt. At the end of the day, I’m proud that ImagiDough is not just about selling playdough; it’s about providing tools that support kids, parents, teachers, and therapists in fostering creativity and sensory exploration. My goal is to continue growing ImagiDough into a brand that makes a real impact while staying true to my mission of making sensory play accessible, fun, and meaningful for all children.

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.
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d want to give them the full experience—from the laid-back charm of my hometown, Imperial Beach, to the iconic spots that make this city so special. Here’s how I’d plan it:

Day 1: Welcome to IB
We’d kick things off in Imperial Beach with a morning stroll along the beach, stopping by Katy’s Café for coffee and breakfast. Afterward, we’d check out the IB Pier, watch surfers, and maybe even spot some dolphins. For lunch, we’d head to Mike Hess Brewing for tacos and a relaxed local vibe.

Day 2: La Jolla Adventures
La Jolla holds a special place in my heart since I got married there, so it’s a must-visit! We’d kayak through the La Jolla Caves, then head over to see the seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove. Afterward, we’d have brunch at Brockton Villa, where I had my wedding brunch—perfect for ocean views and amazing food.

Day 3: Little Italy & Downtown Exploration
A Saturday in Little Italy means stopping by the Little Italy Farmers Market to grab fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious bites. After browsing, we’d enjoy brunch at Richard Walker’s Pancake House for their famous German pancakes. Then, we’d head to the New Children’s Museum for the kids to explore and play.

Day 4: San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park
No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the San Diego Zoo! We’d spend the morning exploring the exhibits and letting the kids get up close with the animals. For lunch, we’d picnic at Balboa Park, then check out some of the museums, like the Fleet Science Center or the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Day 5: Coronado Beach & Biking the Strand
We’d spend the day on Coronado Beach, with its sparkling sand and stunning views of Hotel del Coronado. A must-do for us is biking the Coronado Strand, a beautiful ride along the coast between Coronado and Imperial Beach. We’d also stop by Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory for lollipops (bonus: my ImagiDough products are sold there!).

Day 6: Coastal Drive & Sunset Cliffs
We’d take a scenic drive up the coast, stopping in Del Mar or Encinitas for a relaxed beach town vibe. We’d grab lunch at The Crack Shack for some of the best fried chicken around. In the evening, we’d head to Sunset Cliffs for breathtaking views to close out the day.

Day 7: Relax & Local Favorites
Before my friend heads home, we’d keep it easy with a final coffee and pastry run at Trident Coffee. We’d take a relaxed morning walk along the Tijuana Estuary and soak in the last bit of San Diego sunshine before saying goodbye.

San Diego offers the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and great food, and I’m grateful to raise my kids in a place with so much to explore!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my amazing husband, who has been my number one cheerleader from the very beginning of this journey. When it was just me and the kids with an idea, he believed in me and has supported me every step of the way. His unwavering encouragement has been a big part of how ImagiDough has grown into what it is today.

I also want to thank Niki Jones at the San Diego Moms Group for helping me gain exposure and providing me with booth space at her events. Her support has been invaluable in helping ImagiDough reach a wider audience. And of course, I’m grateful for Instagram, which has been an incredible platform to connect with my followers, build a community, and share my passion for sensory play. I’m also thankful for the parents, teachers, and therapists who continue to support and believe in what we’re doing. Their feedback and encouragement keep me motivated to keep growing and offering meaningful products!

Website: https://www.imagidoughsensory.com

Instagram: imagidough