Local mom Kat Blaz is a North Phoenix resident, and the owner of Bricks and Mini Figs, a one-stop aftermarket LEGO toy shop! They specialize in only new and used LEGO items, so your littles can rebuild, reuse, and reimagine! Her store buys and trades all LEGO products. When she’s not busy working, Kat enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors, hiking, and exploring the local parks. Learn more in my interview below with this beautiful mama about her life here in North Phoenix, including her favorite restaurant spots, where she likes to bring the kids, and how she balances it all!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Phoenix area? I am originally from Rock Island Illinois, and I have lived in Phoenix for 17 years.
How many kiddos do you have and what are their ages?
I have 2 kiddos…My son Alec is 10 and my daughter Evie is 5.
Favorite local things to do in the North Phoenix area?
We live by the Sonoran Desert Preserve so I love to hike there. There are also some great parks including the one in
Fireside at Norterra (where I live) as well as the train park in Anthem. I also love grabbing coffee at Elevate and walking around the shops at Norterra.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate
world? Please share!
I am the owner of Bricks & Minifigs North Phoenix. I can best describe it as “your one-stop shop for all things LEGO”.
We sell all LEGO products and we also buy your old LEGO. We have fun building areas for the kids and a nice sitting
area for the parents.
How do you balance it all? It’s not easy. I have had to put trust in my employees and allow myself to step away so I can spend time with my
family. My kids also treat the store as their second home. I knew I wanted a business where my kids could come to
work with me. There are still plenty of times I have the “mom guilt” but I try to be kind to myself and know I am doing the right thing.
It takes a village! Is there anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through motherhood.
Well my husband of course! He still has his full time job but comes to the store every evening and on weekends to work so I can spend time with my kiddos. He handles a lot of the more “boring” parts of business ownership (think spreadsheets) so I can focus on the store. Our store would have never happened without him. Plus he’s is the best dad!
Best mom hack that makes life easier?
Buy an actual planner! A mom friend got me into using a planner. It keeps me organized and less overwhelmed with
tasks. I can write lists and keep track of both of my kid’s school and sports schedules. Buy stickers and fun-colored
pens to make it personalized. I personally use the Happy Planner.
Ok be honest… Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
OK I’m going to be honest here….it’s bedtime. Wrangling my kids to get their teeth brushed, pjs on, storytime, etc all
while I am exhausted. My kid’s are professional stallers and whiners when it comes to bedtime! LOL
Where is something/somewhere that you mention doing or going to with your kids that they will ALWAYS say
yes to?
They both love going to the movies. I’m not sure if it’s the candy, recliners, or movie but either way it’s a great summer
thing to do. Besides that my 5 year old loves to go to Luv 2 Play at Norterra. They both also love As You Wish at
Norterra.
YOU time. (if that’s a thing) What’s your favorite thing to do?
I do love to build LEGO sets! It’s a great way to destress and unwind. LEGO has actually been proven to help adults with heath issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, Neuropathy, Dementia and so much more! Besides that I LOVE getting a mani/pedi from Happy Feet Nails right by my store.
Ok it’s adult time!! Do you have a favorite date night spot?
For food Tokyo Lobby! Best sushi in the valley! We also LOVE going to see the AZ Cardinals play! Our season tickets
are what we consider a perfect date night!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I was a Broadcasting major in college and my husband and I met because we were co-anchors on the local live newscast at our college.
Greatest gift about being a mom and greatest challenge?
Well I can walk around with a purse full of snacks and not be judged. But seriously being able to create these tiny humans that just love you but also entertain you is amazing. The greatest challenge is realizing that I can’t always be there to hold their hand. I have to allow them to try and even fail on their own.
Name one thing you hope your kids look back and remember about their childhood and you as their mama?
That they were loved unconditionally, and they were always my #1 priority
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids? It’s not about being able to do it all. It’s about prioritizing what is important. You are replaceable in almost every job in life. The one place you aren’t replaceable is as a mother!
