About Us

At Stickato, we’re committed to providing safe, natural musical instruments that families can enjoy. Our products are proudly plastic-free, made from FSC Certified beechwood, and hand-painted with organic, non-toxic paints.

Meet the Founder

Gina Mahan, an interior design enthusiast, pianist and early childhood music educator, is the founder of Stickato LLC. Originally from rural British Columbia, Canada, she now runs her business in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and two children. Gina’s love for music began at age three, inspired by her late mother, Wendy, a celebrated pianist and music educator. Gina grew up surrounded by music, thanks to the nurturing environment Wendy created.

Our Story

Wendy always highlighted music’s crucial role in early development. For Gina, music fostered confidence, a strong work ethic, and a lot of fun. As a new mother, Gina was eager to create a musical environment for her children as enriching as the one she had growing up.

Wendy, having taught over 2,000 students and numerous teachers during her career, had built up a substantial collection of instruments. When Gina asked for a few to share with her own children, Wendy—then retired—was happy to select some favorites and send them along. The kids were thrilled! Many of the instruments Wendy chose were handcrafted by Gina’s childhood neighbor and hobbyist.

When Gina looked for new musical toys online to add to her collection, she found that most were generic and lacked the unique character of those she had. This led to the creation of Stickato—a brand focused on high-quality, thoughtfully designed toys that parents can trust. Our toys are built to last and designed to inspire play and learning.

Why Beechwood?

We choose beechwood for its density and durability, which makes it less likely to dent or splinter. Its smooth texture and even tone make it ideal for musical instruments, and it’s free from unpleasant odors and harmful chemicals. Although beechwood is pricier, its long-lasting quality makes it a valuable investment that can be passed down through generations.

Our Paint

We use water-based ECOS Paints for our toys, which have a fully transparent ingredient list and are formulated without the harsh chemicals typically found in conventional paints. Our soft, natural colors are free of VOCs, odorless, and contain no heavy metals or solvents, making them safe for children and kind to the environment.

Thank you for choosing Stickato, where we prioritize safety and quality in every toy we create.