Meet Elizabeth “Schnookie” Darby: November Mom Spotlight

To some, she’s Elizabeth and to a lucky few, she’s Mom. Around Charleston, she’s best known as the one & only Schnookie! If you’ve browsed the aisles of one of our favorite toy stores, chances are you’ve already been served up some magic by her.

See, Schnookie Makes Magic Happen every day whether at home being present with her children and husband or being a kid again at Wonder Works. Former employee for 20 years, Schnookie purchased Wonder Works back in 2021 while adding a 3rd location back in West Ashley in 2024. She sparks magic, spreads joy, and leads with her heart. An absolute powerhouse, Schnookie pours love and energy into her community every single day.

“I am blessed to have a business that truly gets to make magic in our community. We foster a hands-on environment that children can explore their imaginations and adults can be kids again!”

*Photo Courtesy of Kayla Rochelle Photography* . Please make note: hubby is missing from photos because work called but we weren’t going to let Schnookie miss out on getting in the pictures especially with her two little ones.

Cameron and I are no strangers to Wonder Works. From birthdays to Christmas list building, from joining their magical events to popping in for an instant mood boost, we are there quite often. In all our visits, we’ve been fortunate to see Schnookie and her team do what they do best: give back with big hearts and zero fanfare. Blink and you’d miss it, unless you’re right there when the magic unfolds.

How does she do it all? I ask myself this often. Here’s the secret: She has two incredible teams by her side, both at Wonder Works and at home with her family. When you lead with heart and joy, your teams will follow.

*Photo Courtesy of Kayla Rochelle Photography*

You’ll typically find Schnookie balancing Motherhood and Business Ownership by carving out time for daily workouts, date nights with her husband and anytime she can find with her best girlfriends. Owning a toy store keeps her weekends mighty busy but it doesn’t mean her family misses out on any fun.

I could easily sit here and rave on and on about one of my favorite Mompreneurs in the area. I also don’t want y’all to miss out on her amazing interview. So, let’s get to know Schnookie a bit more:

Please describe all the things that you do as a “Working” Mom?
I wouldn’t always call it work. I own Wonder Works Toy store. Throughout the year, along with an amazing team of Magic Makers, we travel all over the nation to find the best toys & gifts to bring back to Charleston. I also serve on boards throughout the specialty toy industry.

What does a typical weekday look like for you?
Typically I drop my children at daycare in the morning. I try to workout either before they wake up in the morning or after I drop the children at school. Once all of that is completed I am off to one of the Wonder Works locations!

What’s the best thing about being a Mom?
The BEST thing about being a Mom is seeing them grow, learn, and their personalities bloom. They are a constant form of entertainment I never knew I needed. They, along with my husband, are my people that keep me grounded.

What’s the hardest part?
The hardest part is knowing that you can never go back. They will never be the age they were weeks, months, or years ago.

What is your proudest moment as a Mom?
There are so many proud moments and my oldest, Liza, is only 4. My most recent proud moment was when Liza was at Wonder Works, and I heard her say “Welcome to Wonder Works” to a customer as they walked through the front door. She is extremely observant and picks up on all the little things. She has the confidence to speak to almost anyone though sometimes she can be timid at first. She is a true magic maker in training. 🙂

When you get time to yourself, what do you like to do?
Workout and hangout with girlfriends! 2 of the best medicines!

What advice would you give a new Mom?
Sit on the floor and play with your little ones. For me, I learn so much about my child’s day, imagination, and interest when they play while having my undivided attention.

Tell us about something funny (and maybe relatable) that happened to you as a Mom.
I am the queen of not being prepared with a stocked diaper bag. I will be out and about when my son has a blow out, and I have no diaper or wipes to change him OR I don’t have a change of clothes for my daughter the one time she has an accident, and I am wrapping her around in a towel to get her home.

What is your favorite shop to go to or yourself? For the kiddos?
Coastal Cupboard for myself & there are too many wonderful children shops to pick just one!

What is your favorite restaurant to go to with the whole family? & for date night?
Coastal Crust with the family & Red Drum for date night!

What is your favorite family event around Charleston?
We haven’t ventured out to too many family events because my husband and I both work most weekends. We always joke that when others are playing, we are working. We love to visit playgrounds and go on the boat.

Thank you again to Elizabeth “Schnookie” Darby of Wonder Works for being a part of this year’s Mom Spotlights. It’s been an absolute joy and privilege to put the well deserved spotlight on you.

Shoutout as always to the ever so lovely, Kayla Rochelle Photography for providing our Spotlight Moms with their photo sessions and these incredible photos. You’re the best!

For the readers: Stay tuned next week for the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide where we will be featuring Wonder Works in Cam’s Picks! You won’t want to miss this one!!