Stacey Laviolette’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Stacey Laviolette shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Stacey, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The moment I wake up, four days a week, I start my day with a workout in my home gym. It’s my way of setting the tone, strong body, strong mind. The kids usually join me by picking the songs (and sometimes jumping in themselves), which always makes it fun and reminds me why I do what I do.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Stacey Laviolette, co-founder of My Friend Toothy® with my husband, Keith Lanctot. Our journey began after discovering our three-year-old had ten cavities. We were shocked to learn that nearly 40% of children entering kindergarten already have cavities, yet there were no fun tools to help families overcome dental fears or encourage healthy habits.

That’s when I turned to Keith and said, “I have a brilliant idea! Let’s create a character that kids will love, one that makes brushing and flossing fun.” From that moment, My Friend Toothy® was born.

What started in the corner of our basement has grown into a children’s dental care brand loved by families everywhere, featuring Kids Happy Teeth Toolkits, educational fun storybooks, plush Toothy, and accountability mirror clings that make dental care a joyful part of family life. Today, we’re proud to be inspiring healthy habits around the world and creating happy, stress-free smiles one family at a time.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was told I had a learning disability and might not graduate high school. I refused to accept it and went on to graduate high school, college, and university with honours and a scholarship. I have dyslexia, so reading and comprehension take me twice as long as others, but I’ve learned to work with my brain, not against it. That same determination drives My Friend Toothy®, a brand that helps children overcome challenges, feel confident, and develop healthy habits, because if I can push through obstacles, they can too.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were moments, especially in the early days of My Friend Toothy®, when I felt completely overwhelmed. Running a business while raising kids, managing every detail myself, and navigating the uncertainty of launching a new brand felt like too much at times. I remember thinking, “Maybe this is too big, maybe I can’t do it.” But then there was my husband, supporting me and telling me I can do this. The best advice he gave me, which just clicked in a moment of despair, was: “When you feel like giving up, take a break.” That purpose and support gave me the strength to keep going, and it’s what continues to drive me forward every day.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to helping children develop healthy dental habits and feel confident at the dentist, no matter how long it takes. That’s what drives My Friend Toothy®. I believe that early experiences with brushing, flossing, and dental visits can shape a child’s confidence and lifelong habits. Every book, plush, and toolkit we create is designed to make dental care fun, empowering, and stress-free for families. I’m in this for the long haul because I know the impact these small, joyful moments can have on a child’s life.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who never gave up on her dreams and turned challenges into something that made a difference. I want my story to inspire others to believe that with heart, hard work, and purpose, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Stacey Laviolette Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than

Highlighter Series
Are you walking a path—or wandering?

The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season

Highlighter Series
What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?

Growth often means stepping into what once scared us. The things we resist can become