I am thrilled to introduce Dr. Amber Bartlett, the Founder and Owner of Asher’s Sandbox in Plympton. A true “supermom,” Dr. Bartlett holds a PsyD, has led over five businesses, and recently authored a book. Originally from South Florida, she has called Plympton home for the last seven years, where she lives with her 4.5-year-old son, Asher.
The inspiration for Asher’s Sandbox came directly from Asher himself. He saw an indoor sandbox on a video and wanted Dr. Bartlett to take him there. She had originally forgotten about the idea until she saw a space for sale in Plympton and decided to open an indoor sandplace. Her goal was to create a “village” where caregivers could connect and children could make friends, addressing the isolation many parents feel.
Asher’s Sandbox is a thoughtfully designed, enclosed space for sensory discovery and hands-on sand exploration. It allows children to play freely while caregivers relax, enjoy a latte, and connect with other families. The studio also integrates intentional activities into every visit.
In addition to owning and running Asher’s Sandbox, Dr. Bartlett also owns a dog care facility called The Barker House. She also recently published “Balance is a Scam,” a raw and relatable book for working mothers navigating the complexities of raising a family while pursuing professional dreams.
Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Bartlett, how she manages it all, and the best advice she has for us parents.
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from the South, in FL
Tell us about your family! How many kids, names/ages?
I am a single mom to one amazing little boy, Asher who is 4.5 years old
How did you start your business?
My son told me to do it, haha! He saw a big indoor sandbox on a video and told me I should take him there. I laughed and forgot about it until I saw a space for lease in Plympton MA and for some reason decided on the spot this is where Asher’s Sandbox was going!
Where do you now call home and how long have you lived there?
We live in Plympton, MA. I’ve been here 7 years and my son was born here.
What is your favorite part about living in the South Shore?
I love being able to go anywhere else on the south shore without having to get on the highway and being able to enjoy back roads with beautiful scenery
What family activity do you enjoy most?
My favorite activity with my son is reading together – I love watching him get involved in the story and ask questions then decide to tell me the story his way
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
I became a mom at an older age and really craved a tribe of other moms who “got it”. I love bringing parents and kids together to see their imaginations go crazy while parents get a minute to breathe, enjoy coffee and build their community of other parents who “get it”.
Are you involved with any non-profits or do any volunteering?
I also own a dog care facility called The Barker House – we are heavily involved with dog rescues.
What do you find to be the toughest part about being a working mom?
I wrote a book called “Balance is a Scam: Ambition, Motherhood & Why We Don’t Have to Pick One.” I thought for so long that if I could just balance everything that it would fall into place…and instead it just fell into pieces! I realized that trying to balance meant that both work and my son were getting my crappy leftovers. Once I realized that it was actually about prioritizing and that my best every day depended on what needed me most, my son or my work, that became my goal. It’s definitely tough being a working mom, especially a single one!
What is the best advice you have received as a mom?
You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice!
What is your best advice for a new mom?
Perfect doesn’t exist as a standard…your best every day is perfect.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I actually own 3 businesses and am a Business Psychologist, with 5 dogs, a kitten, 20 chickens and 8 tattoos!
Is there a Quote or mantra you live by?
Be the Change you wish to see in the world.
Your go-to Pandora/Spotify/Apple Music station?
The most music I listen to now is the Rio soundtrack for my son haha!
Your favorite local spot for: date night, coffee break, workout, new outfit, self-care, “me time”
Restoration Coffee in Hanson is my favorite spot to meet new people and work. The Gabby is my favorite latte ever!
Anything else you’d love to share?
Resilience is built, not born. Being a human is hard, much less a mom! I always tell my son “you do you” and I wish I had felt confident in that sentiment as a younger person. As a mom, as a woman, as a friend, as a person…just do you and at the end of the day, that’s going to feel so much more fulfilling than trying to match the perfect Pinterest board!
Thank you Dr. Bartlett for allowing us the opportunity to feature you. As a single mother to Asher and five dogs, a kitten, as well as, chickens, an entrepreneur, and an author, your journey is truly impressive and a testament to the fact that we don’t have to have everything perfectly balanced.
Please follow Asher’s Sandbox to stay up to date on all things happening at Asher’s Sandbox, including some really fun activities when it’s simply too hot to be outside.
