By Micaela Williamson
Overwhelmed by a sea of toys with little substance, engineer, avid astronomer and father of two Ghazi Lahiani started searching for products to enhance and inspire learning. His desire to sell these items at one central location led him to create Stellogix, a business catering to S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and design and math.) After two years in business, Lahiani moved his storefront to the popular, chic Mosaic District in Merrifield.
Customers who step inside Stellogix will find a wealth of wonderful gifts and toys for people of all ages. From play dough to Plato, the store is stocked with a plethora of telescopes, binoculars, microscopes, hydroponic displays and hands-on S.T.E.A.M. kits for children. The 3-D printer is a favorite attraction, and when they can’t stop in, avid Stellogix fans keep up with the printer on social media.
Stellogix is rooted in education. Besides selling high-quality merchandise, the store offers a diverse range of courses including 3-D printing, astronomy, hydroponics and the appetizing molecular cuisine. Weather permitting, the store plans to host astronomy events like full moon viewing parties. For kids, Stellogix holds a weekly interactive “Science Clubhouse,” a highly active session that uses hands-on experiences and multimedia to illustrate concepts, and will soon introduce a custom S.T.E.A.M. birthday party package.
Perhaps what makes Stellogix so unique is the passionate and knowledgeable staff that refer to themselves as “the anti Toys R Us.”
“The Internet is filled with fake reviews,” Lahiani says. “With us, we select the right product for your needs and budget so that you are happy about your purchase. We don’t recommend a product that we would not use ourselves.”
Stellogix offers products at competitive prices without sacrificing performance concerns. The store hopes to meet customer demand and build a strong relationship with the community.
“We promise you the moon and the stars,” Stellogix manager Timothy Howard says. “We will make you shine brighter with every visit.”
Stellogix
985 District Ave., Suite 160
Fairfax, VA 22031
703-273 -3212
Micaela Williamson is a coauthor of local travel guide “Kid Trips Northern Virginia,” an extraordinary resource that provides descriptions, useful information and insider tips for hundreds of local destinations. Micaela is also an award-winning blogger who enjoys supporting area businesses and scouting out family-friendly venues with her two young sons.