My Story
My first bear in honor of my dad:
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My bear in honor of my mom:
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My story begins with Joy & Anguish...
I lost my Dad in 2010. I took some pieces of his clothing and just hung them in my closet...I just couldn't bring myself to get rid of them.
I would pull a piece of his clothing out every so often, when I needed to feel close to him and just hold his things. My thoughts and creativity began to wander and I started to think of how I could make these items into something that I could truly hold, hug, and enjoy.
I've always loved teddy bears, so I decided to take a leap of faith and attempt to create a memory bear for myself. My first memory bear was "born" from my Dad's favorite flannel shirt and a pair of corduroy pants!
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I showed my handy work to friends and family members and everyone seemed to love what I had created. Almost immediately, I was being asked if I could create something for them from the clothing they had been saving for just such an idea!
That was the moment Bella Bears and More became a reality! It also gave me the opportunity to use my 30 years of experience and sewing skills in doing something I truly love.
I have been sewing my own clothes for many years and over the last several years I have been the head seamstress for a small online boutique.
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As my business began to grow, I realized that I needed some help! I couldn't keep up with the demand and I never want to tell someone who is grieving that I can't make them a bear, a pillow or some other memorial item. I know how important and comforting they can be.
That said, I needed to find someone with the same skills, mindset and heart for what I was trying to do. That's when I called my dear friend, Kim Graf to discuss the possibility of working together. Kim and I met through our church and over the years we have worked on several creative projects together.
She was the Creative Director at our church and she was responsible for set design, wardrobe, décor-you name it, she has done it! Once we began to talk and I shared my passion, I was overjoyed to see that she understood my vision AND she shared the same passion for helping people.
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From that moment on...a partnership was formed and we haven't looked back!
