Meet Ellen MacMaster of Wooster

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen MacMaster.

Hi Ellen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I love stuffed animals, but didn’t like the price or quality of many of them, so I decided to start my own ‘EmBears business and make a good-quality stuffie that most people can afford. I started out with just bears in 2000 and have expanded my line to include many animals, including: lambs, pigs, bunnies, penguins, cows, horse/unicorn, otters, sloths, flamingos, cows, turtles and puffins. My critters range in size from about 6″ to 20″, with prices ranging from $10.00 to $50.00. I also make Memory Bears from loved ones clothing, these are $35.00 each, or $75.00 for a bear made from a fur coat.
I sell my bears mostly at craft shows, and my website (www.embears.com) I also go out to do stuff-your-own critter parties for children or adults (either a bunny, penguin or bear). I did a fund-raising stuff-your-own party for breast cancer awareness with each bear being pink.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My main struggle is getting people to adopt a critter from me. Parents always say “no, you have too many stuffies” (personally, I don’t think you can ever have enough stuffies) or other adults say I don’t have any little ones….In my opinion, Everyone needs a Stuffie to hug and talk to.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Some people call me “The Bear Lady”. I specialize in making all kinds of stuffies. I am most proud of the Memory Bears I have made. Stuff-your-own parties, everyone gets to put the stuffing in by hand, and either I will show you how to sew up the back of the animal, or I will do the sewing. I feel that the quality and pricing of my stuffies sets me apart from other bear makers. I make my animals from faux-fur, or fleece.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think the main risk I have taken was to spend the money (my own) to buy material and start making animals. Signing up for tax-exempt status and figuring out how to navigate the tax departments (I used to live in New York State and moved to OH 3 years ago). Risk: If you want it, do it!

Pricing:

• $10-$50