The Biz

Nothing melts a heart quite like a well-crafted teddy bear and they don’t get much better than Bearington Collection bears. The Bearington Collection has been designing and manufacturing high quality teddy bears for 12 years. Founded by the Stray family, it’s still run by Mom and Dad, Betty and Jim, alongside sister and brother, Jamie and Brad.

Rebecca Finell, founder of Boon, shares her “Road to Success” with The Giggle Guide^®. Editorial Director David Gaunt recalls, “I remember very well the impact her student design, The Frog Pod made at the JPMA show several years ago. I met her among a group of competitive student designers, and by the next show she was a successful corporate executive, building one of the most exciting new children’s brands in years. I’ve seen a lot, having attended juvenile product shows since 1979, and Boon has been one of the best, and most well-deserved success stories. She understood function and design, plus the importance of brand image.” Her story is a great example of the possibilities of staying true to one’s business vision and being willing to take the risks necessary to succeed.