Meet Maddi Schippers | Creative Head of ScareCares: Handmade Plushies

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddi Schippers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Invisible illnesses are often difficult things to navigate when it comes to traditional office/retail work. And, as a disabled person, it felt like the only option I had that gave me the freedom I needed to explore my creative talents while also accommodating to my needs. After a few years and successful small sales in the books, the idea of working for myself just seemed like a no-brainer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

In my early 20s I worked for a cobbler and learned a lot about leather, repairing items, and sewing tough materials.  I had acquired the talent and skills to put something back together again, all I needed was a way to implement them. I began with smaller plush friends from pre made sewing patterns until I created my own patterns and designs. Now, I work with faux fur and mixed media when I’m creating new friends.

I think my use of fur (as it is a more difficult medium) sets me apart from other plushy makers – when people start with fur they can get frustrated and give up. I was no exception, but I forged forward and learned how to make it work for me. My stubbornness in wanting to work with that material helped make my plushies unique and I think my success is directly related to using fur. People who want that material don’t seek out substitutes, they want the real material. But, it goes beyond that I suppose, I’m just happy when someone appreciates my aesthetic and the creatures I make from the heart.

I came from a rough childhood and I know how it feels to be scared, alone, and hopeless. It’s the reason I started to create monsters. Something that can protect you when you are scared, someone to comfort you when you are sad. It’s seeing the impact my art can have on a person who needs it.  Every time it affirms my choice in career – I’m a friend creator, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to Marietta Square! It is cute, quaint, the atmosphere is pleasant. Cute shops, nice park. I love Marietta Square – it’s one of the first places I visited when we came here. When we were relocating here, our realtor suggested we visit there and we absolutely loved it.

We haven’t been in Georgia long, but we’re excited to explore more with all of our new friends!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well, first of all, I would like to thank my friends at Leafmore Studios for their encouragement and friendship. My husband, Benjamin – I wouldn’t be here without him. And the online plushie community! We have our own individual worlds, but the way creators come together when people need support is pretty special.

Website: https://www.scarecares.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarecaresandfriends/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScareCaresOfficial

Image Credits
Becca McCoy, Madison Schippers