We are thrilled to introduce you to Christina, the creative mind behind Stitch Monkey. From her cozy home in California, Christina breathes life into an enchanting world of stuffed companions that are anything but ordinary. Her creations range from irresistibly cute traditional animals to whimsical interpretations of cryptids – those elusive creatures of legend that have long captured our imaginations. What sets Stitch Monkey apart is Christina’s commitment to customization, offering bespoke plushies that transform customers’ dreams into huggable realities. Through a series of questions, we got to know a bit more about her and her business.
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in a supportive, creative home. I was always drawing or making crafts with kids. As I got older, I received my degree in Recreation Therapy and led activities and crafts with psychiatric patients. After I left my job, I continued creating with my children. As they got older, I received a sewing machine and made plushies for my “monkeys”. After many birthday requests and “You know you should sell these!”, I opened my shop in 2016. Besides creating cryptid and monster plushies, I love watching anime and sci-fi shows.
What do you make?
Plushies focused on cryptids. A cryptid is a creature found in stories that some people believe exists or say they have seen but that has never been proven to exist. Some cryptids, or urban legends, are Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Mothman! While I do create other plushies, I plan to focus more on cryptids and monsters going forward.
When did you first discover your passion for making?
My dad had me drawing with him at 4. I used to make clothes for my Barbies at 12. After home economics in junior high, I started making a few of my own clothes. But the passion didn’t blossom until I had kids. Then, I was constantly creating and making items—PJs and pants, plushies, and projects. We would create our own “100 Pins Pinterest Challenge” for six summers! But I found making plushies made my soul the happiest.
Is there a story behind your business name?
When I had my first child in 2000, my sitter would call my son my monkey. “You’re monkey is ready!” we heard often. It stuck, and all my kids then became my “monkeys”. When it was time to create my own business, it made sense that I stitched for my monkeys.
Where do you find inspiration?
My kids are my inspiration and my husband is my biggest supporter. They are the reason I do what I do. I ask them for advice when creating and designing my plushies and chibis (tiny, cute 4″ dolls). It was my son’s idea to make cryptids of every state. My oldest daughter’s idea was to create a new plushie every week this year (to go through all the patterns I had ordered), and my youngest helped me with my social media on what was trending.
Walk us through a typical day for you:
After coffee and breakfast, I check my social media, trends, emails, requests, and handmade groups. I have my digital journals for my schedule. When not fulfilling orders, I research, create new products, and work on my business. We’re in the process of building a studio for me to create; I just finished painting my walls and am working on what furniture and accessories I need to make it my ultimate workshop!
Can you describe your process?
For example, when getting a custom order, I would work with the customer on their needs. What size, colors, materials, price, and shipping date are they looking for? Once we agree upon the details, a custom order is created. Then the fun begins! I draft many of my patterns and redesign shapes as needed. After cutting the pattern, I stitch it together, stuff it with polyfill, and add fine details. Then, it’s time for photos and video. Once that’s done, I wrap it up and add my marketing materials and a personal thank you note. Then it’s off to the post office! Every customer then recieves a shipping confirmation with a thank you message and tracking information.
Do you have a favorite tool or material to work with?
I can’t live without my favorite pair of scissors. You’d be surprised how many different shears one can have: embroidery shears, snips for threads, duckbill, pinking, fabric, paper, and, of course, a few with little cranes on them!
I would have to say fleece is my favorite material. Minky is more lux, but I feel like fleece plushies are more durable.
Where do you create?
Right now, I create in the comfort of my dining room, but I look forward to having my perfect studio by the end of the fall. I take over the dining room table, surrounded by all my supplies cascading down the walls. I have a small sewing table with a homemade threadboard made from a former fold-down ironing board. This was inherited by my husband’s grandmother, who sewed for all 10 of her kids and 21 grandkids. It is one of my most simple yet treasured pieces.
How has your work evolved since you began?
I have fine-tuned my work over the years and have focused more on producing my own twist on creations. Last year, I bought an embroidery machine and started utilizing it more for some of my larger plushies’ facial features and details. I’ve experimented with more types of luxe fabrics and have decreased my painted dolls.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your craft?
Standing out in the crowd. Everyone of all ages loves plushies, from zero to 100 (and beyond). While many licensed products can be bought from a store, I offer something more unique and handmade.
I try to add my twist to my products, trying different patterns, pattern combos, and materials. I check the quality of my products before shipping them out. If it’s a custom order, I try to create it as close as possible to the request while keeping the integrity of my designs. This attention to detail isn’t something you get when buying a mass-produced item.
When did you decide to turn your passion into a business?
About eight years ago, I started selling online. I have evolved and changed many of my products over the years. Many of us struggle with “imposter syndrome,” and I am no different. I have only considered it more as a business in the last two to three years and just started attending in-person events in the last year. I want this to be something I created to provide for my family and show my kids it’s never too late to make your dream a reality.
What is one thing you wish you knew when starting your business?
I wish I were more bold in promoting myself. If I were more active in taking chances, I might be further along than I am now. With that said, it’s never too late to learn.
How do you balance the creative and business sides of things?
Scheduling! There is a time and place for everything. Having some sort of planner helps to keep things in order and reminds me when things are due. Make the time for creativity, work, research, social media, and bills!
What are your future goals?
I plan to refine my selection and refocus my shop on cryptid and monster products. I want to offer not only the spooky, cute side of scary monsters but also other items that will complement my collections for fans of urban legends and classic monsters. This will help the whole shop look cohesive.
What is the best piece of advice for other handmade business owners?
Research! Take the time to understand your business and potential opportunities. Join communities online and groups that align with your goals and objectives. Find people who do well and are looking to mentor and/or direct you to info and people who will help you grow. But most of all, put in the work! Your products are not going to magically sell themselves. You need to market yourself.
Why did you choose to sell on goimagine?
I wanted to find a platform that aligned with my morals and objectives. I love the goimagine community and transparency. The CEO, employees, moderators, and active members work to keep Goimagine’s offerings, support, and what’s current and future—real.
Where can we connect with Stitch Monkey?
Shop: goimagine.com/stitchmonkey
Facebook: @StitchMonkeyMama
My Instagram – @stitch.monkey
My TikTok – @stitch.monkey
Stephanie is naturally creative and is passionate about art, design, and everything handmade. She has always enjoyed exploring new techniques and trends in the handmade industry and has channeled this into her role as the Creative Director and co-founder of goimagine. Through her love for creating, she has successfully sold her unique wares, which range from fine art to simple crafts, in both online and in-person markets.