Playful Magic: How Jeffrey Men’s Fancy Teddy Brings Comfort, Crystals and Childhood Joy
Jeffrey Men, the creator behind Fancy Teddy, has turned a childhood doodle into a collectible art toy that’s as meaningful as it is magical. Each one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn teddy is stuffed with healing crystals and designed to bring joy, comfort and a playful spark to our inner child. Through Fancy Teddy, Jeffrey sews together his love of toys, meditation, and creativity, proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to listen to your heart and take a leap of faith.
Learn more about Jeffrey’s journey, inspiration, and the soul behind Fancy Teddy in this interview with Artisan Joy.
How did you get started creating your art or creative product?
I found myself at a crossroads in life. After starting a career in interior design and dabbling in everything from acting and modeling to working at my family's travel and cargo business, I realized I wasn’t feeding my soul. I’ve always been into sound baths, meditation and crystals, so I attended a sound bath with the intention to really listen to myself. All I could see during the session was the Fancy Teddy—a character I used to doodle as a child. I realized I had two choices: continue on my current path or take a chance on myself and bring Fancy Teddy to life. As a toy lover and collector, I knew I wanted to turn Fancy Teddy into the collectible art toy of my dreams. After that sound bath, I put in my two weeks’ notice and turned a nameless doodle into what it is today: a one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn art toy stuffed with healing crystals. I combined all my previous paths and passions and poured them into what I now know is my calling.
At what point did you realize that you could create a business?
After the sound bath experience, I decided to fully commit to Fancy Teddy. Creating something that combined all my interests—art, toys, healing, and design—felt like the right path. When I saw how much joy and comfort Fancy Teddy brought to others, I knew I could turn it into a business.
How do you define success for Fancy Teddy?
Success is when someone opens a box, holds a Fancy Teddy and feels a little more seen, safe, or soothed. If I can keep doing that at scale, on my terms, that’s everything.
Where do you find inspiration?
I draw inspiration from everything: travel, emotions, pop culture, and nature. My love of travel often influences my designs. For example, the Arctic Fancy Teddy was inspired by my trip to Alaska and seeing the glaciers, while the Cosmic Fancy Teddy draws from mystical places like Sedona vortexes, Joshua Tree energy fields and alien mythology hotspots.
What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
That it’s okay to have moments of uncertainty. People often think that if you’re following your passion, you have everything figured out. I love what I do, but I don’t always know if I’m doing it “right.” I had to learn that it’s natural to have doubts and that the journey is about learning for yourself. If someone had told me that earlier, I might have been more prepared for the ups and downs.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start selling their art or creative product?
Don’t wait until it’s “perfect” to share. Put it out there and let the feedback shape its evolution. The market will tell you what resonates—but only if you’re brave enough to show up.
What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?
I watch a lot of TV and sometimes need to watch cartoons in bed to fall asleep…though maybe after reading this interview, that won’t be so surprising!
As creatives, we can continuously create and refine our art. How do you handle perfectionism?
Each teddy I make is intentionally imperfect and unique, just like each of us. I remind myself that imperfection is part of the soul of handmade work. When I feel the urge to tweak endlessly, I stop and ask: “Is this meaningful or just fear?” As an Asian American creative, I grew up balancing cultural expectations with artistic passions. With Fancy Teddy, I’ve found a way to reclaim the narrative and find my path.
What's something that surprised you about running a creative business?
You have to find a rhythm that honors both the creative and the practical sides. Celebrate the wins (even the small ones), and ride out the slow seasons without panic. Your creative energy needs rest, just like you do.
What advice would you give to someone about handling the highs and lows of running a business?
Find a rhythm that honors both. Celebrate the wins and ride out the slow seasons without panic. Your creative energy needs rest, just like you do.
Has someone ever criticized your work? How did you handle it?
Yes, of course. It stings, but I try to remember that uniqueness and imperfection is the point. The right people get it, and I’d rather make something unforgettable than blend in.
What's a cause you are passionate about and why?
My angel dog Lylah was with me my entire Fancy Teddy journey. She inspired me to partner with Hearts & Bones Rescue to launch Fancy Teddy pet bandanas. I wanted something my dog could have and wanted to give back to all the pet lovers out there as well. Twenty percent of proceeds from the bandanas are donated to help end the needless euthanasia of shelter dogs through direct lifesaving, shared learning, and community building. Learn more at Hearts & Bones Rescue.
Can you share the name of a supplier or vendor that you use for your business that you just love—one that makes running your business a bit easier?
I always use Tannery NYC for their leather fabrics. They are a small local NYC business and always have the highest quality and variety of leathers, selling lots of remnant fabrics, so it’s zero waste.
What brings you joy?
Being able to use my hands to create art and sew. In a world of mass production and landfill waste, I love being mindful and knowing that the art of hand making things is still very much alive. It’s not just creative, but also meditative.
Thanks, Jeffrey! You can learn more about his work at fancyteddy.com.
Editor’s Note: This interview may have been edited for length and clarity.
