Julie and Amanda began working together in 2006 when they discovered a shared passion for promoting and encouraging art and creativity primarily through sewing. They joined forces to combine teddy bear and soft toy design and construction with helping to enthuse children (and their parents) through workshops and creative birthday parties.

The business developed into restoration and repair as it became clear this was what people really wanted. Bear It In Mind then began to focus entirely on this side of their work.

With unique flair and passion, the ladies created an extremely successful and highly regarded business with a strong emphasis on customer service.

As demand for their services increased, Julie and Amanda committed to taking on an apprentice and other part-time staff members who they have trained and encouraged and who have become an important part of the team.

The Teddy Bear Ladies are now able to share their passion, knowledge and skills with a much wider audience through their role as regular experts on the BBC’s ‘The Repair Shop’. They hope that, by watching them work, people all over the country might be inspired to pick up a needle and thread and have a go.

Alongside their regular appearances on TV and radio, they also have their own podcast called ‘Bearly Begun’ and an active social media following on both Twitter and Instagram. It is their hope that further opportunities to share their unique take on this creative and fulfilling subject will arise.