Jin Kim, a former successful Wall Street restaurateur hit hard by the pandemic, has found an unexpected second career crafting unique memory bears, the New York Post reported. 

After the closure of her beloved eatery due to Superstorm Sandy and later COVID-19, Kim turned to her sewing machine and established a thriving Etsy shop, JinsBearsLLC, creating approximately 150 memory bears weekly.

These one-of-a-kind bears are made from sentimental fabrics like old shirts, baby blankets, and even blood-soaked clothes, providing comfort to grieving families. Kim’s daughter and business partner, Grace Kim, shared stories of customers sending in T-shirts and fabrics to memorialise lost loved ones, turning them into meaningful bears.

Jin Kim’s journey into bear crafting began as a heartfelt Christmas surprise for her grandson. Encouraged by friends and family, she opened an online shop, and the demand for her handmade keepsakes skyrocketed. 

JinsBearsLLC, launched in 2021, started in Jin’s bedroom and expanded to a studio in October 2022, accompanied by four employees to meet the growing demand.

The bears, along with custom pillows and ornaments, have garnered immense popularity, with Jin accumulating nearly 7,000 sales on Etsy and over 3,000 five-star reviews. The bears, each a unique creation, carry sentimental value for customers looking to preserve memories of their loved ones.

One customer, Julia Goodyke, received a bear in memory of her late brother, Mark, who passed away from colon cancer in 2022. The Chicago Bears shirt-clad bear serves as a poignant reminder, keeping Mark’s memory alive for Julia and her family.

Jin Kim expresses the profound meaning behind her work, stating, “When I touch the clothes, I’m thinking of the person that passed away, that person’s life. So that’s why it’s not just about the business but very meaningful for me. Fulfilling.” Jin’s bears have become more than just handmade creations; they have become tangible connections to cherished memories for grieving families across the country.