We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Einerson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I have always enjoyed creating. My grandmother and my mom taught me to sew at a young age. It all began with repurposed fabric scraps from my grandma’s sewing basket – which is probably why I love using repurposed fabrics to bring fly little bird Stuffies to life.

I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Computer Graphics and shortly before I had my first child I became a Stay at Home Mom. Throughout the years, painting and creating were my outlets. 5 children and 20 years later I found myself wanting to build a brand of handmade toys that spark children’s imagination and also send a loving message into the world.

I have often told my own children to “fly little bird…..the world is yours”. This is where the idea began. With all the turbulence of 2020, I felt compelled to create beautiful Stuffies that encouraged kindness, compassion and bravery. How could I send this same message to other children (and adults) that they are never alone and they can believe in themselves and follow their dreams? fly little bird Stuffies on a Mission was born!

Jennifer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have always enjoyed creating. My grandmother and my mom taught me to sew at a young age. It all began with repurposed fabric scraps of my grandmas – which is probably why I love using repurposed fabrics to bring fly little bird Stuffies to life. I graduated college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and shortly before I had my first child. 5 children and 20 years later I found myself needing to create and send a loving message into the world. I have often told my own children to “fly little bird…..the world is yours”. This is where the idea began. How could I send this same message to other children (and adults) that they are never alone and they can believe in themselves and follow their dreams? fly little bird Stuffies on a Mission was born!

The animal Stuffie is the loved one, the friend saying “you can do it,” while Birdie represents a child (or adult) finding their courage. Each one of our one of a kind Stuffies is handmade thoughtfully and infused with love. They are created using the cuddliest repurposed cashmere sweaters and softest repurposed cotton Oxford shirts. All of our Stuffies come with their own felt satchel and little felt Birdie to take on life’s great adventures.

“After finding Birdie lost and afraid to fly, each of the Stuffie’s find their own special way to show their new friend how to depend on those we least expect to help us through life’s uncertain times. With Birdie tucked into the Stuffie’s satchels, the new unlikely friends go on exciting adventures together to show Birdie how to feel brave.”

I am most proud of my journey to launch a new meaningful business on my own. I am proud to show my children the reliance and perseverance I have gone through to take on this challenge. I am also very proud of FLB’s give back element.

In 2012 my dad’s life was saved as he was lucky enough to receive a new liver through the selfless gift of an organ donor. Tragically three years later, when my mom (and best friend) passed suddenly at the age of 76, she was able to return that gift of life to 3 other families by donating her liver and kidneys.

I believe a large part of my journey in life is to spread the word about the importance of organ donation to others. In my parent’s honor, fly little bird will donate 10% of proceeds of every sale to Donate Life America. Donate Life America is an organization near and dear to my heart. My family has experienced both sides of organ donation. The impact this experience has had on our lives is indescribable.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the Fall of 2015, my mom passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly. I had been going through a very rough time in my life and she had been my rock. Four months later, I found myself headed into a divorce after 23 years of marriage. These were some the darkest days I had ever experienced.

I had been a Stay at Home mom for the majority of those years and suddenly I found myself alone not constantly surrounded by my children as I has always been. Life had been turned upside down. My children kept me going and were my motivation to overcome. Over time the healing began and suddenly I found myself stronger and more resilient than I ever believed possible.

It was a true life pivot that set me on the journey of spreading fly little bird’s message of courage and belief in oneself. I am so proud that my children have watched me grow and evolve into the strong, independent woman I am today. I hope they look to me one day for inspiration in getting through life’s toughest moments.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I owned a small business several years ago and after a falling out with my business partner of 8 years and the sudden loss of my mom – who was always there to lend a hand with everything, I had to ignore the voice in my head that said “You can ‘t build a business on your own.”

It has taken several years and and daily reminders that I do have the knowledge and ability to do this on my own. It isn’t easy and the world has changed, making me rethink and be creative in the growth of FLB. My niece recently joined me and has been the perfect support to get me through the frustrating moments.

Just as Birdie needed courage and support, I have learned that there is support from so many different places. My children, my family, and the encouraging, beautiful community FLB is building. I know now that I am brave and very capable of following my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: shopflylittlebird.com
• Instagram: @shopflylittlebird
• Facebook: shopflylittlebird
• Linkedin: shopflylittlebird
• Twitter: shopflylittlebird

Image Credits
Julia D’Agostino Natalie Nancy Photography