Former Wall Street restaurateur, Ms. Jin Kim, has embarked on a new vocation by crafting distinctive memory bears for bereaved families across the nation. Following the closure of her successful restaurant business due to the pandemic, Ms. Kim redirected her focus to creating these bears using sentimental materials such as blood-stained clothing and baby blankets.
In a recent interview, Ms. Kim conveyed that the garments carry profound significance for her clientele, thus rendering it especially meaningful when they entrust her and her team with such personal possessions. She further disclosed that her Etsy shop, JinsBearsLLC, presently receives approximately 150 orders per week.
The bespoke bears fashioned by Ms. Kim are composed of an array of textiles, including old shirts, T-shirts, uniforms, and even blood-stained clothing, often provided by clients seeking to immortalize the memory of a departed loved one. Ms. Kim recounted a poignant account of a mother who dispatched her baby’s blanket to fashion a memory bear, underscoring the profound emotional importance attached to each creation.
Commencing with the production of miniature bears before progressing to larger sizes, Ms. Kim, along with her daughter and business partner, Ms. Grace Kim, has provided insight into the sentimental value of these items. Despite facing tribulations in the restaurant sector and enduring the ramifications of natural catastrophes, Ms. Jin Kim has experienced remarkable triumph in her newfound profession.
Originally hailing from South Korea and having initially ventured into the culinary field with her spouse, Ms. Kim encountered setbacks after selling their initial restaurant. Subsequently, they established a sushi deli in New Jersey, which culminated in the launch of another prosperous enterprise on Wall Street.
Recounting the hardships encountered in her former career, Ms. Kim underscored her unwavering work ethic during her tenure in the restaurant industry. She recounted the devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy on her business, followed by the subsequent closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonetheless, the pandemic presented an unforeseen opportunity for Ms. Kim as she serendipitously discovered her aptitude for fashioning memory bears while crafting a Christmas gift for her grandchild. Encouraged by her family and friends, Ms. Kim translated her passion into a flourishing enterprise, leading to the expansion of JinsBearsLLC from her abode to a dedicated studio, and accruing numerous faithful patrons along the way.
Her clients, including Ms. Julia Goodyke, have articulated the emotional significance of Ms. Kim’s creations in their lives. Ms. Goodyke received a bespoke bear in homage to her late brother, expressing how the bear has evolved into a cherished possession in her household, symbolizing the enduring recollection of her loved one.
Through her artistic prowess and empathy, Ms. Jin Kim has bestowed solace and reassurance upon innumerable individuals by preserving precious memories. Her dedication to her craft and the emotional resonance of her work have resonated with many, rendering her a beacon of resilience, ingenuity, and compassion.
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