Designing a Ty Beanie Boo
January 1, 2024 / Adventure & Design
Designing my very own Beanie Boo, Wynnie, was a dream come true—one of those surreal, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that felt like stepping into a magical world. Growing up, Beanie Boos were much more than just toys to me. They were my companions, little creatures filled with personality, whimsy, and joy. Each one had a story to tell, and they sparked my imagination in ways that nothing else could.
So, when the chance to design a Beanie Boo alongside Ty Warner himself came about, it felt like all those childhood dreams suddenly collided with reality. Ty Warner, the mastermind behind Beanie Babies and Beanie Boos, was a creative legend in my eyes. His ability to capture personality, emotion, and fun in a small, plush figure was something I’d always admired. The thought of creating a Beanie Boo that could bring that same magic to others was beyond exciting—it was a creative challenge I couldn’t wait to dive into.
The process of bringing Wynnie to life wasn’t just about making a cute stuffed animal. It was about creating a character that embodied something unique and personal to me. I wanted Wynnie to stand out, to have a personality that was both playful and comforting—something that kids and collectors alike would connect with.
I started with a simple vision: Wynnie would have to be bright and cheerful, but with a bit of edge—just like me. I knew right away that I wanted Wynnie to have striking colors that would catch your eye on the shelf, but it was equally important for the details to make the Beanie Boo feel personal and distinct. Working with Ty’s team, we experimented with color schemes, patterns, and even the material for Wynnie’s fur, ensuring the texture felt just right to the touch.
The hardest part was deciding on Wynnie’s facial expression. A Beanie Boo’s eyes are its most defining feature—they convey emotion, warmth, and personality. I wanted Wynnie’s eyes to have that signature sparkle, but also a bit of mystery. We played around with different expressions until we landed on the perfect one: curious, hopeful, and a little mischievous. Wynnie’s face had to tell a story at first glance, and I believe we nailed it!
Working alongside Ty Warner was an experience like no other. He has an incredible ability to blend business sense with pure creative intuition. Watching him in action, I saw firsthand how much thought and care goes into designing each Beanie Boo. Ty’s attention to detail is unmatched, and he was as invested in Wynnie’s creation as I was. Every aspect, from the smallest stitch to the choice of materials, was meticulously considered to make sure Wynnie would resonate with Beanie Boo fans around the world.
One of the biggest lessons I learned from Ty was the importance of balance—balancing personality with market appeal, uniqueness with universality. He taught me that while creativity is the heartbeat of design, you also have to think about how your creation will be received. Will it spark joy? Will people relate to it? Those questions guided us throughout the entire process.
Wynnie is more than just a Beanie Boo to me. It represents creativity, resilience, and the power of imagination. After everything I’ve been through—multiple brain surgeries, a year of chemo, radiation treatments—Wynnie symbolizes the idea that no matter what challenges life throws your way, there’s always room for joy, for creating something beautiful out of your experiences.
The name “Wynnie” itself has a special meaning to me. It’s a play on the word “win,” a nod to the victories—both big and small—that have shaped who I am today. In a way, Wynnie is a reminder that even in tough times, we can create things that inspire happiness and connection. Holding the final product in my hands, after months of brainstorming, refining, and creating, felt like holding a piece of my story—a story I’m proud to share with the world.
When Wynnie officially launched, it was an unbelievable moment. Seeing my creation on store shelves, knowing that others would take Wynnie home and make her a part of their lives, was incredibly fulfilling. I’ve always believed in the magic of small things—the way they can brighten a day or bring comfort when needed most. Wynnie is now part of that magic for others, and that’s a feeling I’ll never forget.
Designing Wynnie with Ty Warner was more than just a creative endeavor—it was a personal journey. It pushed me to think about how we tell stories through the things we create and how those stories can impact others in ways we might never fully understand.
I hope Wynnie inspires joy, creativity, and resilience in everyone who encounters her. Because that’s what she represents to me: a little bit of magic, a lot of heart, and a reminder that we all have the power to create something special, no matter where life takes us.
