Interview with Nici Thompson, founder of Blue Bear & Co
Founder Nici Thompson shares the inspiration and story behind the creation of her business, Blue Bear & Co.
What’s your career background?
I have almost 17 years’ experience as a counsellor, working with children, young people and adults. My work has always been rooted in empathy, connection and supporting people through life’s most challenging moments.
I’m also a mum of four. After Charlie’s diagnosis, I stepped away from my career to become his full-time carer. Sadly, we lost Charlie in 2021. I later returned to my profession, but I felt a deep need to turn my pain into purpose and that’s how Blue Bear & Co. was born. It has become more than I ever imagined, offering comfort, connection and a lasting legacy in Charlie’s name.
When did you get the idea for your business?
The idea came on Charlie’s second anniversary. I wanted something that would give me and his siblings real comfort and connection, something we could hold onto. When I couldn’t find anything that truly felt right, I decided to create it myself.
I wanted it to be something that would last a lifetime… where the heartbeat could continue, the scent could be replenished and the voice message could be updated, so it never, ever fades. Something that holds your loved one close, forever.
Charlie’s story
Charlie is the heart of everything I do. He showed the most incredible strength, courage and resilience. He never stopped smiling, no matter what he was facing. After losing him, I knew I wanted to create something that carried his love forward, something that could help other families feel less alone. Blue Bear & Co. and our charity, Thumbs Up for Charlie, are his legacy.
How did you move from idea to actual business?
It started with a feeling and a lot of determination. I didn’t have all the answers but I knew the purpose behind it was strong enough to keep me moving forward.
After losing Charlie, I felt this overwhelming need to create something that could offer the kind of comfort we so desperately needed. My husband genuinely thought I was having a breakdown when I walked into my local textile shop and bought armfuls of fabric. Despite never having sewn before, I made a teddy within a day. It didn’t have any eyes or a nose, but to me, it was perfect.
From there, I spent time carefully developing the bears so they truly held meaning, adding features like a heartbeat, voice recordings and scent to create a real sense of connection.
It’s been a journey of learning as I go, trusting my instincts and building something meaningful step by step. Blue Bear & Co. has grown from an idea into something that brings comfort, connection and a lasting legacy and that’s what’s kept me going every step of the way.
What’s your USP?
Every bear tells a story and holds deep meaning. These aren’t just teddy bears, they’re designed to create comfort, connection and lasting memories.
Our original brown bear is where it all began, featuring the unique elements that make each one so personal, a heartbeat, a familiar voice, a comforting scent which creates a true sense of closeness.
Each bear in the collection carries its own purpose. The light blue bear is connected to our charity, Thumbs Up for Charlie, with 10% of profits going directly to support the Thumbs Up Challenge. The dark blue bear is tied to Finding You, a story of hope, courage and resilience. And the pink bear is inspired by a new story, Finding Me, soon to be published.
They’re not just gifts; they’re companions, each with a story to tell. Truly, they are Bears for Life
Who’s your target audience?
At the heart of everything we do is supporting children through life’s hardest moments, when they feel alone, overwhelmed or unsure of where they fit.
Whether it’s a time when parents can’t be there, their first year at school, navigating illness, grief or simply feeling different or lost, our bears are there to offer comfort, reassurance and a sense of connection.
While our focus is on children, our audience also includes those who want to give a truly meaningful gift, something that goes beyond the physical and becomes a source of ongoing support, love and belonging.
How do you spread the word about what you do?
Through storytelling. I share Charlie’s story, the meaning behind each bear and real experiences from the families we support.
Social media has been a powerful platform for connection, alongside word of mouth and opportunities to meet people in person, at trade shows like Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, Harrogate Home & Gift and Country Living at Christmas.
Along the way, I’ve been incredibly proud to be recognised as an Small Business Sunday (SBS) winner, and to have been selected as a winner in the Autumn Fair pitch competition. Those moments have helped amplify what we do.
But ultimately, when people truly understand the “why” behind Blue Bear & Co., it resonates on a much deeper level and that’s what really spreads the word.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
Making sure the message truly lands. Because this is so much more than a product, it’s deeply emotional.
One of the biggest challenges has been helping people understand the true depth of comfort and connection the bears provide. Many of the purchases are made during incredibly difficult and sensitive times, so asking for feedback, reviews or case studies has never felt like the right thing to do and that can make it harder to show that impact outwardly.
It’s also something that’s difficult to fully explain. Until someone holds one of the bears and understands the meaning behind it, it’s hard to put into words what it really offers.
But when people do connect with it, it resonates in a powerful way and that’s where the real impact happens.
And your proudest moment so far?
Winning Pitch Live at Autumn Fair was an incredible moment. It felt like recognition not just for the business, but for the meaning behind it and for Charlie too.
Why is work so important to you?
It is important because it’s about turning pain into purpose.
What I do isn’t just work, it’s something deeply personal. It’s about making a difference to families going through incredibly difficult times, helping people feel less alone, by creating comfort and connection when it’s needed most.
It gives meaning to everything we went through with Charlie and allows his legacy to continue in a way that supports others every single day.
That’s also why we’ve created a wider mission, working with local businesses to sponsor bears so hospices can provide them to families free of charge. This is just the beginning. The vision is to expand this across the UK, supporting hospices, bereavement services and organisations helping children and siblings navigate grief and trauma; ensuring these bears reach those who need them most.
Who inspires you?
Charlie. Always.
His strength, courage and resilience inspire me every single day. He faced everything with a smile and that’s something I carry with me in all that I do.
Without a shadow of a doubt, he has made me a better person. He’s shaped how I see the world and who I strive to be every day. I want to be the best version of myself, not only for him, but for my other children too, to be a strong and positive role model.
I want them to see that pain doesn’t have to define who we are. Instead, it can shape us, strengthen us and give us a deeper sense of purpose.
He’s the reason behind everything, every decision, every step forward and the purpose that drives it all.
What are your three top pieces of advice for someone wanting to do something similar?
- Persevere-don’t give up, even when it feels really hard. You will face setbacks, but every time you fall down and get back up, you grow stronger and move forward.
- Surround yourself with the right people-those who lift you up, champion you and leave you feeling like your cup is full.
- Believe in yourself-because if you don’t believe in what you’re building, it’s very hard for anyone else to.
Find out more about Blue Bear & Co.
