Hi, I’m Kathleen. I’m a mom, an artist, and the founder of Soft & Seen - a small home-based business that will create inclusive, customizable stuffed animals with love from my sewing machine... and from my child Rowan, too.

Rowan is the sunshine in our lives. He has a rare neuromuscular disorder and uses a power wheelchair to get around- and his imagination is as strong as ever. He loves rainbows, unicorns, and all things whimsical. Inspired by his joyful, inclusive spirit, I am creating Soft & Seen as a way to bring more visibility, inclusion, and love into the world, one cuddly creature at a time.

What Is Soft & Seen?

Soft & Seen is a lovingly handmade collection of stuffed animals designed with realism, gentleness, and inclusivity at the heart. I will sew each animal from home, combining soft textures with thoughtful details that make every creature feel special and unique.

We believe in celebrating every kind of body. Our plushies can have mobility aids, limb differences, or other features that reflect the kids (and grown-ups!) who love them.

Business name: Soft & Seen

Tagline: For Every Body, with love from Rowan

First collection will include: a spectacled bear, fennec fox, skunk, and okapi- because even the more unusual or misunderstood animals deserve to be hugged.

As someone with experience in custom embroidery (I used to work at a monogramming shop and loved using embroidery machines) I plan to offer personalized details like names, colors, and affirmations, making every plushie feel one-of-a-kind.

Why We’re Fundraising

We’re raising funds to help officially launch Soft & Seen- from materials and tools to the setup needed to bring our creations to families everywhere. Starting a handmade business from home means low overhead, but even a small start takes tools, supplies, and setup.

Your support will help cover:

Sewing supplies (fabric, stuffing, etc)

$500-$800

Design materials for mobility aids and personalized accessories

$500

Embroidery machine (for names and personalization)

$1,500-$3,500

Embroidery supplies (thread, backing, stabilizer)

$250-$500

Packaging (tags, boxes, labels, mailers)

$300-$600

Website, branding, and e-commerce setup

$200-$400

Digital design tools for PDF patterns

$150-$300

Emergency wiggle room for tools/materials

$350-$550

Fundraising Goal: $7,500

This will give Soft & Seen a strong foundation to launch, grow sustainably, and bring real representation and joy into the world through toys.

How This Business Will Support Rowan

Soft & Seen is more than just a dream for me- it’s a path toward giving Rowan the typical, joyful childhood every kid deserves. Any profit from the business will help us:

Make our home accessible, including his bedroom, bathroom, and the kitchen

Build an accessible outdoor space (like a boardwalk or smooth play area) so Rowan can play outside in his power chair and spend time with his service dog

Help with the cost of travel Traveling with a power wheelchair and medical equipment comes with added costs- from accessible lodging to specialized transportation- and often takes much more planning and flexibility than most trips. Rowan has only been on one family vacation in his life, when he was 5 years old. We would love to be able to plan a trip or two for him in the future, just like most kids get to do. Giving him those joyful experiences should not feel out of reach.

Cover equipment expenses as Rowan grows and his needs change

Insurance only covers the bare minimum of what it deems "medically necessary," often leaving us with large out-of-pocket costs for copays and essential equipment. Many of the tools Rowan needs for proper growth, comfort, and independence- such as adaptive seating, mobility aids, home modifications, or specialty items- are not covered at all. Advocating for Rowan's needs is time-consuming, emotionally exhausting, and sometimes requires legal support just to secure basic rights. Being able to afford an advocate or lawyer when needed could make a life-changing difference.

Maintain our wheelchair-accessible van, which is essential to getting Rowan where he needs to go. Our van is Rowan’s lifeline to school, doctor’s appointments, therapy, and family outings, but like any vehicle, it requires regular maintenance and has had frequent mechanical issues, especially with the ramp system. When it is in the shop, we do not have a reliable backup option. Renting an accessible van or using an accessible taxi service can be expensive and not always available on short notice. Being able to plan for these emergencies would make sure Rowan never has to miss important care or experiences because of a transportation failure.

This isn’t just a side project- it is a real way to support my child’s future and help other families feel more seen, represented, and loved.

Why It Matters

As a mom, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful representation is. The first time Rowan saw a toy with a wheelchair, his whole face lit up. I want Soft & Seen to be that moment- that spark- for kids everywhere.

These plushies are not just toys. They are companions, comfort objects, conversation starters, and mirrors. They tell every child, “You belong.”

How You Can Help

1. Donate what you can- Every contribution helps, no matter how small

2. Share this campaign- Spread the word to anyone who believes in kindness, inclusion, and creativity

3. Follow our journey- We will post updates as Soft & Seen comes to life

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting our dream. From our sewing room to your hearts, we are so grateful.

With love,

Kathleen & Rowan