Once Upon a Time…

There was a world that seemed to be falling apart. A world that needed more love than ever before. Then along came an idea that was inspired by all of the challenges and sadness in the world.

My name is Carolyn Quan and I am a multiple-award-winning artist, known for my visionary artwork created over the past 20 years of my fine art career. I have been self-employed for over 40 years with a background in art direction and design in the music and entertainment industries.

Like so many artists and small business owners, when the pandemic hit, my means to earn a living were suddenly non-existent. Spinning my wheels and completely discouraged by the painful financial impact of the pandemic while simultaneously dealing with health issues, I was at the lowest low I'd ever been in my entire life.

In the summer of 2024, I decided to seek employment with an employer for the first time in decades. I saw an ad for "Mascot Character - Must be 4'11" to 5'4"" at the San Diego Zoo and applied for the part-time job. I had always wondered what it would be like to be a professional mascot. When I was a teen, I got to be our high school moose mascot for a football game or two and the experience was so joyful that it stuck with me throughout my life. So, there it was "a dream j-o-b" staring me in the face. I couldn't help but feel excitement and the hope that I had been seeking for so long.

After two auditions and an interview, I was hired! I was now a professional mascot at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo in the entertainment division. Once I began the work, I very quickly realized how much happiness and joy that the zoo mascots bring to both children and adults from around the world. Each day that I work, I witness the positive energy and beauty of working in what I now call the happiness industry. The hugs, high-fives, blown kisses, dances, playfulness, love, gratitude...the smiles on children's faces, the joy emanating from their precious little hearts...it is like no other feeling. By creating joy for others, we create joy for ourselves.

So, then I thought...

What if I created something that would bring endless smiles, joy, and hope to people everywhere too. Besides, creating is my passion. I've been an artist my entire life. Art is my life. That’s when the inspiration to create The Mascot Love came into my vision. So I took the plunge and began to glue and sculpt foam, sew fur, cut rubber, design patterns, paint mesh, and create a lovable, furry mascot named Love. Now that she is completed, I am in the process of launching her out into the world.

But, I need your help.

In order to build her public life I need to secure funding for website-related costs, social media advertising and promotions, props, chaperones, and other general operating costs to support the rise of The Mascot Love to celebrity status. With your contributions I know that we can succeed at our goals and together help make the world a better place one smile at a time.

At the time of this update, The Mascot Love's YouTube channel has over 46,000 views! With your help we plan to add more zeros to that number!

Together we can help make Love win!

With immense gratitude and love,

Visionary Artist, Carolyn Quan