CARRIE BEARS WITH CARRIE PIKE

Some ideas come from strategy. Others come from spreadsheets, marketing plans, or late-night brainstorming sessions. And then there are ideas that are born from grief—quietly, painfully, and unexpectedly—and go on to change lives in ways no one could have planned.

That’s exactly how Carrie Bears came to be.

Several years ago, long before this conversation was recorded, Carrie and I connected through a mutual friend. At the time, I had this idea stirring in my heart to start a podcast centered around grief. We recorded one episode together, and even then, I knew her story was something special. Carrie had built something meaningful, deeply personal, and incredibly impactful. So when I later launched my business podcast, I knew I needed her back—this time to talk about the business born from loss, love, and a simple but powerful idea: helping people hold on when letting go feels impossible.

A Loss That Changed Everything

Carrie’s story begins with the loss of her father. At the time, her mother was only 63 years old when he passed—a realization that still feels surreal decades later, especially now that her mom is in her 90s and continues to live a full life.

In the days following her father’s death, Carrie watched her mother go through his closet, surrounded by clothes that still carried his scent, his presence, his memory. Anyone who has experienced deep loss understands that moment—the way everyday items suddenly become sacred.

Carrie had learned to sew at the age of eight, something all the girls in her family were taught. While she didn’t love it at first, over time sewing became a creative outlet. Years earlier, she had even made small teddy bears from festive fabric to sell at a Christmas boutique. That experience lingered quietly in the background, waiting for the moment it would matter most.

Standing in that closet, overwhelmed by grief and memory, Carrie wondered: What if these clothes could become something tangible? Something comforting? Something that could help her family—and maybe others—through the pain?

She asked her mom if she could try making something out of her dad’s clothing. There was no grand plan, no business model—just grief, love, and a willingness to see what might help.

The First Bear—and a Moment That Changed Everything

Carrie created a teddy bear from her father’s shirt and gave it to her mother. The reaction was immediate and emotional. Her mom recognized the shirt right away—it was one she had given her husband herself.

Years later, Carrie discovered something she hadn’t known at the time: her mother slept with that bear every night. It became a source of comfort, a way to feel close to the man she loved, even after he was gone.

That moment planted a seed.

If this could help her family, maybe it could help others too.

From a Personal Gesture to a Purposeful Business

Not long after, while pregnant with her third son, Carrie found herself sharing the story during a pedicure appointment. In one of those seemingly ordinary conversations that turn out to be anything but, the technician mentioned someone connected to a grief counseling program at the University of Utah.

That connection led Carrie to Caring Connections, an eight-week grief program through the University of Utah’s College of Nursing. There, she met Beth Cole and Sherry Anderson—women who immediately understood the value of what Carrie was creating.

Their encouragement validated what Carrie felt in her heart: this wasn’t just a keepsake. It was a meaningful part of the grieving process.

From there, Carrie began attending events, hospice conferences, and community gatherings. She brought her bears—not to sell in the traditional sense, but to share an idea. Something that might help someone when they needed it most.

A Business Built on Trust, Care, and Word of Mouth

Today, Carrie Bears serves families across the country. More than 80% of her orders come from out of state, with people mailing their loved one’s clothing to her—an act that requires immense trust.

Each bear is made with intention, care, and communication. Carrie walks families through the process, keeps them informed, and treats every piece of clothing as if it were her own. Despite the emotional weight and responsibility, she has never lost a bear. Even in the rare instance when a package was stolen, it was returned after the thief realized it held no monetary value—only sentimental worth.

Carrie’s tagline says it best:

“Sometimes when it’s hard to let go, it helps to have something to hold on to.”

That philosophy guides everything she does.

The Role of Hospice and Community in Grief

Through this journey, Carrie has developed deep relationships with hospice organizations—places where grief is present every single day. She speaks with immense respect and gratitude for hospice workers, calling them angels for the way they care not only for patients, but for entire families.

Some hospices now offer Carrie Bears as gifts to grieving families, recognizing the comfort they provide during unimaginably difficult moments.

Carrie also participates in grief support groups, particularly for teens, offering space for honest conversation and connection. She is careful never to be pushy or sales-focused. Instead, she shows up, listens, and lets the work speak for itself.

Grief, Memory, and the Power of Being Present

During our conversation, we also reflected on the kindness people show in the aftermath of loss. From handmade jewelry to memory albums, from items crafted with handwriting or symbolic dimes, gestures like these leave lasting impressions.

One memory stood out deeply: a Sunday at church, where grief felt overwhelming. In the middle of quiet sobs, someone simply came and sat nearby—no words, no fixing, just presence. That act of sitting with someone in their pain remains one of the most powerful expressions of kindness there is.

It’s a reminder that grief doesn’t need to be solved. It needs to be witnessed.

Carrie Bears Today—and Where to Find Her

Carrie officially started Carrie Bears in 1999, and her work continues to evolve. While her business has grown, the heart of it remains the same: honoring love, memory, and connection.

You can find Carrie and her work here:

• Website: https://www.carriebears.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriebears99

Carrie has also written books inspired by grief and remembrance. Her children’s book about 9/11 is available on Amazon, and her other book can be found on her website.

A Few Final Fun Notes

To close the episode, Carrie shared a couple of personal insights that offered a lighter glimpse into her life. Her pet peeve? Angry drivers—life is simply too short. Her simple pleasure? Hiking up a steep trail and sledding down afterward, proving that joy and grief can coexist beautifully.

Why This Story Matters

Grief is inevitable. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Carrie’s story is a powerful reminder that businesses don’t always start with ambition—they often start with empathy. With seeing a need. With choosing to help.

Carrie Bears is more than a product. It’s a bridge between love and loss, between memory and comfort, between heartbreak and healing.

And sometimes, when the weight of grief feels too heavy, having something to hold on to makes all the difference.