The SmellyMonZsters Story
The Cause
I am JD, and I have struggled with anxiety for over a decade.
On one bad day I found an old stuffy in the closet and put it to my nose. It took me back to being a kid and I found it comforting.
The smell was of an old cedar trunk and It immediately reminded me of growing up north of Montreal - good memories! Within a few minutes I began to feel a little less anxious.
Of course, nothing helps more than having someone there for you when times get bad. That's why I wanted to make something that reminds us we all need help sometimes.
That's how SmellyMonZsters was born. You're never too old to have a stuffy!
The MonZsters
We created this stuffy with raised seams and very large ears. They are made to play with and to rub against your face to offer comfort.
There are a very limited number of Smelly MonZsters available for purchase for $39-$50. Delivery is available in the Greater Toronto Area only.
We are donating a portion of each sale to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.
Every MonZster comes with MonsterTears spray - aromatherapy you can apply directly to the stuffy when you need an extra calming boost.
There is also a small brass cow bell on each MonZster that you can ring for a further musical calming effect.
Finally, there's "BREATHE" embroidered on each MonZster to encourage calmness and remind you to be kind to yourself.
Keep your SmellyMonZster close, anoint it with your favourite MonZsterTears of your choosing and ring that bell. Remember, you are not alone.
Lastly SmellyMonZsters are constructed by our friend Shannon at BledriRainment. Click below to learn more about her and her small business!
The Creation
Kudos to my big sister Jenn (on the right), who co created this with me.
She noticed that when I felt anxious, I sought out visceral distractions - touch, sounds and smell. She encouraged me to make a stuffy that would help others too. She came up with the idea to make it inside out with the seams being prevalent in order to embody that feeling of being turned inside out when you have anxiety.
We bantered back and forth and came up with the name and the design and an authentic story to go along with it. Creating this with Jenn was a wonderful journey, and we would be thrilled if you took one home.
SmellyMonzsters are here to remind you to take care of yourself, and not only when you are feeling anxious.
Remember, it is ok to ask for help, and know there is lots of help to be had for the asking.
With this in mind, we are donating a portion of each sale to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.