Lacey's Story

Lacey's Story

In 2022 I began my struggles with mental health. Highschool was rough and I had no coping mechanisms. Then in 2023 a few things clicked, I was diagnosed with ADHD and ASD and I started experimenting with new ways to help manage my emotions. One day I was Scrolling TikTok and a video of a young girl taking a plush out to the shops came up on my FYP. My fate was sealed. For two years I didn't go anywhere without my plushie (or ESSA if you want to be technical). I taught every person who I encountered about emotional support stuffed animals and eventually I had the idea of starting my business. It took weeks and weeks of website editing, posting videos and finalising wholesalers before I could launch. But when I did, it bloomed. Slowly but surely I was getting more and more orders. Goodness me how we've grown since then. Every change, every memory and every order just makes my love for this business grow.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us this far. We love you. 

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8 comments

hi everyone!! i’m wren. in 2023-24, i was struggling a lot with mental health and identity crisis (I still used she/her). only my friends helped me, but I couldn’t talk to them much. had I known about ESSAs back then, everything would have been so much better. I now use they/them and feel much better about myself. I ended up finding the therian community about a month ago and realizing… this is my identity as well. and since then it feels like the species dysphoria has gotten worse, almost, knowing I can’t be a coyote again. I also have ADHD (self-diagnosed – I show a /lot/ of the signs) and my mom thinks I /might/ have anxiety. my ESSA, Calypso (a wild republic cheetah cub) really helps with all of these. she’s sitting right next to me in first period right now :] have a great day, everyone!!

- wren

Wren

I love your website!!!
I am waiting for a diagnosis for ADHD/ASD too and I’m getting an ESSA soon!!
His name is Austin and he is a Douglas chase border collie. thank you for sharing your story with us!

Austinandme

I feel the same way (not coping) sometimes, but I have made a best friend in high school that I don’t think I’m gonna lose, and we share the same feelings all the time, it is like I am surprised we did not know each other until now! 😁

Lacey

Your shop is stunning!!! We’re in the UK, but we’re going to come on holiday to Australia
In the near future (2026-2027?) and I’ll definitely be in your shop 24/7! I’ve seen the videos and your shop has such pretty gear + accesories! See you in the future! (hopefully!)
With love,
My Essa Bailey, and me (Izzy!)

Izzy

Wish it was closer to where I live, love the idea

Campbell Guignard

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