Tracy Fishburn

Occupation: Memory Bear Specialist

Tell us your brand elevator pitch! At Tracy’s Treasured Keepsakes, I create memory bears, cushions and blankets from those items of clothing that hold sentimental value. Clothes such as your little ones’ old baby clothes, school/work uniform, and clothes that belonged to a relative you have sadly lost. I can even work with your wedding dress! These clothes may well be hidden in boxes in your wardrobe or loft. So get them out from the darkness and send them to me to see the light of day and have them on display. 

What inspired you to start your brand? It was purely by accident. I’d been looking for someone to create a keepsake bear from my eldest daughter’s clothes. I stumbled across a sewing pattern and thought it would make a lovely project while on maternity leave. It was my hubby who suggested I should start it as a business. So I shared a photo on social media and my friends and family went crazy and wanted their own. 5 years later I’m creating memory bears as a full-time business. 

What are you most proud of in your career so far? As cheesy as it sounds, having the opportunity to help so many families to preserve the memories tied up in their clothes. But if you want something more, in 2023 I become a multi-award-winning business. For someone who had very little business know-how when I started, this is a huge achievement. 

How would your best friend describe you? Hard-working, honest and loyal. 

Name three things that you always carry with you? My phone (after all that’s where I run most of my business from). Other than my keys I don’t have much else. 

What was the last book you read? The last book I read was by Jodi Picoult but I can’t remember the title it was so long ago. Currently, I’m reading Matthew Perry’s Memoir. 

What inspired you to book a personal branding photoshoot with me? I needed some amazing branding photos for plans to share my story in the press, update my website and because my branding images were outdated. And because you’re such an awesome photographer and friend. 

Do you remember how you originally found me? Erm let me think… maybe your bestie?! (shout out to The Plattform!)

Tell us about the concept for your shoot – what was your inspiration? Just to have natural photos in my workspace to show the real me 

Describe your shoot experience with me! I was really nervous before you arrived. I absolutely hate having my photo taken. But you made me feel so relaxed at times I forgot you had a camera pointing at me. Being a business about family memories I wanted some photos with my girls. My youngest (5) was adamant she wasn’t going to let you take any photos. But you must have had a special connection with her because she wouldn’t stop looking at the camera 

Tell us about your favourite photo from the shoot – why do you love it? Ooh that’s a tough one because I have 3. One of me with my girls, one of me at my sewing machine (feel like it really shows me & my personality) and one cutting the wedding dress. 

How have your new brand images helped you to become more visible? They were featured in the Sun Online and lots of local press during October. 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about booking a personal branding shoot of their own? To just go for it. It will be the best investment for your business. 

What will your autobiography be called? Tracy Fishburn – How preserving memories changed her life

What’s the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about you yet? When I worked at New Look, I once asked Phil Mitchell for ID pretending I didn’t know who he was when he left his bank card. I very much knew who he was but guessing by his reaction he was miffed I didn’t know him. 

What exciting project are you working on right now? I’m currently in partnership with a local charity CHUMS. CHUM’s mission is to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people in Luton, Bedfordshire and beyond, enabling positive and fulfilling lives. With every elephant keepsake 10% of the order will go to CHUMS to help them to continue their amazing work.