Before MOD on the Fly existed, there was a small home studio filled with fabric, antique trims, bits of lace, mohair, and one little dachshund named Sissy who rarely left my side. That studio became Magnolia Matters, a tender chapter of my life where I hand-made heirloom teddy bears- each one stitched slowly, thoughtfully, with its own personality & vintage wardrobe. As my business grew, my bears found their way into a beloved boutique in Palm Desert, into showrooms at the Los Angeles Gift Mart, and eventually into homes near and far. I met collectors who became friends, and families who welcomed my bears into their homes and hearts.

I have fond memories of packaging up very special bears for Gavin and Patti MacLeod, Katie Callender of the Marie Callender's restaurant family and members of the legendary Matthews football family. Travelers who wandered into the shop- from England, Scotland and beyond- often left with a bear tucked into their luggage. Years later, I'd receive photographs and beautiful handwritten notes from across the ocean: my bear having tea on a blanket in the English countryside, sitting in a garden, or attending a makeshift "Tea Party" against rolling green hills. I was thankful and my heart warmed!w

MAGNOLIA MATTERS IN PRINT

As the bears traveled, the story traveled with them. Magnolia Matters was featured in multiple publications, including interviews in Arizona and two spreads in Teddy Bear Times, a European magazine, dedicated to the artistry of bear-making. Seeing my work photographed on glossy pages felt surreal- a little reminder of how far a dream can go.bears

int homes and hearts.

THE MEANING IN THE NAME

When I was choosing a name for my bear-making business all those years ago, I found myself paging through a small book called The Language of Flowers. I stopped when I reached the entry for magnolia. It's meaning was simple and beautiful:

love of nature.

That felt right to me. Not fancy, Just true.

Nature has always been where I feel most grounded- in peaceful places, in the steady comfort in the miracles of nature. Naming the business Magnolia Matters was my way of honoring that love.

THE CHAPTER I CARRIED FORWARD

I don't create bears anymore, but they remain one of the most meaningful chapters of my creative life. The name still means something to me today. It's a thread that runs from those early bears, stitched by hand with little Sissy Marie curled at my feet, all the way to the work I do now with MOD on the Fly.

Magnolia mattered then.

And in its own quiet way,

it still does.

Today MOD on the Fly carries that same spirit forward: thoughtful details, soulful living, and artistry woven into everyday moments.

—Tess