The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Connecticut student’s QT Bears encourage kids to wear masks
When college senior and dance teacher Olivia Carlson learned her employer had to temporarily close because of COVID-19, she found herself worrying about her students. She thought about the stress and isolation the young children may be feeling during quarantine.
“I was out of work ... and thinking about all my kids at dance, about how they’re struggling during this quarantine, doing school online and not seeing their friends,” said Carlson, 22, of New Hartford, Connecticut, a student at Central Connecticut State University.
While up late one night about two weeks ago, unable to sleep, Carlson came up with the idea for QuaranTine Bears, or QT Bears.
Every QT Bear sports a tiny mask and comes with a matching mask for a child, a list of tips on how children can stay safe during quarantine, and a handwritten note “from the bear” to kids who may feel self-conscious about wearing a mask.
Carlson ordered six bears online from a wholesaler and asked an aunt who was already making masks to teach her how to sew. It took her an hour just to make one mask at first, she said.
After completing the initial six sets, Carlson posted a photo of the six bears on Facebook thinking a few of her dance students might be interested. They sold out in three minutes, she said.
She has sold more than 140 bears, and her inbox is flooded with more requests. Because her business model and production costs are still evolving, Carlson asks potential customers to message her privately for prices, which may fluctuate, she said.
“I had no idea of the response I was going to get,” said Carlson, who is also trying to figure out a way to generate revenue to be donated to charity. “It happened so fast.”
Carlson returned to her childhood home weeks ago after her school shut down for quarantine. She and her mother set up a mask assembly line and designated a specific room for the QT Bears.
As Carlson sews, her mother helps deliver the finished bears to local customers’ doorsteps.
“It’s been so helpful, I’m really thankful for her,” said Carlson.
The bears also come with a slip of paper telling families how they can participate in the “Where’s QT Today?” photo challenge.
“It’s basically just so kids can have fun with their bear at home and take pictures of it,” Carlson said. “I’ve had kids send me pictures riding their bikes with their bears, sleeping with their bears, doing homework with their bears ... a whole bunch of things. I thought that would keep them busy.”