Meet Jeffrey Men | Creator of Fancy Teddy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeffrey Men and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeffrey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a first-generation Asian American, with my family from Taiwan and China, I grew up in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by the values of hard work and perseverance. My path wasn’t a straight line—I explored different creative fields, from modeling and interior design to working in my family’s travel and cargo business. My move to Los Angeles was initially sparked by a small role in a Netflix movie, but once I arrived, I found myself drawn to the city’s deep connection to mindfulness, sound baths, and crystal healing—things I had always been passionate about.

During a particularly transformative sound bath experience, I found myself at a crossroads. In that moment of stillness and clarity, the image of Fancy Teddy came to me—a childhood doodle I had sketched in countless notebooks. It was as if that part of me had been waiting to resurface. That experience became the turning point. I knew then that I had to take a leap and turn my nameless doodle into something real.

From that day forward, I poured myself into creating Fancy Teddy, bringing together my love for art, craftsmanship, and wellness. What started as a simple drawing has now evolved into a one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn art toy infused with healing energy—something that’s both deeply personal and meant to connect with others on an emotional level.

Starting this journey wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Fancy Teddy is more than a business to me—it’s a manifestation of creativity, healing, and the belief that sometimes, the things that feel most personal to us are the ones meant to be shared with the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I started Fancy Teddy, the first thing I asked myself was: What journey do I want to take myself on? What story do I want to tell?

Fancy Teddy began as a simple doodle—one that filled the margins of my notebooks from elementary school onward. I sketched it on post-its, canvases, anywhere I could. It was always there, waiting to take shape beyond the page.

What sets Fancy Teddy apart is the craftsmanship and intention behind each piece. Every Teddy is hand-cut, hand-sewn, and made with extreme care. I carefully select materials with both sustainability and luxury in mind, sourcing premium organic fabrics and remnant materials from other small businesses to minimize waste. Each Teddy is then individually sewn on a machine, hand-stuffed with organic kapok, and infused with three different healing crystals.

I wanted to create more than just an art toy—I wanted Fancy Teddy to be an experience, something you don’t just see but feel. Crystals have fascinated me for years; they carry energy, history, and a connection to the earth. By embedding them inside each Teddy, I’m blending the nostalgia of childhood comfort with the grounding, restorative power of crystal wellness.

One of the most important aspects of Fancy Teddy is that no two are ever the same. Each one is unique, just like the people who own them. I think we often underestimate the emotional connection we have with toys—how they comfort us, remind us of memories, or even change our outlook. That’s something I want to highlight and bring back.

Every Fancy Teddy arrives in a custom-designed box (made in the U.S.), complete with a birth certificate of authenticity. It details the Teddy’s number, weight, and the three healing crystals inside, making each one truly personal.

The journey to building Fancy Teddy hasn’t been easy. As an artist, you constantly face challenges—finding the right materials, bringing a vision to life, and making something truly meaningful in an oversaturated world. But I’ve learned that the key is persistence and staying true to your vision. The most rewarding part is knowing that each Teddy finds its way to someone who connects with it.

At its core, Fancy Teddy is more than just an art piece—it’s an invitation. An invitation to take it on your own journey, to tell your story, and to experience something made just for you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love all the basic “LA” things as much as the next person, but I promise a friend visiting me will experience more than just overpriced smoothies from Erehwon, the Hollywood sign and Rodeo Dr. This is my curated best kept secrets in LA and of course have to add in some classic LA crowd pleasers for out of towners.

If I pick my friend up from the airport we are first stopping at the OG Randy Donuts in Inglewood. Cannot beat the Original Glaze and Bearclaw! For actual meals, get ready, I am a big foodie so you’ve been warned! These are my top spots to eat:

-Best casual lunch spot is Belwood Bakery in Brentwood – my favorite sandwich and tomato soup

-Si! Mon in Venice for an unforgettable dinner and you can walk the Venice boardwalk after

-Applepan burgers and pies right by Century City Mall is a classic burger joint has the best patty melt.

-Fitoor fav Indian spot in Santa Monica

-Fave matcha spot is a very authentic Japanese place with the best fluffy pancakes on W 3rd St called Takagi Coffee

-I love a food hall and grew up going to malls, my favorite is Topanga Social which offers an insane variety so there is something for everyone. My go-to’s would be Beignet Box, Shrimp Daddy, Temaki by Seaweed and Café Social for amazing pasta, and afterwards we can go bowling at Pinstripes next door! Also very dog friendly – it was my favorite place to stroll my pup.

-Lily’s Burritos in Malibu – best giant breakfast burrito.

-Best authentic Thai spot is Chao Krung Thai by the Grove.

-Santo Silverlake is a Japanese spot with a Mexican twist – trust me, it’s so good

-Best ramen/tsukemen is Tsujita and Tsujita Annex in Sawtelle (go to whichever line is shorter) While you’re in Sawtelle stop for boba at 7 Mile Tea Club

-Best Dim sum is in Alhambra called Lunasia Dim Sum House

-Bavel is a no brainer

-Somos Oaxaca best authentic Oaxacan food

-Best Vegan spot is Planta

Drink:

-Thunderbolt bordering Historic Filipino Town and Echo Park was ranked one of the best bars and one of my personal favorites. They are a sustainable cocktail bar as well.

-Love a good speakeasy bar and Lucky Tiki in WeHo is one of my faves. Find the hidden doorbell and someone will buzz you in a secret entrance.

-Mirate has the best mezcal margs and gives you an escape to Mexico.

-This ties in with food as well, but to me what’s very quintessential LA would be Chateau Marmont for the history and old Hollywood vibes and of course Craigs and Sunset Tower for celeb sightings which is always fun for out of towners and locals.

Visit:

-Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) Beautiful architectural museum that has unique exhibits and carries Fancy Teddy in the museum store, in partnership with Maum Stores which curates AAPI brands with a mindful selection of emerging and established artists and artisans.

-Take a visit in an eerie neighborhood on the East side that is home to the Charmed house and Michael Jacksons Thriller music video on Carroll Ave in the Angelino Heights neighborhood

-See a magic show at Black Rabbit Rose

-Go Vintage shopping at Topanga Hidden Treasures

-Getty Villa (was actually the first place I ever drove and went to when I moved to LA)

-Santa Monica Pier – very touristy but feels so LA and while you’re at it go walk around Third St Promenade

-Five Sense Collective for an intentional and life changing sound bath experience overlooking a beach in Malibu – there is no experience and place like this

-Cinespia, outdoor movie nights in a famous Hollywood Cemetery

-If you don’t go on a hike or to the beach, that’s a missed opportunity! For hikes, everyone goes to Runyon or Griffith but I personally like Mandeville Canyon Park trail – its quiet and only locals know about it. For beach: Malibu Beach has always been my go-to and feels the cleanest.

-Finally, visit House of Intuition for crystals and intention setting candles that all have crystals when the candles burn out!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my sister, Emily Men! She is a fashion stylist and from day one she has always been my biggest support. She actually helped me build my brand and still is the first person I tell my ideas, show designs and seek advice for almost all my decisions.

Website: https://fancyteddy.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefancyteddy

Other: https://instagram.com/jeffreymen

Image Credits
Fancy Teddy