#22: How She Built Build-A-Bear—and Changed Retail Forever

She Built More Than a Bear—She Built a Movement. At 48, Maxine Clark left a top corporate role to follow a spark of "kid think"—and turned it into the global sensation, Build-A-Bear Workshop. In this inspiring episode, Maxine shares how she broke barriers, trusted her gut, and built an empire when few believed a woman—or a teddy bear—could. You'll learn how she faced down skeptics, raised millions, and took her company public—all without losing her heart or her vision. Her story is packed with real-life lessons on confidence, curiosity, and the power of persistence. If you're ready to stop waiting for permission and start building your dream, this is your blueprint. About Maxine Clark https://www.buildabear.com/brand-about-story-founder.html Resources Build-A-Bear Workshop: https://www.buildabear.com Resources At 48, Maxine Clark walked away from a powerful corporate career to follow a spark of "kid think"—and turned it into Build-A-Bear Workshop, a global phenomenon. In this episode, she shares how she trusted her gut when few believed in the idea, faced down skeptics, raised millions, and took her company public—proving that joy can be a serious business strategy. This is a conversation about courage, reinvention, and betting on yourself when the odds say don't. Maxine opens up about the emotional stakes of starting over, the power of persistence, and why waiting for permission is the fastest way to stay stuck. If you're navigating change or sitting on a dream that feels "too late" or "too risky," this episode is your reminder: start building anyway. Resources - Check out Bonnie's website here.