Arnold resident turns hobby into passion project, donates proceeds to local animal rescues

After spending much of her time working at an animal rescue, an Arnold woman found a way to turn her longtime hobby into a gratifying venture.

Stacy Berkoben’s love for sewing proved handy as she began crafting handmade pet toys and beds, accessories, purses, handbags and more.

Her inventory of goods led to the creation of her passion project — Stacy’s Stuff — in 2011. The proceeds she receives from customers are used for supplies or are donated directly to local animal rescue shelters.

“I found a way to use to my skill in crafting and sewing to benefit the rescues,” she said.

Her project’s motto is, “Our stuff makes a difference.”

Berkoben has followed that motto over the years as she has donated proceeds to about a dozen shelters, including Kopy Kat Sanctuary, Frankie’s Friends and Homeless Cat Management Team. She has made it a habit to divide the money across different shelters. Her donations depend on each show’s success.

“I do what I do so they can do what they do,” she said.

Her love for craft shows helped guide her to find ways to promote her products. Berkoben typically travels up to an hour for pet shows, craft shows and similar events. The furthest she has driven for a show was to Cincinnati.

Each year she strives to attend 15-20 shows. Berkoben posts her show schedule on her Facebook page so people interested in buying items can plan ahead.

Her project has built a loyal customer base over the years. Berkoben said one customer comes to her booth every year to buy a tote bag. She even receives photos immediately after the show from customers showing their pets in their new beds or playing with their new toys.

“To see my items out there just makes me happy because I know I am doing good work and sewing good items,” she said.

Berkoben said she would love to do online shipping for her products but is not sure if that is feasible based on how she operates for shows.

“For shows I take what I have. If I start shipping, it can take away from doing that,” she said.

Berkoben uses the time between shows to sew more items. When she has back-to-back shows, she takes what she has left or what she made in bulk. When making her items, Berkoben has a keen eye for quality control.

“I am a perfectionist at heart, so if it’s not something I would buy myself, I won’t put it out there,” she said.

Berkoben is not entirely alone in her effort. Her mother lends a hand in stuffing items, loading and unloading the car or watching Berkoben’s pets while she is gone. A friend who worked at an animal rescue with Berkoben helps out at shows with setting up and tearing down the booth.

While Berkoben does not view her passion as a business, she is not ruling out the possibility.

“I am not opposed to that. It would be great,” she said.