{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Maxine Clark, Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop\u00ae \u2014 Glambition\u00ae Radio Episode 277 with Ali Brown","description":"Build-A-Bear Workshop was an idea that hatched over 25 years ago in the mind of Maxine Clark during a day of shopping with a good friend\u2019s daughter. And while these stores are now a name that everyone knows, not many are aware of how Build-A-Bear came to be.  And today on #GlambitionRadio, we have the behind-the-scenes founder of this brand that has gained an enormous following!  If you are one of the few not familiar with Build-A-Bear, it\u2019s a teddy-bear themed retail-entertainment experience found in nearly every major mall in America. My twins have been customers themselves... choosing and crafting their very own stuffed animals. The whole fun part is making it \u2018come to life\u2019 \u2013 it\u2019s a very personal, customized experience. So who is this mysterious Maxine Clark? After a long and successful corporate career (wait until you hear her journey in our conversation), and her last position being president of Payless Shoe Source, Maxine felt a calling to create a new venture. She wanted to create something focused on engaging children\u2014although she didn\u2019t know what quite yet. In our interview on this Glambition Radio, you\u2019ll hear all the details on the unsuccessful Beanie Baby shopping quest that actually sparked the idea. And only nine months later, the first Build-A-Bear store opened in St. Louis, Missouri, and a maker\u2019s movement was born.  By listening intently to her customers\u2019 desires, Maxine\u2019s magical shopping experience quickly took off. Today there are over 350 Build-a-Bear Workshop stores worldwide and over 200 million stuffed animals have been created and sold.  After stepping down from her CEB (Chief Executive Bear) position in 2013, Maxine kicked off her next venture\u2014the Delmar DivINe\u2122: a project focusing on unleashing the potential of women and minority entrepreneurs. I love how Maxine continues to service the needs of her customers and community\u2026 an essential lesson that we ALL will benefit from. You don\u2019t want to miss this interview!  On this episode of #GlambitionRadio, you\u2019ll hear: How founding Build-A-Bear at age 48 was a huge asset for her \u2013 and she encourages women to found companies at every life stage  How Maxine\u2019s \u2018instant\u2019 success with Build-a-Bear was built on this KEY skill\u2014and the surprising sources of wisdom that refined her business decisions to great success Why MAGIC was\u2014and is\u2014the special ingredient that captivated millions of customers, and how to harness your clients\u2019 wishes to create the best experience possible The #1 BEST thing a founder can do to ensure the long-term impact and success of her venture (and why you should think about this now, if you haven\u2019t already\u2026) What it means to use your business mind within social systems\u2014and how it only takes ONE \u2018yes\u2019 to launch an entirely new trajectory (I loved this one, as we are the creators of change) Head to Apple Podcasts now to listen to this episode of Glambition Radio (or download it for later). And come join in the conversation on Instagram or Facebook. XO, Ali P.S. I would love your review! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and comment on Apple Podcasts. Select \u2018Listen in Apple Podcasts,\u2019 then choose the \u2018Ratings and Reviews\u2019 tab to share what you think. I would really appreciate it. Thanks! Resource Links: Learn more about Maxine on her website Get on the Priority Notification List for the Creative Strategy Workshop Learn more about The Trust \u2013 my modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  ","author_name":"Glambition\u00ae Radio","author_url":"https:\/\/alibrown.com\/","html":"