The story of DerryBears started with Mik and Nik which began with a leap of faith and a journey to a new chapter in life. After moving from the bustling SF Bay Area in California to the quaint and historic town of Derry, New Hampshire, my family and I found ourselves embracing the charm of our new home. The house we purchased, built in 1723 by one of the original eight families that settled New Hampshire, became not just a place to live but a cornerstone of inspiration. It was impossible not to fall in love with Derry’s rolling hills, small-town charm, and deep-rooted traditions. Now, three years into this new adventure, we couldn’t be happier to call Derry home.

The seeds of Mik and Nik were planted during a Christmas season filled with discovery and creativity. Just a year after settling in Derry, my fiancé and I took a holiday trip to Manhattan, stopping in Exeter for a quiet retreat at a charming bed and breakfast. Being artists, we spent hours in cozy pubs and coffee shops, drawing and chatting about life. It was during this trip that Mik, a little blue bear, and his human companion Nik first came to life on paper. Mik was originally envisioned as a guide and friend to Nik, helping him navigate his anxieties and challenges. What began as simple sketches soon grew into a budding creative project.

Over the following years, Mik and Nik went through numerous iterations. During this time, my fiancé and I decided to get married in Exeter, the town where we had taken our first vacation in New Hampshire. As I sat sketching once again in Exeter, my fiancé posed a question that would profoundly shape Mik and Nik’s journey: “Why don’t you draw and write about what you don’t know?” It was a challenge to step beyond my own experiences and learn through the creative process. This approach wasn’t foreign to me—I often explored unfamiliar subjects through stories to better understand them. This time, the subject would be closer to home: Derry itself.

The idea was born to explore Derry’s traditions, history, and charm through the eyes of Nik, a boy living in Derry, and his best friend Mik, who evolved into a Derry Bear. Inspired by the existence of polar bears, black bears, and grizzlies, the concept of a magical, whimsical bear specific to Derry felt like the perfect way to connect with the community. Mik became only one of many Derry Bears, a species unique to the town, embodying its rich history and vibrant traditions. Through comics, books, and cards, the Derry Bears aim to celebrate the stories of Derry, showcasing its beauty and culture in a way that resonates with families and invites them to see the town through the playful and wonder-filled eyes of Mik and Nik.