A hug full of happiness – interview with Sandra de Vries from Huggy Buddha

Sometimes an idea doesn't just come to you slowly, it just crashes into your head. That's exactly what happened to Sandra de Vries, the creative mind behind Happlify Crew Member Huggy Buddha . A plush Buddha, born from a spark of inspiration in a store, fueled by a loving story and eventually grown into a source of comfort for young and old. In this interview, she talks candidly about that magical first moment, the cuddly toys that touch lives and Sandra's mission to make happiness tangible. Read along and discover how one soft cuddly toy makes the world a little more beautiful.

What did you feel the moment you knew: I'm going to make a cuddly Buddha myself?

I remember it well: I was standing in my shop on the threshold of the garden and the idea just suddenly came to me. I thought then: this is a good idea. That same week a customer came into the shop and told me that her autistic son was so crazy about the Buddha, but that he kept breaking it. Then I thought... this is the second time. I have to do something with this. I went looking, but I really couldn't find it anywhere. Then I thought: this is a super idea. I have to make it.

How did your daughter react when she received the first Huggy Buddha for her child?

Roos (my daughter) worked in my shop at the time and had experienced the entire process from idea to reality, and she was very proud. She thought it was very special that I had come up with the Huggy for Lily.

What is the most special message you have ever received from someone who received or gave a Huggy Buddha?

There are many moments that have stayed with me. Once a lady who had received a Huggy because she had to undergo a whole series of chemo treatments. She later told me that during those treatments, which were quite stressful, she squeezed the Huggy. She said then: as an adult you don't go in with a bear. She got so much support from it. It was like a comfort, she said. I understand that so well. Another lady received a Huggy from her friends when she was getting divorced. She said: "No more words were needed". She was completely upset about the divorce, and the Huggy calmed her down.

What made you choose a plush Buddha – and not, for example, another symbol of happiness?

I always had something with spirituality and I don't mean a religion but rather depth, inner peace and balance. The Buddha in this form is an age-old symbol of happiness, universal, a traveling monk who wanted to show that happiness is in small things. A cheerful, sweet friend of children.

What role does spirituality or symbolism play in your daily life and in your business?

As long as I can remember I have been busy with that. I try to enjoy what is there now and to be grateful for the ordinary small daily things. As a child I already searched for and found small magical moments, with shells and lucky stones etc. I was so incredibly happy with that. It is a kind of inner compass. I would like to do something with attention and meaning and with love of course. I also try to maintain that in business and to approach everyone positively and with good energy.

Each Huggy Buddha is handmade? Did you also help design the cuddly toy?

Yes, from the beginning to the end product. Every Huggy Buddha is handmade and I designed it myself. Then we found a factory ourselves through an agent in China that could make it. We also went to the factory ourselves to see how they are made, by whom and whether the working conditions were good. They were very good. When we decided that the new shipment should only be sustainable, we also looked in other countries, such as Portugal and Turkey. But China also turned out to be a leader in that.

You say, 'everyone needs happiness, and sometimes a hug'. How has that affected your own life?

With a hug - figuratively or literally - you show that someone matters, that he/she is important to you. Connection, friendship, and being there for people you love. Softness is so incredibly important to me.

How do you stay true to the original intention behind Huggy Buddha as the brand grows?

I stay true to my intuition. That means we go for real, and for pure, and not for quick success or bargain bins. It is a special gift, and we want to convey that at all times. Everything must radiate quality and sincerity.

Are there any fun plans for the future that we should know about?

Sure, but since it's still a company secret I can't say anything about it now. Just wait a bit 😉

Finally, what is your ultimate moment of happiness?

The lesson of the Happy Buddha: Happiness lies in small things.