In the following section, I have an interview with some one
in the Beanie world!  For the first month it's Ms. Janie!  
Please read on!

I had the WONDERFUL pleasure of interviewing Ms. Janie! Here's the report! :o)

BB: Tell us about yourself!

MJ: I've been married for 19 years and have two beautiful children. I'm the author of "THE BEANIE INVASION" and I'm also a writer for a new magazine entitled "The Beanie Update Trader" My hobbies consist of gardening, writing, research, and being a mom.

Community involvement is very important. I'm currently serving as a Chairperson for an Architectural Review Board, Chair an Orientation Committee and Head a New Construction Committee.

BB: How long have you been collecting Beanies?

MJ: I started collecting Beanies in December 1996. I truly had no idea what a Beanie was all about. I spotted them and fell in love (Animal magnetism) the rest is history!

BB: Do you own every single Beanie?

MJ: Oh, I wish I did! In answer to your question, no I do not own every Beanie. My collection will never be entirely complete. I do own a few of the older pieces and I've even been lucky enough to get Maple and Britannia.

The thought of not having a complete set troubles me at times. I've been involved with this collectable for almost two years, I view it as an important part of history.

BB: If you could make up any Beanie, what would it be?

MJ: Oh what a fun question! With out a doubt, my Beanie would be an alien. The alien's name would be Roswell and its birth date would be 8-14-98. I would choose an alien because they offer mystery, intrigue and the unknown.

BB: Your book, The Beanie Invasion, has been a HUGE success. Did you expect it to be?

MJ: Boy what a tough question! I have consumed a better part of my life revolved around children. At one point I operated my own Daycare/Preschool because I wanted to help as many children as possible. When I decided to write "The Beanie Invasion" I decided that it would be written on a sixth grade level. Most of the publications offered were too technical and very difficult for children to follow. It was important for me to ensure that children had the opportunity to enjoy and be part of Beanie history. Adults have commented on the easy flow content and easy to follow topics. I felt the book would be popular because of its layout, content and pictures. The Beanie Invasion is the ONLY Beanie history book, which covers many topics we all can relate to.

I'll share a short story with you. A newspaper was interviewing me after the book was released. I remember the reporter telling me he and a few of his friends had self published their own books. He also said that they printed less than 200 copies. He scared me by telling me that self-published authors never sell their first publication. "Thank god he was wrong!"

BB: What's the best deal you have ever gotten on a Beanie?

MJ: I'll never forget it! I was able to purchase Tabasco for my children at $30.00 after he had already retired. Come to think of it, that's the most I've ever paid for a Beanie.

BB: Have you made many friends in the Beanie world?

MJ: I have made a ton of Beanie friends. They all fall under separate headings and are unique and individual in there own way. Randy Jones from the BBBC, which stands for Beanie Babies Buddies Club, was the first Beanie webmaster I ever met. Randy and I met on-line and a year later actually met in person. I consider Randy to be a very good friend.

Joe AKA Beanie Dad from ctoys has always been a supportive individual. I've enjoyed working with him for almost a year and a half. I feel Joe and I have established a friendly working relationship and I value his opinion. I've never met Joe in person but hope too one day.

Suzy from Beaniephiles contacted me almost a year ago. Suzy and I have become friends and Suzy has actually visited my home and we have appeared at two shows together. Suzy is a little on the shy side, me on the other hand you can't shut up. We complement one another.

Sara Nelson (Beaniemom) has posted some of my material on her site and has been supportive. It wasn't until recently that I had the pleasure of meeting Sara, what a delightful person. All of the above individuals should be credited for making me what I am today!

I have also had the pleasure of meeting Peggy Gallagher (What a Hoot!) Vicky Krupka, Mary Beth from Beanie Bits and Pieces, Tony & Melissa from The Toybox, many beaniephilers from Suzy's list and Carrie Patten a very talented graphics designer.

I have established on-line communication with many webmasters whom I've never met. I hope to one-day meet Renee from Beaniemonium and many others.

All of these individuals are special people and I plan on always staying in touch with them.

BB: You have written articles for and are featured on some of the biggest websites in the Beanie World. You have become a household name. How does that feel?

MJ: You know to be quite honest with you, I'm humbled and appreciate the relationships I have established with all of the Beanie sites, but I'm just a regular person. I'm no different than anyone else. If you really look at it, we all can be credited for being an expert in some form or another. I'm just thrilled to be a part of history and love Beanies and people! Its that simple.

As far as being a household name, I would say that credit should go to Ty. After all, if it wasn't for Ty and Beanies, we wouldn't even be doing this interview.

BB: Do you have any words of wisdom for all the Beanie collectors out there?

MJ: My first response would be to say not to forget why Ty made Beanies. Unfortunately Beanies have gone beyond that point and other issues need to be addressed.

1. If you purchase off the Internet, know your buyer. Ask for references and check those references. Don't assume anything!

2. Don't allow yourself to assume that every Beanie you purchase is a fake! Many collectors have become concerned about fakes and are overreacting to the possibility of purchasing them. Read, as many articles as you can and become knowledgeable, but don't become obsessed!

3. Beware of unfounded rumors! False rumors and pictures surface on the Internet daily.

4. Last but not least. Allow your Beanies to make you feel good about yourself. Beanies do offer facial expressions, I've found many that remind me of certain people or instances in my life. Yes, I'm a collector but I do have a few Beanies that are not tucked away. I want to have the opportunity to enjoy them and appreciate them. I don't care how old you are; there's nothing wrong with it.

Elizabeth,

I hope my answers were not to long. I felt your questions were outstanding and deserved my undivided attention.

Best Wishes and Beanie hugs,

Ms. Janie