Our Story
Grimm’s Toys began on a chilly day in 2018 in Brooklyn, New York, when Taylor Alexandria Hayden, known to friends as ‘Taylor Alex,’ stumbled upon a box of forgotten stuffed animals left out for trash. Saddened by their lonely fate, Taylor saw a spark of potential in each plush friend. With a needle, thread, and a lot of heart, she brought them back to life, stitching their seams and crafting new stories for each one.
What started as a small act of kindness soon grew into something bigger. By 2021, Grimm’s Toys found a new home in sunny Dallas, Texas, where the mission expanded beyond just saving a few stuffed animals. Today, Grimm's Toys brings a message of reducing and reusing to young minds through whimsical storybooks and cuddly companions crafted from repurposed materials.
Whether at arts festivals, expositions, or cozy reading circles, we’re here to remind everyone that even a little love and creativity can make a big difference in our world—and that no toy should be left behind.
Taylor Alexandria Hayden
Owner, Author & Toymaker
Taylor Alex Hayden’s love for stories and creativity started early in the small town of Hillsboro, Texas. She spent days exploring her parents' garden, dreaming up worlds filled with fairies and magic. As she grew, her imagination blossomed from whimsical tales to modern poetry, always embracing the power of words.
Now, Taylor Alex calls the vibrant Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas home, where she has embraced her role as a textile artist. She combines her passion for storytelling with a commitment to reducing textile waste. Taylor creates playful, repurposed plush friends for Grimm’s Toys, using materials like old clothes, tablecloths, and other everyday items to give them new life. Taylor Alex also dedicates time to inspiring others to find their own storytelling voices through her work with the non-profit 'The Writer’s Garret.' Whether she’s stitching together new creations, crafting stories, or enjoying a game of fetch with her dog, Ringo, she’s always chasing after her next adventure.
Naida Joy Harrell
Illustrator
Naida Harrell is an artist hailing from the stunning landscapes of Alaska, specializing in comics and illustrations. Her love for visual arts began at the age of four when she transformed walls into her canvases using Sharpies, unleashing her creativity from an early age.In 2022, she took a leap and moved to Dallas, Texas, to pursue her art career with even more passion and dedication. In 2023, Naida began working with Grimm’s Toys, skillfully bringing the enchanting world of plush friends to life on the page. Naida finds inspiration in her everyday surroundings but through the lens of a comic book. Find more about Naida and her art at on instagram @njoyillustrations