Perfectly Imperfect: How CRMS helped shape Mikey Schumacher’s ’14 path

Mikey Schumacher ‘14 founded but cute, a character-driven brand built on a powerful and deeply personal belief: our imperfections are not flaws to hide, but strengths to embrace. Through imaginative plush characters—like a “moon bunny” that embodies anxiety—Mikey creates products and stories that help people feel seen, understood, and less alone.

“The first place I ever learned to accept what makes me different and celebrate it was at CRMS,” he says. That philosophy is now at the heart of his work. Backed by both personal experience and psychological insight, but cute focuses on reframing insecurities—turning anxiety into awareness, or quirkiness into creativity—offering comfort and connection in a world where many struggle with loneliness and self-doubt.  

“Seeing an idea that came from such a personal place turn into a real company has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.” A major highlight since graduating from CRMS was winning the USC New Venture Seed Competition against 208 companies and raising more than $60,000 on Kickstarter to help bring his dream to life. 

Before arriving at CRMS, Mikey describes being “in a really dark place,” struggling to find direction while balancing the intense demands of competitive halfpipe skiing. Constant travel and competition left little room for academics, and he found himself at risk of falling behind. Encouraged by his family, Mikey made the decision to attend CRMS his junior year—an experience that would ultimately change the trajectory of his life.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to recognize the importance of emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and highlight the power of support systems in shaping healthy, meaningful lives. For Mikey Schumacher ’14, CRMS provided that support system at a pivotal moment when he needed it most.

“At CRMS, it was the first time I had personal attention from teachers who genuinely cared whether or not I would succeed,” he recalls. That care, combined with the school’s structure and community, helped him rebuild confidence and discover a sense of possibility he hadn’t felt before.

One of Mikey’s most meaningful memories came during his Wilderness solo. Alone in nature, he found space for reflection unlike anything he had experienced. “I learned a lot about myself,” he says. “It gave me space to reflect in a way I never had before, and it’s something that has stayed with me ever since.” That moment of quiet introspection became an early foundation for the self-awareness that now defines both his personal life and professional work.

A key figure in Mikey’s journey was Betsy Bingham-Johns, former Director of College Counseling, who saw potential in him when he struggled to see it in himself. “She was the first person who truly believed in me,” he says. With her encouragement, Mikey began to take academics seriously, studied for the ACT, and—despite being told previously that college might not be an option—applied and was accepted to the University of Colorado Boulder. He later went on to earn a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California.

“The most rewarding part of Mikey’s work is helping people reframe what they see as imperfections into their greatest strengths,” he explains. “Seeing both kids and adults connect with the characters and feel understood—that’s what matters most.”

As Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us, healing and growth often begin with feeling seen and supported. For Mikey, CRMS provided that foundation — through mentorship, community, and the space to reflect and grow. It’s a legacy he now carries forward in his own work, creating something that offers others the same sense of understanding he once found.

His advice to current students reflects that journey: “Don’t worry so much about what other people think. Focus on what makes you happy. The things that make you different are often the things that will matter most later in life.”

In many ways, Mikey’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of a supportive community—and a reminder that sometimes, the very things we struggle with can become the source of our greatest strength.