We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Stevens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
It’s okay to grieve out loud. In creating the pieces we make, we hear so many stories that are heart breaking and a common theme that we see is that they have no one talk to or feel like they don’t want to place their grief on anyone else. Also that grief can be super isolating and that they feel alone. It is a coping mechanism many choose to try and protect their loved ones from feeling badly. On our social media platforms many people comment  that this is a “private” matter and we shouldn’t be posting about this. But I am here to say that it is okay to share what you want to share, it is okay to grieve out loud. It may connect you with others who have experience similar things and sharing your story can bring you support you never knew you had. This is not for everyone and many may choose to grieve in private but I say follow what feels right. Some feedback we have received from customers is the pieces have opened up communication with their family and it was helpful in the healing process to both have something tangible to hold but also to bring their family together.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We create what I like to call precious keepsakes. I say it’s my heart’s art and my souls work! We create memorial and motherhood keepsakes/jewelry by using what ever is important to you including Ashes, Breastmilk, Burial Dirt, Clothing, Hair… and the list goes on. There isn’t much we won’t work with. I like to think what sets us apart is the amount of love and heart we put into our art. We also share so much of the process and stories on our online platforms (Tiktok, IG, FB… ect). My goal in life has always been to touch hearts and make people happy and I am just so beyond proud to be here and be able to do both. Social media is a huge reason how we have been able to create for so many but it is also our biggest obstacle. Not everyone on there is nice and many do everything they can to bring you down, but my advice is to focus on the good you are doing bc the good will always concur. I have learned so much during our Tree of Hope journey but I would say the number one thing is if you can’t take care of yourself you can’t take care of others. Mental health is extremely important and when reading though difficult stories and as an empath I absorb that. So making sure to take time for myself so I can take care of everyone else.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I wish I could say something exciting here. I don’t get out near as much as I would like.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can confidently say I would not be where I am right now without the amazing Tree of Hope community. The love and support each of them show each other in their journeys is breathtaking. Both motherhood and grief (two populations we work with) can be extremely lonely and overwhelming but to know that there are others out there cheering you on makes such an difference. And seeing that happen makes me so happy.

Website: http://treeofhopecreations.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/treeofhopecreations?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treeofhopecreations?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: Tiktok: TreeofHopeCreations

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