Ep.52 – Creating Comfort: Turning Grief into Art with Eden Woodcraft

In this episode of The Seed, I had the pleasure of welcoming Kelly Shirey, the owner and founder of Eden Woodcraft. From the moment she walked into the studio, her positive and vibrant energy was palpable, setting the tone for an inspiring conversation.

Kelly’s journey is one of resilience and transformation, rooted in her experience as a pharmacist and the profound loss of her daughter, Eden Isabella. After this devastating event, Kelly sought a way to create a tangible memory of her daughter. This led her to the idea of crafting 3D wooden footprint signs, which not only served as a personal keepsake but also became a source of solace for others experiencing similar losses.

Throughout our discussion, Kelly shared her emotional journey of turning grief into a thriving business. She explained how her initial desire to create a memory of Eden evolved into a full-fledged venture that provides comfort to others. We delved into the technical aspects of her craft, including her initial intimidation with tools like the Cricut and her eventual embrace of woodworking, inspired by her grandfather’s legacy.

As a pharmacist, Kelly had always followed a traditional career path, but she candidly reflected on how her passion for woodworking emerged after the loss of her daughter. She described the challenges of balancing her pharmacy job with her burgeoning business, emphasizing the importance of time management and the need to carve out “pockets of time” for her craft amidst the chaos of motherhood.

We also discussed the emotional impact of her work, particularly how creating personalized signs for clients allows her to connect with them on a deeper level. Kelly recounted touching stories from customers who found healing through her creations, reinforcing the significance of her work.

Looking ahead, Kelly expressed her aspirations to grow Eden Woodcraft further, including the integration of new tools and techniques to enhance her offerings. She shared her hopes of transitioning to her business full-time once her children are in school, highlighting the importance of being present for her family while pursuing her passion.

This episode is a testament to the power of turning pain into purpose and the incredible strength of women in business. I encourage you to check out Kelly’s work at shopedenwoodcrafts.com and follow her on social media to witness her journey and support her mission.

Thank you for tuning in to The Seed, where we continue to cultivate growth and empower women in business. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with others who might find inspiration in Kelly’s story. Together, let’s uplift and support one another on our entrepreneurial journeys.