Meet Holly Brooks | The Original Creator of Breastmilk Keepsakes

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

Hi Holly, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up crafty and sewing with my grandmothers, but I never imagined I would be here as the owner of my own small business! The first half of my adult life I worked at an animal hospital. It was stressful, but I absolutely loved it. Our home has always been filled with animal companions as a result. I just called it a hazard of the job!

A few years into my career I became a new parent and I found I desperately wanted to preserve that delicate, transitional time from infancy to childhood. Breastfeeding was a labor of love, and I needed something to hold on to in remembrance. That is when I had the idea to preserve breastmilk into keepsakes and began my adventure in executing this wild idea.

I was able to balance my job at the clinic while falling into the role as a small business owner, but after a few years my orders erupted and it was time to make a change. I found myself becoming more and more absent at home between my two jobs and I decided to commit to my art full time. It was a hard decision to make, but a necessary one. I never imagined I’d be here today, it sure is interesting how things play out.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My mission is to bring awareness to my preservation service especially for bereaved families and those experiencing a transitional period with their children. A keepsake can be an important healing tool for many encountering a period of change regardless of the reason. The most important part of my job is I get to help someone. When my clients trust me with their story I lock it away and use it when creating these relics. It inspires me, it fuels me, it ignites that creative drive and I use it! Quite literally YOU inspire my work!!

My struggle will always be balance. Being a working parent is hard, and when you trade a 9-5 to work for yourself 24/7 there just aren’t guidelines for that! Thankfully I’ve always been able to rearrange my schedule when I needed to work the bake sale or carpool for a track meet. The flexibility of working for yourself is something I will forever be grateful for.

The person I am today has evolved so much. The idea of breastmilk preservation was easy, but that is such a small part of my story. Starting out there weren’t resources like there are today. I am self taught from every aspect of this journey, and in return I think that makes my foundation rock solid. Every day is a new opportunity. Every day my head swarms with new ideas. Every day brings excitement to be better and do better. It’s just as I tell my boys, keep pushing for improvement and always be coachable. There is never a stopping point for improvement.

I want the world to know that I take the title of being the original creator of breastmilk preservation very seriously and have 16 years of experience creating DNA heirlooms. I am the only one creating your keepsake from start to finish. This means your inclusion receives the ultimate respect and attention it deserves. Along with breastmilk jewelry and keepsakes my preservation services also include inclusions such as cremains, placenta, umbilical cord, hair, flowers and organics, sand, fabric, nails, and nearly anything else you can think of! I also offer keepsakes for those without an inclusion to send in such as birthstone rings, custom stamped and engraved pieces, and botanical relics.

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?
If my best friend was in town we would first go to my favorite hang out for pizza and beer, The Fifth Quarter. I would say a cruise down Main Street would be necessary to visit all the old book stores and thrift shops we used to go to in high school. My boys would certainly tag along because if there is any chance of scoring some records they are in!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my mother as my number one supporter in business and in life. I miss her deeply.

Website: www.hollyday.co

Instagram: @milkjewelry

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hollydayco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milkjewelry

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvbKeWqAQoGzVgq8AaJRegQ

Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hollydayco