OUR STORY

This Is Grief was born from profound loss and love. After the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a child our family found itself in a world that kept moving forward while we stood still forever shaped by grief. During the first year even simple tasks felt overwhelming. On one particularly difficult day at the vet a mother casually asked if I had children. Her innocent question cut me in two — I was unable to speak as tears streamed down my face. Days like these varied but left me feeling exhausted and embarrassed for my reaction to normal acts of connection. On another one of my harder days when I knew I would see a lot of people I decided to write "I'm grieving" on a small piece of painter's tape and place it on my coat so if anyone said something that might trigger me I could just point and gently not answer. It was in that desperate act that I decided to make myself a shirt and it was life-changing. It gave me permission to ask for compassion and acknowledge my pain without guilt.

I realized that grief doesn’t have an expiration date — it shows up unexpectedly, even years later. By year two I had made grief-awareness products for myself and my family. To my surprise, strangers began asking where they could get them for themselves or their loved ones. That’s how This Is Grief was born.

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster a culture where grief is seen, acknowledged, and supported. Through our products we aim to help people carry their grief with compassion and a connection that feels authentic to their journey. Sometimes there are no words, and that’s ok — but no one should have to carry it all alone.

— Love Kienan’s Mom, April Votolato

Thanks to Charlie Wagers who worked with me on the Deer and Fern designs. wwwcharliewagers.com