Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Reaching Past Its Roots to Find the Need and Means for Growth
Manchester, NJ (PRWEB) August 05, 2013 -- Katy Larsen began her business Somewhere Over the Rainbow LLC as an outpouring of the tragic loss of her daughter Hannah. A graphic artist by trade, she began to utilize her abilities to create remembrance pieces for bereaved families. But there is more. What about the pain of the grief stricken father? Her husband, an architect, happened to be handy at woodworking and so together, side by side, they are helping families all across the globe to remember and honor their babies.
But it has grown to more than just that.
"Recently, we created 36 memorial candleholders for The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. They were hosting a remembrance weekend for children that had lost their battle with cancer. Because of remembrance item sales, we were able to offer these items at near cost to this meaningful charity," stated Katy.
But the real goal is to create enough funds to fully support organizations such as The Jay Fund and many more. A "Request for a Free Item" page has recently been added to Somewhere Over the Rainbow's website and the response and need is overwhelming. One small business cannot make the difference all alone and so growth is required.
"Grief is a fact of life for many. It is overwhelming and all-consuming and not everyone has the means to find any comfort in these times. Though they are merely tangible items, they are invaluable to their owner. A sort of validation in many ways,' Katy said.
So how does a small business go about the process of growing into more and being able to help more people? Marketing your company is a good start and being active in all of your social media links is also a plus. While Somewhere Over the Rainbow has been doing both, you still need people who believe in your cause as much as you do.
"Because of this, I have opened up a Small Business Awareness Contribution Campaign. My remembrance sales are falling short of handling the need for remembrance items. I have also currently released my first book, Mental Reflections, as another avenue of funding our mission. We are hopeful that people will have a heart for the cause and support in anyway they can. Even if someone is unable to contribute monetarily, clicking the social media links to share it is a huge help in spreading awareness of the campaign and its goals," Katy stated.
The book, "Mental Reflections, while it does speak of Katy's stillborn daughter Hannah, speaks of many tragedies people face in life. She has been through a tremendous amount in her short 34 years, including the loss of her two best friends, and she portrays it in an unconventional way. The book reads as a narrative support by poetry and prose woven within. It is yet another avenue they have been exploring in their mission to reach and touch the lives of others.
The goal of Somewhere Over the Rainbow LLC is to celebrate the lives of both living and deceased children and babies. "Comforting is our goal. Celebration is our goal. We are a husband and wife team trying to make a big difference in this world. We ask that you please help, in any way you can."
Somewhere Over the Rainbow LLC was founded as an Etsy shop in 2009 shortly after the loss of their daughter Hannah. It has continued to grow for the past three and a half years of operation. The shop offers a range of remembrance items and items that are inspired by hope.
Katy Larsen, Somewhere Over the Rainbow LLC, http://www.sotrshop.com, +1 9082493988, [email protected]
Share this article