Helping the newly bereaved through the worst moment of their lives, while bittersweet, is a blessing and a calling.
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (PRWEB) March 13, 2018
The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) honors Kathy Layton as a 2018-2019 inductee into its VIP Woman of the Year Circle. She is recognized with this prestigious distinction for leadership in entrepreneurship. NAPW is the nation’s leading networking organization exclusively for professional women, boasting more than 850,000 members, a thriving eChapter and over 200 operating Local Chapters.
“I’m pleased to welcome Kathy into this exceptional group of professional women,” said NAPW President Star Jones. “Her knowledge and experience in her industry are valuable assets to her company and community.”
When Kathy Layton became a full-time caregiver to her elderly parents, she was forced to give up her business (she and her husband were owners of a RV resort), but she knew she wanted to keep on working. “I explored many ideas for a home or online business,” she said. Although for a time she was involved in shipping goods from China, as a Veteran, she decided she’d rather “bring businesses and jobs to America.” Out of that vision, Ms. Layton founded LaytonsLoft, an online website that offers affordable, personalized gifts.
In addition to her e-commerce business, Ms. Layton also founded Too Soon Gone, in memory of her son. Through that company, she helps other parents who share the terrible pain of losing a child. “When my son died, I looked and looked for way to keep his memory alive, whether it was male angels, dragon flies or something personalized,” she said. “I want to give parents and siblings a place to talk, share and heal.” Through compassion and empathy, Ms. Layton helps parents and families deal with their grief. “Helping the newly bereaved through the worst moment of their lives, while bittersweet, is a blessing and a calling,” she added.
In both businesses, Ms. Layton is responsible for the day-to-day operations, including finance, sales, marketing and fundraising. In her e-commerce business, she enjoys the challenge of running a business, learning new skills and making new connections. With Too Soon Gone, she is continually rewarded when she helps someone manage their pain although it often brings her own pain to the surface once again.
As for the future, Ms. Layton will continue to grow the LaytonsLoft brand and “find causes to help raise money and spread goodwill through our fundraising abilities.” At Too Soon Gone, I will write my blog and a book about grief and its journey in the hopes of helping even one more mom or dad, brother or sister, to get through the difficult process a little less scathed,” she said.
About NAPW
NAPW’s mission is to provide an exclusive, highly advanced networking forum to successful women executives, professionals and entrepreneurs where they can aspire, connect and achieve.
