Thrive & Glow

Someone recently asked me how Thrive and Glow was born. So I fleshed it out for them, and realized others might be interested in knowing that story.

In 2016, at the age of 37, I was pregnant with my third child. I was working two jobs, alongside a health coaching business .. Thrive and Glow. I was hoping to save enough money to afford staying home with our new babe when she arrived late March/early April of 2017. But as they say, the best laid plans often go awry. In December of 2016, two tragedies befell my family— first, my father passing, and then two days later, my water broke at 23 weeks.

I was immediately rushed to a large hospital, 56 miles away, having a level 4 NICU. I was put on bed rest on a high risk maternity floor where I, miraculously, kept my daughter in womb for another 5 weeks. Juniper Kae was born on January 8th, weighing just 2 lbs 8 oz, and fighting for her life.

I spent day and night, by her side, pumping milk so to improve her chances of survival. And she did survive, despite many challenges to her underdeveloped lungs. And 59 days later we brought our little miracle home.

Being home with Juniper brought a few things alongside it — excess breast milk, excess goat milk (I had received from WIC for being a breastfeeding mother), and idle time for a woman who was used to working all her life. So I decided to dip further into a hobby I had — making skin safe soap for my family. I made cold processed soap with that breast milk (for my children only) and goat milk (for friends and family), and I used my idle time to study everything about formulating the best darn soap I could make.

Soon, I was encouraged to sell my soap, and so long-story-short, I converted my Thrive and Glow business to a handcrafted soap and body product business. Doing so, I was able to make way to staying home and giving my little one the best chances of thriving.

You see, ”Thrive” took on a whole new meaning for a woman who watched the miracle of life, stitch by stitch, fighting for a place in this world. And 9 years later Thrive and Glow continues on, and my little girl does as well. She didn’t just survive, she THRIVES.

And today we celebrate 9 years since we walked her out of that NICU.

We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for friends, family, and people who just really love good soap. So thank you. 🙏