Behind the Scenes of Breast Milk Jewelry: Crafting Meaningful Keepsakes
On this week's episode of The Mama Making Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Alyssa, the talented creator behind a growing business that specializes in breast milk jewelry and other personalized keepsakes like ashes and umbilical cord jewelry. Her journey into this unique craft has evolved from a simple desire to preserve precious moments to creating deeply meaningful pieces for families around the world. Alyssa shared her process, the challenges she faces, and the beautiful stories behind the jewelry she creates.
The Evolution of Alyssa's Jewelry Business
Alyssa’s business began with a focus on breast milk jewelry, a special way to keep the bond of breastfeeding close even after it ends. But as her business grew, so did the variety of keepsakes she created. Now, in addition to breast milk jewelry, Alyssa also makes memorial jewelry using ashes, umbilical cords, and even flowers from weddings or funerals. These pieces serve as sentimental treasures for families who want to hold on to the memory of a loved one, whether it's a beloved pet or a child who passed too soon.
“I didn’t realize how often this happens until I started talking to mothers. It’s such an emotional journey, and I’m honored to help them preserve that memory through jewelry,” Alyssa shared. Whether it’s commemorating a lost baby with a piece made from a pregnancy test or making a breast milk necklace for a mom who has finished nursing, Alyssa's work helps families hold onto their deepest memories.
The Process Behind the Jewelry
Creating these keepsakes is no simple task. Alyssa explained that each piece starts with a careful and time-consuming process. Once she receives both the jewelry from her jeweler and the breast milk, Alyssa transforms the breast milk into a paste using heat, then dries it and grinds it into a fine powder. The powdered milk is mixed with resin to create the final piece, and the process can take a full day from start to finish.
“We work in batches now that the business has grown, but when I started, it would take me forever to make just one piece,” Alyssa said. The process is long but rewarding, as she’s able to create something so meaningful for her clients. She also shared how she stays organized, especially since many customers take months to send their breast milk after placing an order.
The Balancing Act of Running a Growing Business
Owning a small business has its challenges, especially when it’s grown so quickly. Alyssa shared that she’s now working full-time on her business, having transitioned from a career as a special education teacher. “It was hard to leave my teaching job because it provided stability, but I knew this was my passion,” she explained. Alyssa's husband was her biggest supporter, encouraging her to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Since then, she’s seen the business flourish, with a significant increase in sales, especially around special events like World Breastfeeding Week.
“I’m constantly answering messages, creating content for Instagram, and of course, making the jewelry. It’s an eight-hour day, but it’s so rewarding,” Alyssa shared. She also described the flexibility she now enjoys, like being able to attend her daughter’s school field trips or work late into the evening when necessary.
The Emotional Impact of Creating Keepsakes
What makes Alyssa’s work so powerful is the emotional connection she fosters with her clients. She often hears deeply personal stories, from moms who breastfed against the odds to families coping with the loss of a child. “I get a lot of happy stories, like moms celebrating a year of breastfeeding, but I also hear heartbreaking stories about stillbirths and miscarriages,” Alyssa shared. She’s even made jewelry out of hospital socks sent by a mother who experienced a miscarriage early on, symbolizing the lack of tangible memories from such a painful time.
These stories are a testament to the meaningful role that Alyssa’s jewelry plays in people’s lives. She described how she tries to give back to each family, even offering extra jewelry when there’s leftover ashes from memorial pieces. “All the ashes come back to you, whether in jewelry form or in a bag,” Alyssa said. It’s clear that she is committed to providing something truly special to each person who orders from her.
The Growing Community of Support
Alyssa’s business has not only grown in size but also in the community of support that surrounds it. Many mothers who have had negative reactions to the concept of breast milk jewelry initially, are now some of her biggest advocates. “I get a lot of comments from people who think it's gross, but then I have all these mama bears who defend me in the comments,” Alyssa laughed.
Through her social media presence, Alyssa has built a community where people feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their personal stories. Many of her customers are curious about the process or wonder about the durability of the jewelry, especially when it comes to everyday wear. Alyssa explained that she offers different types of jewelry, from sterling silver for occasional wear to gold-filled pieces that can withstand daily use.
The Future of Alyssa's Jewelry Business
Looking ahead, Alyssa is excited to continue growing her business. She’s working on refining systems to make her processes even more efficient and is looking forward to continuing to support her customers through their most cherished moments, whether that’s the joy of breastfeeding or the sorrow of loss.
“I’m just so grateful for the support I’ve received from my customers and my family,” Alyssa reflected. “It’s been a crazy journey, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
If you're interested in learning more about Alyssa’s jewelry or considering creating a personalized keepsake of your own, check out her website and follow her on Instagram for updates and more beautiful stories.
Creating jewelry that tells a personal story is a deeply rewarding experience for both the maker and the customer. For Alyssa, her work is not just about crafting beautiful pieces—it’s about connecting with others, honoring their experiences, and providing something lasting that carries deep emotional significance. Whether it’s preserving the memory of a loved one or celebrating a milestone like breastfeeding, Alyssa's creations offer a unique way to keep precious moments close.
TL;DR
On this week's episode of The Mama Making Podcast...
We sit down with Alyssa Jenkins, the owner and founder of The Simple Olive, to hear her inspiring journey of creating and expanding her unique breast milk jewelry business.
Alyssa takes us behind the scenes, sharing the intricate process of crafting these special pieces and how she manages to keep everything organized. She also opens up about the growth of her business, the personal touches she adds to each creation, and the emotional stories from moms who have ordered breast milk and ashes jewelry.
Plus, Alyssa introduces us to her breast milk jewelry classes and talks about her dedication to offering a truly personalized experience for every customer. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about the love and care that goes into each piece of jewelry Alyssa creates.
How to connect with the Alyssa & The Simple Olive:
IG: @thesimpleolive
Website: www.thesimpleolive.com
Mom podcast, Motherhood Podcast, Motherhood Journey, Postpartum, Mental Health, Pregnancy, New Mom Support, breast milk jewelry, memorial jewelry, ashes jewelry, umbilical cord jewelry, jewelry making, business growth
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