Home based business a touching tribute to grieving mums

Work at home mum Tiona Hall shares how heartbreak lead her to startup an inspirational home based business to help grieving mums.

Tell us a little of your story?

My name is Tiona Hall. At 5am on Tuesday 5th February 2013 I gave birth to a baby boy at home. He was 20 weeks & 1 day gestational age and weighed a mere 340 grams. I held my son his whole life–8 minutes.

I named my son Cash Alan.

I watched Cash as he struggled for life; it is an image that will forever haunt me. I shared his pain and fear but there was nothing I could do to save him.

An autopsy found that my premature labour was caused by an infection of the uterus and placenta due to low levels of amniotic fluid. Cash was cremated on Thursday February 14th 2013. I keep his ashes with me in a small urn.

I have found some comfort in knowing that all Cash knew of life was my love for him, but I will never truly come to terms with his death.

And now a little about the business you’ve created?

I want to to ensure that bereaved parents have an opportunity to save the moment without thinking about the details. I now handcraft unique memorial keepsakes full time. 100% of the profits are used to support pregnancy and infant loss projects/campaigns.

Creating memorial gifts is a great outlet for my own grief. A piece of my heart and soul goes into every one of my creations. It’s not just about making something special, it’s about honouring a precious life, however brief.

The most comforting words when grieving are “You Are Not Alone.” I am able connect with bereaved parents on a level that not everyone else can. I understand the intense pain & sorrow, the never ending heartbreak, and the heavy burden of empty arms.

How did you come up with your business name?

On 24 June 2013 (the date Cash was due to be born) I started a business called ‘In Loving Memory Of Cash’–a dedication to the brief life of my son. The official launch is planned for 5th February 2014, his first angelversary.

What made you want to begin a WAH business and how did you get started?

Prior to my loss I spent over 15 years building a career as a publicist. I loved my field and felt passionate about everything I was doing.

After I lost Cash, everything changed. I became someone else, none of the little stuff mattered anymore. I see life so differently now.

I was at a crossroads, lost in my grief. A few weeks after losing Cash I packed up and moved 1600 kilometres away for a fresh start. I knew I no longer wanted to be a publicist, the late nights and time away from home kept me away from my other children.

My idea came to me after spending hours upon hours searching the internet for keepsakes to honour Cash.

What inspires you to keep your business going?

The response so far has been tremendous and I have already helped many families honour their angels. I still have my bad days where I just want to stay in bed and grieve all day of course. I live for my other children but now I have a purpose, a reason to go on. I want to make sure no angel gets forgotten.

Do you have a current best-selling product or service? If yes, tell us about it.

Our ‘Save The Moment’ packages have proved most popular. Includes a Recognition Of Life certificate, two personalised custom candles, a personalised scented tealight lantern and up to give cherub angel alphabet letters. All items are delivered in a personalised box which can be kept and used to store your angels important items.

How do you advertise your business and which methods have proven more successful?

Until the official launch in February 2014 I am mainly using social media to grow my brand. I also attend local markets and am involved in several business collaborations.

How do you juggle your family and your work at home business? Any tips for other WAHPs?

Having four children at home (only three of them school aged) has made it difficult, but I am learning to prioritise my time. My family always comes first. I have set aside four hours three days a week (whilst my two-year-old is at daycare) to work on the business.

And finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a work at home business?

Go for it! Our children are our legacy and life is so precious. I spent years working hard at a corporate career, putting my kids in daycare at six weeks old and missing all their milestones. It is a regret I have to live with. I am grateful that now I get to spend more time loving my children and still get to do something I am passionate about.