Meet Emily Landers

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Landers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Emily , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

We never forget the ones who share kindness with us when life is difficult. A Little Something. A Lot of Love exists because of generosity. I make and donate “Joy Bombs” (uplifting and intentional care packages) to Milwaukee area hospitals, ERs and OBGYN clinics. They are given to women and families going through miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Nearly 800 have been donated to date. So where does the generosity come from that fuels this mission?

Losing my baby at 15 weeks (December 2020) and delivering the baby in the hospital, gave me an understanding of the complex emotions and feelings surrounding miscarriage. It also taught me the importance of support during this time. But how can we comfort others if we don’t openly acknowledge pregnancy loss?

Generosity occurs when there’s a need— filling a void. In my case, that gap is speaking up and validating miscarriage in hopes that in so doing, others feel less alone. I want Joy Bombs to make recipients feel supported, a bit of joy and hope on dark days. I believe the kindness they receive during their miscarriage, pregnancy loss or still birth can be a bridge from feeling discouraged to hopeful.

The generosity that fuels this project exists because of my angel baby. Out of the darkness of that December evening came a hopeful kindness project. When I give the Joy Bombs to others, I honor and think of the baby my husband and I lost. Every donation made is an opportunity to remember this soul and bring light to the world in their honor.

My generous spirit also exists because of my 3 living children. I want my boys to see that kindness matters above all else and that generosity comes from empathizing with others. I want them to know that by supporting others, you strengthen yourself. My sons help fill the Joy Bombs, they help make the items for the care packages and they get to come along with me to the donation drops. I hope one day they too will value generosity, and in so doing, will make the world a more beautiful place.

I continue to pour into the Joy Bombs because generosity comes back. Small acts of kindness last. They echo over time. They are catalysts that will create real, positive change in this world. I’ve seen it first-hand. We rise by lifting others.

The Joy Bombs are also made possible by the generosity of others. Amazing individuals (many of whom I’ve never met before) hear about my project and want to get involved. They offer up their goods, services and time to help make the Joy Bombs. It’s a living, breathing example of how generosity multiplies. I’ve had numerous donations from out of state. There’s been flower vouchers from a local florist, handmade jewelry, mugs from a local boutique, hand painted coasters, paintings from Nashville, hand-poured candles, beautiful ceramics, soaps…countless others. I’ve also had families receive a Joy Bomb in the hospital and then choose to donate back to the Joy Bombs so more families can receive one.

I create space for continued generosity in the community. Each time you purchase one of my bracelets, one is donated automatically to the Joy Bombs. I believe in promoting and encouraging giving back, while opening the conversation around pregnancy loss.

Acts of generosity might seem small, but they could be someone’s light in the darkness…someone’s joy in the sadness…someone’s hope in the despair.

We have a responsibility to leave the world a better, more beautiful place than we found it not only for our community but for ourselves and our children (those living and those living in our hearts).

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

A Little Something. A Lot of Love supports moms and families going through pregnancy loss and miscarriage.

After my 15 week miscarriage at the end of 2020, and delivering the baby, I decided to make and donate “Joy Bombs” to the labor and delivery floor of local hospitals, ERs and OB offices. Each care package contains thoughtful and intentional gifts. The care packages are given to women going through pregnancy loss to bring a joy, light and hope on dark days.

One of the items in the Joy Bombs is a handmade gemstone bracelet. For every bracelet I sell, I donate one to the Joy Bombs. Nearly 800 Joy Bombs have been donated to Milwaukee area hospitals. I’m constantly coming up with new bracelet styles and would love your support.

While honoring the memory of my lost baby, I can spread love, joy and compassion to those who need it most. Small acts of kindness have a profound impact on the world.

We rise by lifting others.

follow me on Instagram: @alittlesomethingalotoflove
website: www.alittlesomethingalotoflove.com to purchase a bracelet, candle, or order a Joy Bomb care package of your own. I ship care packages nationwide.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Connection with others. Everything about A Little Something. A Lot of Love has happened because of the relationships I have made and continue to make on this journey. One connection leads to another and I’m constantly blown away by how people support and fuel this mission of hope.

Follow what you love and it falls into place. This project has never been about making money, but instead making the world a better place and spreading awareness, love, hope and joy in honor of my baby. It hasn’t felt like work a day in my life, but instead is my passion. It’s successful because I’m so enthusiastic about it and other people can feel that energy.

Taking risks and believing in yourself. People often ask how I got started with all of this. It was literally me calling local hospitals and telling them what I wanted to do. It isn’t always easy sharing my story of loss and talking about miscarriage, but every opportunity (even the ones that are difficult) brings about something positive and some way to grow, expand and connect. I’ve always believed I could do what I set my mind to. I love taking risks, and I feel undaunted by challenges and hard work, and that has helped tremendously along the way.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always up for collaboration with makers and creatives. I’d love to showcase your items in my Joy Bombs for moms and for families. I love small businesses and highlighting those who decide to donate and contribute. I take donations of all kinds. Many people have been through a loss and they find peace and comfort in contributing to the Joy Bombs in their baby’s honor. Others have struggled with infertility and want to lift those going through something similar. I’m always just an Instagram message away (@alittlesomethingalotoflove). Please feel free to reach out and let’s coordinate. After all, A Little Something is about connection, community, support and generosity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alittlesomethingalotoflove.com
• Instagram: @alittlesomethingalotoflove
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555856743014