We recently connected with Lana Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Lana, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Early in 2023 my friend Holly and I became really interested in the idea of permanent jewelry. It was becoming popular in our area, and we both wanted it for ourselves. As we were trying to decide on a name for our business, we quickly decided we wanted to name it after her daughter, Abigail Grace, who had passed away 11 years prior. After we decided on the name, it became very clear to us that we wanted to use this as a platform, not only to share Abigail’s story but also to connect with and comfort other mothers who had lost children. Realizing jewelry could actually help me to comfort someone in loss or connect with someone in joy became such a powerful idea. So from the beginning, Forever Abby Grace has had the honor of providing bereaved moms with a personalized permanent jewelry piece in honor of their lost child. In a way, it was purpose that drove Forever Abby Grace from the beginning. I never wanted to start just another jewelry business, but to use jewelry as a platform for shared experience and connection with others in Northwest Arkansas. I love how the permanent jewelry experience is an opportunity to commemorate a milestone, create a memory, or honor a life. It can have such a deep meaning for each individual person that sits down at my table. This is the joy and the purpose in Forever Abby Grace permanent jewelry.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Forever Abby Grace is my first entrepreneurial venture. I grew up in a family full of entrepreneurs, but I always thought it wasn’t for me. After living overseas with our family of 5 for almost 7 years, we came back and I began homeschooling my kids. I absolutely love being with my kids and making a home for my family. When I started Forever Abby Grace I realized that not only did I actually enjoy learning how to start a grow a business, but I could also do it while balancing a family. Leaning into the business more when homelife wasn’t so demanding, and leaning out when my family needed more of my time. It has given me natural connection points with so many people outside of my regular circles and also given me a creative outlet that I didn’t even know I needed. As the business grew and I wanted to offer more products, I started learning how to source and make my own pieces to add to my permanent jewelry offerings. I’ve been able to bring my family into the creative side as well, asking my daughter her thoughts on new pieces I’m making and even teaching her how to make them as well. I always get so excited when someone decides to add a hand-made element to their permanent jewelry.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me the three most important qualities or skills have been: choosing to be a learner, knowing that I can make powerful choices, and hospitality.
As I said earlier, I never viewed myself as an entrepreneur. So I didn’t go into this having any previous knowledge of running my own business. However, I knew that I could learn. I knew there were resources out there and other great minds to tap into that would help me learn the skills I needed. I don’t need to know everything. I just need to be aware of the areas that I need to learn and then seek to sharpen that skill.
Sometimes life is stressful. Owning a small business does not make it less stressful. However, choosing to have an empowered mindset keeps me from having a stuck mentality. If something isn’t working, I can make powerful choices to change it. If I want to try something new, I can make courageous decisions to try it, knowing that I’m not guaranteed results. I am never stuck. I can always pivot.
Whenever you’re dealing with people, I think hospitality is so powerful. Whether I’m sitting down with a bereaved mom or a couple who just got married and want matching bracelets, I have the opportunity to let people know that their lives and their stories matter. Hospitality is doing just that. Showing someone that they’re worth your time and that they matter.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to grow in collaborating more with organizations or businesses. I love co-creating memorable experiences and offering my hospitality. I enjoy getting to come alongside companies in celebrating and showing their appreciation for their employees. Investing in people shows them they are valuable, and I am passionate about people sensing their value. Permanent jewelry is a great way to dote on your team.
Also, I really get excited about working with groups of all sizes to put on fundraisers or host meaningful gatherings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foreverabbygracejewelry.com
- Instagram: @foreverabbygrace
- Facebook: Forever Abby Grace
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