Melissa's "Why"

Today on International Womens Day, I am doing what I think we as women do best… open our hearts. When I started this business so many years ago, it was because I wanted a piece of jewelry to celebrate my boys, but little did I know then that there was a much deeper meaning brewing.

It has been through the countless stories I have heard over the years that I have come to understand why Tiny Tags has meant so much to me. Through time and self-reflection, the unexpected realization was that it was probably not a coincidence that for someone whose mother struggled to show up, I ended up in the 'business' of celebrating children. It was almost like the child in me wanted to scream from the rooftop to every mother that children are a gift and they need you. This desire to celebrate the gift of a child became the cornerstone of Tiny Tags. I have also come to fully understand my own mother's journey. I can see now that my mother's struggles weren't because she didn't love me, but because she didn't love herself.

This journey of Tiny Tags and the stories of our community have healed me in ways I never expected, transforming something painful into something beautiful and meaningful. On this International Women's Day, I'm reminded that when we share our truths and lift each other up as women, we create the kind of community where healing happens and love flourishes.

- Melissa Clayton