We were lucky to catch up with Marquila Turner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marquila , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The story behind the mission of Quila’s Angels is my sons Eric Jr and Cameron. I lost both my sons at birth to Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). After losing a child, some hospitals gives you a care package of keepsakes items to remember your child. I was given 3 boxes, those boxes were filled with items that I cherish with my life. Every item helps me remember and honor my boys and I’m forever grateful for the nurses and doctors who took the time to make them for me because memories is all I have left. I created Quila’s Angels to give newly bereaved mothers the same comfort I received after receiving my care packages. No parent should leave the hospital with empty arms. There are million of mothers like myself that have and I want to make sure they have keepsakes to remember their sweet baby and know that they are not alone. The story behind the PAIL Awards is getting support from other loss mamas during my difficult time. There were plenty of days that I wanted to give up on life after losing my sons. I would get on social media or talk to other loss moms and get encouragement to keep going and they have helped me become the woman I am today. I created the PAIL Awards to celebrate and honor women who have been a great support in the Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Infertility and NICU community. It’s so hard to find support but I have found a community that I never wanted to join but it’s a community filled with supportive and caring mothers who lifts each other up.

Marquila , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Marquila Turner a mother, the founder of Quila’s Angels and the creator of the PAIL Awards. I got into the nonprofit industry because I wants to help bereaved mothers and families. Quila’s Angels brings comfort to women and families who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death. Also, we donate care boxes to hospitals for newly bereaved mothers. For the PAIL Awards we recognize women for the amazing work they are doing in our community. What sets me apart is my passion. I very passionate about helping others. My organization and I is here to those who are in need of support. Don’t go through difficult times alone, we can get through this together.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started my nonprofit with my own money and donations. There’s not much help when you are a new nonprofit because most companies want to see your work before giving you a grant. A few months into my nonprofit I have gotten more donations and grants. Being a nonprofit we depend solely on donations to help us to continue our mission. If anyone wants to make a contribution please visit our website at www.quilasangels.org.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

After losing my sons and twin brother I didn’t think I would ever find joy and peace again. It wasn’t easy at all, with God and tons of self care I became stronger. To those struggling, take great care of yourself and your mental health. You are stronger than your thoughts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.quilasangels.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/quilasangels
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/quilasangels
• Other: www.pailawards.com www.instagram.com/pailawards www.facebook.com/pailawards