We were lucky to catch up with Amy Ripley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In my father’s early life, he endured profound loss. At the age of 13, his sister Margie tragically lost her life in a car accident just three weeks after getting married. Later, when he was 21, he experienced the devastating loss of his mother due to a fatal fall. As I grew up, my father often remarked on my striking resemblance to Margie, which led to him sharing stories of their bond as siblings. In 2007, when my grandfather passed away, my father inherited Margie’s journals, photographs, artwork, and scrapbooks. Curious to know more about her, I immersed myself in her journal entries leading up to the day of her untimely demise. I found myself relating to her typical teenage experiences. My father had always harbored the hope of transforming Margie’s life into a book someday.

After I moved into my own home, my father sent me all the cherished items he had kept, and for years I stored this collection with the intention of one day bringing Margie’s story to life. Unfortunately, my father passed away unexpectedly in 2010. And 10 short years later, in 2020, I decided to embark on a heartfelt endeavor. With great love and dedication, I assembled all the items into a book that fills me with immense pride. Now, my family can revisit Margie’s vibrant spirit whenever they desire. Her artwork, personal belongings, and written words are all lovingly preserved within the pages of this book, ensuring that her legacy will endure for generations to come. I wholeheartedly believe that my father would have cherished this tribute.

This experience ignited within me a deep desire to create memorial albums for those grappling with the anguish of losing a loved one. We all have our unique stories to tell, and I am committed to designing meaningful keepsakes that honor the memories and legacies of those we hold dear.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am driven by my passion for preserving memories. Over time, this passion has led me to develop a unique business focused on crafting memorial albums and providing services for those navigating the difficult journey of grief and loss.

My journey began with a personal connection to loss through my late father. My dad experienced profound tragedies in his youth, losing his sister and mother at a young age. Through his stories and the artifacts he kept, I developed a deep appreciation for the power of preserving memories and honoring the legacies of our loved ones.

In 2020, after years of holding onto my late aunt Margie’s journals, photographs, artwork, and keepsakes, I made the decision to transform her story into a beautiful book. This project became a labor of love, and I take great pride in the result. The book allows my family to revisit her vibrant spirit whenever they wish. It was this experience that sparked my desire to offer similar memorial albums to others facing the pain of loss.

My brand specializes in creating personalized memorial albums and providing related services to clients who seek to commemorate their loved ones’ lives. These albums are meticulously crafted, incorporating cherished photographs, handwritten notes, artwork, and any other significant memorabilia that captures the essence of the individual being honored. I work closely with clients to understand their unique stories, preferences, and the memories they wish to preserve.

Losing someone dear to us can be incredibly difficult, and often we struggle to find the right way to honor their memory. Through my memorial albums, I provide a tangible and personalized outlet for healing, remembrance, and sharing stories. By carefully curating the cherished items and memories associated with the departed, I create lasting tributes that help bring solace, connection, and a sense of peace to those left behind.

What sets me apart from others is my genuine commitment to capturing the unique essence of each individual and their story. I approach each project with empathy, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of the emotional journey my clients are going through. I believe in the power of storytelling and preserving memories, and I pour that belief into every album I create.

I am most proud of the ability to touch the lives of others in a meaningful way. Creating memorial albums is not just a business for me; it is a calling, driven by my own personal experiences and a desire to provide comfort and healing to others. Seeing the impact that these albums have on my clients’ lives, seeing how they are able to find peace, and knowing that I have played a small part in their healing journey brings me great satisfaction.

To potential clients, I want you to know that I am here to support them during these difficult times. When the grief is raw to when the grief has softened. I believe in the power of memories, the healing potential of storytelling, and the importance of honoring and preserving legacies. Through my work, I strive to provide a meaningful and lasting tribute that will bring comfort, healing, and a sense of connection to those who have experienced loss.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

At first this was all about capturing the happy moments in life. But as I worked on those projects, I discovered that there was deep satisfaction in helping people heal from their losses. Designing an album that honored someone’s life became something I truly cherished.

In 2015, my father-in-law passed away, and my husband’s family found themselves with a bunch of his old photos for his memorial. He left behind his two sons and now 6 grandkids. I poured my heart into that project. The result was an album that truly honored his unique personality and zest for life. It became a beautiful keepsake, showcasing his incredible spirit. I can’t even express the joy and satisfaction I felt knowing that his sons and grandkids would be able to cherish and connect with the memory of their late grandpa through this album.

That experience made me realize the immense value of honoring and preserving the memories of those who left us too soon. It sparked a major shift in my business focus. These albums go beyond just being a collection of photos—they become a powerful tool for healing and connecting with the spirit of their loved ones.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

In terms of my creative business, my passion and commitment lie in supporting people through their healing journey and providing solace through the art of designing memorial albums. It’s about preserving legacies, commemorating cherished memories, and offering comfort to those who are going through tough times. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shoeboxalbums.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoebox_albums/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoeboxalbums
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShoeboxA
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/shoeboxalbums/