Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colleen Higgins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Colleen, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Colleen Higgins Studio, my mission is to help people preserve cherished memories of their loved ones by creating unique, handcrafted keepsakes from their clothing. This mission is deeply personal to me because it began with the loss of my grandmother. After she passed away, I found it difficult to let go of her clothes, which still held her scent and the memories of moments we shared. I wanted a way to keep a piece of her with me in a tangible form, something I could hold onto during difficult times.

That’s when I realized others might be feeling the same way, and I began transforming loved ones’ clothing into keepsakes like stuffed animals, pillows, gnomes, and ornaments. Each item I create is carefully handcrafted, with the understanding that it’s not just fabric I’m working with—these pieces carry memories, love, and the essence of someone dear.

Working out of my small studio, I take great care with every project, knowing how much it means to the families who send me their loved ones’ clothing. For me, this isn’t just about creating a product; it’s about offering comfort and a lasting connection through something physical and personal. Helping people hold onto those memories, just as I hold onto my own memories of my grandmother, is what makes this mission so close to my heart.

Colleen, 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?

My name is Colleen Higgins, and I’m the creator behind Colleen Higgins Studio, where I craft memory keepsakes from the clothing of loved ones who have passed away. I started this journey from a place of personal grief. When I lost my grandmother, I struggled with how to hold onto the memories of her in a tangible way. Her clothing felt like one of the strongest connections to her—something I could touch and feel that still carried her presence. That’s when I realized that transforming these meaningful pieces of clothing into something I could keep close, like a stuffed animal or pillow, would bring a sense of comfort during a difficult time.

From this experience, I knew that other people, who have experienced loss, might benefit from something similar. That’s how I got into this business. I started making memory gnomes, and over time, I expanded into creating items like stuffed animals, pillows, and ornaments, all made from the clothing of loved ones. Each piece I create is unique to the person who wore the clothing and holds special meaning for the family or individual it’s made for.

What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to every project. I work directly with each client to understand their story, and I handle every garment with the care and respect it deserves. To me, this isn’t just a business—it’s about helping people preserve memories in a way that provides comfort and healing. I pour my heart into every keepsake because I understand how important these items are to the people who receive them.

I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on people’s lives. I’ve had clients tell me that the keepsakes I’ve created for them have brought them peace and comfort during some of their hardest moments. That’s what motivates me to continue—knowing that I’m able to give someone a little bit of healing through something as simple, yet powerful, as a stuffed animal or ornament made from their loved one’s clothing.

For potential clients, I want them to know that I treat every project with care, empathy, and attention to detail. I understand how deeply personal these items are, and I am honored to be trusted with creating something so meaningful. My studio is a one-woman operation, and I take great pride in working with families directly to create custom keepsakes that honor their loved ones.

In addition to the products I create, I also provide a space for people to share their stories and memories. It’s not just about the final product; it’s about the entire process of transforming something deeply personal into a keepsake that can be held and cherished for years to come. Whether it’s a pillow made from a father’s favorite shirt or a gnome made from a grandmother’s sweater, every item is infused with the love and memories of the person who wore it.

Ultimately, my goal is to provide comfort and a lasting connection to those we’ve lost. It’s this personal touch, combined with my dedication to high-quality craftsmanship, that I believe sets me apart. I’m incredibly proud of the work I do, and I feel honored to be part of such an intimate and meaningful process for my clients.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to make a genuine impact on people’s lives through my work. When I create memory keepsakes, I’m not just crafting objects—I’m preserving meaningful memories and helping people through their grieving process. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that something I’ve made can provide comfort and healing during such a difficult time in someone’s life.

One of the most touching moments is when I hear from clients after they’ve received their keepsake. Knowing that my work has brought them a sense of closeness to their loved one, or given them a way to honor those memories, fills me with a sense of purpose. I love that I get to use my creativity and skills to craft something that holds such deep emotional value for others.

Every keepsake I create is unique, just like the person it honors. The process itself is also rewarding—taking someone’s story and their loved one’s clothing and transforming it into something new, beautiful, and meaningful. It feels like I’m not just creating a product, but a piece of art that carries a special connection. Being part of that journey for my clients, even in a small way, is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of creativity and connection that makes being an artist so rewarding for me. The ability to create something that brings comfort, joy, and a lasting memory to someone’s life is what inspires me every day.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there is a very personal and heartfelt mission driving my creative journey. My goal is to help people preserve the memories of their loved ones in a meaningful, tangible way. When someone loses a loved one, finding ways to keep their memory alive and feel connected to them can be deeply important. That’s where my work comes in. By transforming their clothing into keepsakes like stuffed animals, pillows, gnomes, and ornaments, I aim to give people something they can hold onto—literally and emotionally—that represents a lasting connection to those they’ve lost.

This mission began after I lost my grandmother. I struggled to part with her belongings, especially her clothing, which carried so much of her presence. I realized that transforming those items into keepsakes could offer comfort and healing, not just for me but for others going through similar experiences. That sense of connection and comfort is what fuels my passion for creating.

What drives me is knowing that my work helps people through one of the hardest parts of life: loss. My mission is to provide comfort through the keepsakes I make, and to offer something tangible that helps keep memories alive. I want every piece I create to reflect the love, warmth, and memories of the person it represents. That’s the heart of my creative journey—to honor memories, provide comfort, and help people hold onto the essence of their loved ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.colleenhigginsstudio.com
• Instagram: colleenhigginsstudio
• Facebook: colleenhigginsstudio

Image Credits

none