We were lucky to catch up with Katy Bone recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for Blessings for Barrett was born out of a deeply personal and emotional journey. When we lost our son Barrett, our family experienced an overwhelming outpouring of support, which truly helped us navigate the darkest moments of our grief. However, amidst this support, we saw a gap: while my husband Tyler and I received care and comfort, our daughter, Poppy, was grieving too—yet there wasn’t as much focus on her loss. Watching her navigate the pain of losing her sibling without the same resources or attention sparked something in us.

It was Tyler who first voiced what became the heart of our mission: the need to focus on sibling loss. Siblings are often referred to as the “forgotten mourners,” yet their grief is just as significant. Inspired by this realization and armed with my background in counseling, I knew we could create something meaningful and impactful. We envisioned a program that not only addressed the immediate grief of losing a sibling but also provided ongoing support to help children navigate their loss over time.

That vision became Blessings for Barrett, a nonprofit grounded in both intention and compassion. Our work is data-driven and designed to fill a gap no one else seemed to be addressing. We send customized grief boxes nationwide, ensuring that children feel seen and supported, no matter where they are. Locally, we provide hospitals with sibling support bags to offer comfort during the raw and immediate “hour of loss.” And to ensure ongoing care, we’ve implemented quarterly grief projects that extend support long after the initial loss.

Most recently, we’re launching a new initiative to serve children experiencing anticipatory grief due to their sibling’s terminal diagnosis. These children will receive a camera and a photo scavenger hunt designed to help them create meaningful memories with their sibling. This is an extension of our mission to make sure siblings feel supported and empowered, even in the most difficult of times.

This work excites us because it addresses a profound need that was personal to our family but is shared by so many others. Blessings for Barrett is about more than grief; it’s about hope, resilience, and honoring the legacy of Barrett by serving as many grieving siblings as we can. Our goal is to ensure no child feels forgotten in their grief and to provide tools, comfort, and a sense of connection to help them heal.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not know me, my name is Katy, and I am the proud founder of Blessings for Barrett, a nonprofit organization inspired by the life and legacy of my son, Barrett Zachary Bone. I have a Master’s in Counseling, which has helped me craft intentional programs to support grieving children and their families.

The idea for Blessings for Barrett stemmed from personal experience. When Barrett passed away at just 28 days old due to a rare lung condition called alveolar capillary dysplasia, my family and I were devastated. We received a tremendous amount of support, but it struck us that our daughter, Poppy, was grieving deeply and didn’t receive the same level of attention. It was a moment of clarity for my husband Tyler and me—we realized there was a significant gap in resources for siblings who are mourning the loss of their brother or sister. Tyler suggested focusing our efforts on sibling loss, and with my counseling background, I knew we could create something impactful.

What sets Blessings for Barrett apart is our holistic and ongoing approach to grief. We aren’t just addressing the immediate pain; we’re walking with these children through their healing journey. We recognize that grief doesn’t end after the funeral—it’s a lifelong process, and our mission is to make sure no sibling feels forgotten.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made in such a short time. Since launching in 2023, we’ve reached hundreds of children, offering them tangible support and emotional care during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Our work is intentional, data-driven, and rooted in love—Barrett’s legacy fuels everything we do.

For those who follow or support us, I want you to know that Blessings for Barrett is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement to honor grieving children, to remind them they are not alone, and to celebrate the lives and legacies of the siblings they’ve lost. Whether through donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our story, every act of kindness helps us bring hope to more families. Together, we can ensure no grieving sibling feels left behind.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Launching a nonprofit is no easy feat, and my journey with Blessings for Barrett is a testament to resilience and determination. Starting a nonprofit doesn’t come with a magical flow of funds or an instant roadmap to success. Every step has required effort, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the mission.

When we started, I had a full-time job, and every free moment outside of work was dedicated to building Blessings for Barrett. I worked tirelessly to create processes, find the right vendors, and recruit volunteers. I asked hard questions, sought guidance, and wasn’t afraid to hear “no” because I knew that every setback was an opportunity to learn and grow. It wasn’t just about doing the work—it was about believing in the mission so deeply that no obstacle could deter me.

Then came an unexpected twist: I lost my regular job. Suddenly, I found myself navigating the stress of job hunting, being a full-time mom while my husband worked, and still ensuring that Blessings for Barrett continued to thrive. Despite the challenges, I leaned into my passion. This nonprofit isn’t just a project; it’s my heart. It’s a way to honor my son Barrett and to provide grieving children with the support I wish my daughter Poppy had during her own journey of loss.

Through it all, I’ve learned the true meaning of resilience. It’s showing up every day, even when it’s hard. It’s pushing forward despite exhaustion, doubt, or uncertainty. It’s adapting and shifting priorities while staying committed to the mission. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and of the community we’ve built. Every child we support, every sibling who feels seen, is a reminder that this work matters.

Launching a nonprofit isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. And as challenging as it has been, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, because it allows me to turn pain into purpose and to bring hope and comfort to others who are walking their own hard journeys.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media is far from easy, and honestly, I’m still figuring it out as I go. When I started with Blessings for Barrett, I quickly realized that there’s no magic formula or instant results—it takes time, effort, and a lot of trial and error.

One thing I’ve learned is that consistency is key. Even on the days when it feels like no one is engaging or the reach isn’t growing, showing up consistently is essential. Whether it’s posting updates, sharing stories about the children we support, or engaging with our audience, every little bit adds up over time.

Another thing I focus on is authenticity. People connect with real stories and genuine emotions. Sharing the “why” behind Blessings for Barrett—what inspired this mission and the impact it has—has been instrumental in building a loyal audience. It’s not just about posting for the sake of it; it’s about creating meaningful content that resonates with people.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple:

Be patient: Results don’t come overnight. Social media growth takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.

Stay consistent: Post regularly and engage with your audience. Even if it feels like no one is watching, your consistency builds trust over time.

Focus on your mission: Share your story, your purpose, and your passion. Let people see the heart behind your work—that’s what will make them connect with you and want to support your journey.

Experiment and learn: Try different types of posts, use analytics to see what resonates, and don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t working.

Social media is a marathon, not a sprint. I’m still learning every day, but the most important thing I’ve discovered is that showing up with passion and perseverance is what truly matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blessingsforbarrett.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessings_for_barrett/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Blessings-for-Barrett/100095710595730/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/101983818/admin/dashboard/

Image Credits

Jayden Jones with Property Flix did my headshot