We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kera Sanchez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kera, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Starting with guided journals and experiencing the challenge of getting my message out to the wider world, I realized there was a common thread among those who had also experienced loss: the power of creativity in navigating grief. Yet, despite the profound impact these creative outlets had on individuals, their stories often remained untold and unrecognized by mainstream media outlets.

Through connecting with numerous grievers in virtual communities, I discovered a vibrant and resilient community of individuals who were channeling their grief into inspiring projects and creative expressions. These were stories of triumph, resilience, and hope, yet they were rarely given the spotlight they deserved.

It became evident that there was a need to redefine the narrative surrounding grief. Rather than viewing it solely through a lens of sadness and despair, we needed to acknowledge its transformative potential and the strength that can emerge from navigating its depths.

This realization led to the birth of Get Griefy Magazine, a platform dedicated to rebranding grief and highlighting the inspiring stories of individuals who have turned their pain into purpose. Our mission is to provide a voice to the voiceless, to shine a light on the creativity, resilience, and beauty that can emerge from the darkest moments of loss.

By showcasing these untold stories and fostering a sense of community among grievers, we aim to challenge the stigma surrounding grief and provide a source of inspiration and support for those on their own grief journey. Contrary to the misconceptions that surround it, grief is not just about sadness – it is about growth, resilience, and the profound human experience of love and loss.

Through Get Griefy Magazine, we have sparked a movement that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and offers hope to those who may feel lost in the depths of their grief. Together, we are redefining what it means to grieve and showing the world that even in our darkest moments, there is light and beauty to be found.

Kera, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a High School Spanish teacher from the Chicagoland area, deeply rooted in education since 2011, following in the footsteps of a family of educators. However, in 2022, my life took a sudden and devastating turn. Just five days after welcoming my youngest into the world through a traumatic and premature birth, I received the shocking news of my mother’s unexpected passing at the age of 57 while she was vacationing in Italy.

The collision of postpartum challenges and profound grief left me reeling. Amidst the chaos of the NICU, where my daughter fought for her life, I found myself grappling with the heartbreaking task of planning my mother’s funeral. In the midst of this turmoil, I realized the overwhelming need to channel the grief consuming me into something meaningful.

Thus, Legacy Letters was born – my first guided journal, conceived as a vessel for leaving behind love, wisdom, and support for cherished ones. I yearned for the solace of receiving notes or letters from my mom during such a tumultuous time, and Legacy Letters became my way of providing that comfort to others.

As I immersed myself in the online grief community, connecting with countless individuals navigating their own journeys of loss, inspiration continued to strike. Live interviews with fellow grievers became a platform for sharing stories of resilience and healing. And with each interaction, I felt compelled to expand my offerings.

In November of 2023, Get Griefy magazine emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of grief. With two issues already published and reaching over 2,000 readers internationally, it has become a source of connection, inspiration, and support for grieving hearts worldwide.

Through my journey from educator to grief advocate, I’ve discovered the profound power of community and creativity in navigating the complexities of loss. And as I continue to honor my mother’s memory through my work, I find solace in the knowledge that her legacy lives on in every word written, every story shared, and every heart touched by the light of hope amidst grief’s shadows.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the ability to authentically confront my grief. Initially, the profound experience of loss stripped away layers of my identity, and it left me feeling disconnected from who I was. However, by channeling my grief into creative endeavors, I’ve embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Through art, I’m rediscovering who I am while also uncovering new facets of myself that have emerged through grief.

This creative process has served as a powerful tool for processing and healing. It’s enabled me to navigate the complexities of loss while maintaining a profound connection with my mom, honoring her memory through my creative expression. Additionally, it has provided me with a vast virtual support network, fostering meaningful connections and friendships that have been instrumental in my healing journey. In essence, creativity has not only helped me reclaim my sense of self but has also gifted me with a newfound community of understanding and compassion.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I needed to be universally liked and accepted by everyone. This mindset stemmed from a desire to be sensitive to everyone’s needs, particularly as I navigated my own journey through grief. However, in attempting to cater to everyone, I found myself neglecting my own well-being and authenticity.

I realized that trying to please everyone is an impossible task and ultimately detrimental to both myself and my business. Authenticity and staying true to my vision are paramount. Embracing this truth required developing a thicker skin and accepting that not everyone will resonate with me or my brand – and that’s okay.

By prioritizing authenticity over universal approval, I’ve learned to attract the right people – those who resonate with my message and values. This shift has not only liberated me from the pressure to conform but has also strengthened my brand, fostering deeper connections with my audience. In essence, I’ve come to understand that being true to myself is the key to building a meaningful and successful business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.legacylettersjournal.com/ https://www.getgriefymagazine.com/
• Instagram: @getgriefymagazine @legacylettersjournal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558616596580
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kera-sanchez-066a79a6/
• Twitter: n/a

Image Credits

Morgan Higgins-Turning Leaf Photography (White Blouse images)
All rest: Megan Hochhouser Photography