We were lucky to catch up with Sadija Smiley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sadija, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business was born from the most heartbreaking moment of my life—the stillbirth of my daughter. I carried her for nine months, feeling her every kick and imagining the life we’d share together, only to leave the hospital with empty arms and a broken heart. Holding her in my arms, I made a promise that her life, though brief, would have meaning. I realized how isolating and unsupported families feel after experiencing pregnancy or infant loss, and I wanted to create a community where no one would have to grieve alone.

This was a problem I knew needed solving—not just from my personal experience but from hearing the silent cries of so many others walking this painful journey. What made my approach unique was that it didn’t just focus on grief but on honoring the babies and creating space for families to heal and remember. The idea of turning pain into purpose, of helping others navigate their loss, and ensuring these stories are not forgotten was what excited me the most. It wasn’t just a business—it was a movement to build a legacy of hope and healing in the face of unimaginable loss.

Sadija, 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?

My name is Sadija A. Smiley, and I am the founder of Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. My journey into this work began with the stillbirth of my first daughter, a devastating experience that opened my eyes to the lack of support, resources, and acknowledgment for grieving families. Through my pain, I found purpose, and I launched SAILS to ensure no family would have to navigate this journey alone.

SAILS provides a suite of services, including grief support groups, care packages, educational resources, and advocacy to raise awareness about pregnancy loss. We partner with hospitals to provide cuddle cots and keepsake boxes, allowing families the time and space to create memories with their babies. At the heart of our work is the mission to transform grief into hope and healing, giving families a voice and a community to honor their children and share their stories.

What sets SAILS apart is our focus on remembrance and healing. We don’t just provide resources; we build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. From personalized keepsake boxes to annual events like our Survivor’s Summit, every aspect of our work is designed to affirm that our babies matter and their lives, though brief, have a lasting impact.

I am most proud of the lives we’ve touched—over 800 families across 23 states and 4 countries in just six years. My goal is for every family, follower, or supporter to know that SAILS is a safe space for healing, advocacy, and connection. This work is personal to me, driven by love, compassion, and a deep commitment to ensuring no parent ever feels alone in their grief.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within my market is a combination of authenticity, dedication, and the deep personal connection I have to the work. When I founded Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS), I wasn’t just addressing a gap in services; I was living the experience that so many other families face. Sharing my story openly and vulnerably allowed me to connect with families in a way that made them feel seen, heard, and understood.

Beyond that, our consistent commitment to delivering meaningful support has been key. From providing keepsake boxes and partnering with hospitals to hosting grief support groups and creating spaces for remembrance, every service we offer is intentionally designed to meet families where they are. Our ability to balance compassion with professionalism, and to center the needs of our families, has built trust over time.

Finally, advocacy and collaboration have played an important role. By raising awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, partnering with other organizations, and involving the community, we’ve positioned SAILS as a trusted voice in this space. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to not just supporting families but honoring their babies, and that focus has earned us the respect and recognition we’re proud of today.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale requires intentional leadership, clear communication, and a focus on building relationships. My advice starts with creating a shared vision. When everyone understands the mission and sees how their role contributes to the bigger picture, it fosters a sense of purpose and ownership. For me, consistently tying my team’s work back to the impact we make on families ensures that everyone feels connected to our mission.

Communication is another cornerstone. I prioritize open and transparent dialogue, making sure my team feels heard and valued. Regular check-ins, celebrating successes, and addressing challenges proactively all contribute to a supportive work environment.

Empathy is essential. Understanding that each team member is a whole person with their own strengths, needs, and challenges is key to building trust. I have created a culture of respect and flexibility, I’ve been able to nurture a team that feels both empowered and appreciated.

Finally, never underestimate the power of celebration. Whether it’s recognizing individual achievements or marking team milestones, celebrating progress keeps morale high and reinforces a sense of community. Leadership is about inspiring others to bring their best, and by focusing on connection, recognition, and purpose, high morale becomes a natural outcome.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bornintosilence.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bornintosilence/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bornintosilence/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bornintosilence

Image Credits

K Johnson Images, LLC