My Story Under the Willow Tree

Meet Me Under The Willow Tree was created in my garage during my lay off in 2021. What started off as a way to bring a little income in during an uncertain time quickly evolved into more than I expected. I wanted a natural coconut/soy, paraffin free, phthalate free candle to eliminate the risk of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. I began to find my new sense of purpose. Finding a name was important to me because I wanted it to be meaningful and wanted to incorporate Family and Love. I grew up with a single mother who raised three girls in Joliet, IL. She was a beautiful soul, strong, kind, selfless and always giving. Even when she had nothing, she found a way to help others. She raised us to be strong, independent women with good values, kindness, and giving hearts. We didn’t have much growing up, but the love she always showed was what got us through. The phrase “Love Always Wins” was a very true statement in our home. My mother passed away at the young age of 54 when I was only 29 years old. I miss her every day and I knew she had to be a part of this journey. She often shows up randomly in my life and my children’s life as a butterfly just to say, “All is well, and I am with you.” I know this sounds a little strange, but to see it is to believe it, and she has shown up too many times to deny this spiritual wonderment. The butterfly in my logo is a representation of her and the love she spreads daily. The willow tree represents the weeping willow tree we had in our front yard, which is also a source of inspiration for the Willow Tree Gallery. I would climb that tree as a child. The Weeping Willow was a place to be my “tomboy self,” climbing, carving my name in the branches with my pocketknife, and a place to spy on any boys that rode their bicycles by (hee hee hee). It was a place for me to escape and be unnoticed. It reminds me of home. Now, as a “Mimi Pie” to 6 littles, I see how my mother had so much love in her heart for her grandchildren. They are the light of my life and inspire me every day. They were a gift from God and chosen to be a part of our family. Two through adoption and sweet Willow who means so much to all of us. They are the strongest, wisest children and have given me a whole new perspective on life and made my heart fuller than I ever knew it could be. Being one who has had anxiety from past traumas, being ashamed of it and fearful my whole life, now has more drive & passion from those tiny humans. It has taken a long time to become who I am, and today, I choose love over fear. I am in this full time now. The leap was a scary one, but without fear, there is no room for growth. Thank you to my family & friends for being my biggest supporters and fans! I couldn't do it without you. I love you all to the moon ❤ So come along … Meet Me Under The Willow Tree Where We Can….. Be Fearlessly Amazing~ Light & Love Jamie