Today we’d like to introduce you to Thuy-Anh Nguyen.
Hi Thuy-Anh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Milk + Yarn Co. was founded by two moms who are also sisters-in-law. We are passionate about utilizing our crafty skills to create unique breastmilk keepsake jewelry and custom hand-knit keepsakes. With a priority shift that comes with motherhood, we can work at our own pace and spend precious time raising our children while creating beautiful pieces for other mothers to cherish.
Thuy-Anh (also known as Jennie) is an empowered individual who has embraced my true calling as an artist after years of pursuing a career in biochemistry and pharmacy. My journey has been filled with growth and self-discovery, leading me to open Pixie Lab by Jenniexnails, where I create intricate nail art that brings joy to the incredible women I have met over the years. After having my first baby, I realized that being a mom is my utmost priority. I honored my breastmilk from our first Valentine’s Day with our daughter to craft a unique keepsake. Unknowingly, the journey of motherhood overwhelmed me with so many tears of joy as I created my breastmilk ring. From overwhelmed to empowered: My unique ring crafted from breastmilk marked the beginning of my motherhood journey and purpose-driven business. My sister-in-law and I inspire each other and would love to support other moms in celebrating their core memories as superwomen raising little heroes. This fantastic opportunity allows me to bring in a little extra income while raising our daughter at home.
Mary- a mother to a beautiful girl. I had my daughter at 24, and it was a blessing in disguise. She helped shape and mature me into the mother I am today. Even though it wasn’t by choice, being a single mom can sometimes be challenging. With the support of my family, I was able to work 2 full-time jobs and still be able to provide for my daughter. But when it came to choosing between being a working mom or an involved mom, I decided to be an involved mom. You only get one first, 18 summers, and a handful of Santa, Tooth Fairy, and more. That is why my sister-in-law and I started Milk & Yarn Co. Not only does it give me the time I need to be home and involved in my daughter’s schooling, but it’s also a source of incoming doing what I love: arts and crafts. Now, I get to continue to be a part of every big and important moment in my daughter’s life and show my crafty side through my love of arts and crafts.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We’re excited to bring something truly unique to Memphis —a first of its kind! Our breastmilk jewelry business is not only pioneering this heartfelt craft in our city but is also led by a certified artist dedicated to transforming your precious memories into everlasting keepsakes. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of jewelry that is as unique as your motherhood journey.
Introducing breastmilk jewelry in Memphis presented a unique set of challenges, as pioneering any novel concept does, particularly in a market unaccustomed to such personal and intimate keepsakes. The first hurdle was awareness—educating the community not just about the existence of breastmilk jewelry but also about its emotional and sentimental value. We had to convey how these pieces are more than just accessories; they are deeply personal symbols of one of life’s most profound journeys: motherhood.
Another significant challenge was overcoming initial skepticism. Breastmilk, as a material for jewelry, was a concept that some found unusual or difficult to understand at first. We understand these concerns and have taken every step to ensure the beauty, durability, and professionalism of our pieces. We are transparent about our process, emphasizing the care, hygiene, and artistic craftsmanship involved in transforming something as ephemeral as breastmilk into a lasting keepsake, so you can feel confident in the quality of our work.
Building trust with our clients was crucial. As the area’s first business, we needed a local precedent. Each client’s engagement was an opportunity to establish credibility through exceptional customer service, open communication, and delivering on our quality promises and respect for their cherished contributions.
Finally, we faced the challenge of cultural acceptance. Integrating a new form of commemoration into the local tradition of celebrating motherhood meant respecting diverse viewpoints and sensitivities and patiently allowing the community time to embrace this innovative way of preserving memories.
Despite these challenges, the journey has been profoundly rewarding. Witnessing these pieces’ emotional impact on mothers—seeing them touched by the permanence we’ve given their motherhood experiences—affirms our commitment to this unique craft. We are proud to be pioneers in Memphis, offering a new way for mothers to cherish their most precious moments.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our breastmilk jewelry business is pioneering this heartfelt craft in our city and is led by a certified artist dedicated to transforming your precious memories into everlasting keepsakes. Each drop of breastmilk holds stories of love, late nights, early mornings, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. Here at Milk & Yarn Co., we believe in preserving these moments in beautifully handcrafted jewelry, ensuring that this particular time in your life is captured forever. Our certified artist meticulously crafts each piece, infusing your personal stories with professional artistry to create something as unique and precious as the bond it represents. Whether it’s a necklace, a ring, or a charm, it’s more than jewelry—it’s a wearable memoir. We can create almost anything with breastmilk, locks of hair, umbilical cords, placenta, or even baby/pet ashes. What sets our breastmilk jewelry and custom hand-knit business apart is our dedication to creating personal, meaningful keepsakes that capture and celebrate life’s most precious moments.
- Unmatched Personalization: Our approach to creating breastmilk jewelry and hand-knit items is intensely personalized. We work closely with clients to understand their unique stories and emotions, ensuring that every piece we make is custom and deeply connected to their journey. This level of personal engagement ensures that each keepsake is as unique as the memories it preserves.
- Craftsmanship and Quality: We pride ourselves on the exceptional craftsmanship of our products. Our breastmilk jewelry is made using a meticulous preservation process that transforms breastmilk into durable, beautiful stones set in custom-designed jewelry pieces. Similarly, our hand-knit items are crafted with expert care, using only the highest quality materials that ensure durability and comfort without compromising style.
- Legacy and Heirloom Focus: Our products are crafted to last and intended to be passed down through generations as cherished family heirlooms. Whether it’s a piece of breastmilk jewelry that a mother can one day give to her child or a hand-knit blanket that carries the warmth of familial love, we create with an eye toward longevity and legacy.
At our core, we believe in celebrating and honoring the personal stories of those we serve, creating keepsakes as enduring as the memories they encapsulate.
What are your plans for the future?
As we launch our startup focusing on breastmilk jewelry and custom hand-knit items, our vision is to create unique, personal keepsakes that resonate deeply with our customers. Here’s an overview of our plans and hopes for the future:
- Growth and Expansion: We aim to carefully expand our reach, starting locally and eventually extending our services nationwide. This growth will be managed to maintain the quality and personalized nature of each piece, ensuring that every keepsake remains as unique as the memories it captures.
- Innovative Designs: We plan to continuously innovate our product lines, incorporating customer feedback to introduce new designs and options that cater to evolving tastes and preferences. This includes exploring new materials and techniques to keep our offerings fresh and exciting.
- Community Building: We want to build a supportive community around our brand. This involves engaging with our customers through social media, workshops, and community events, creating a space to share and celebrate experiences and stories.
- Education and Awareness: Educating the public about the significance and the process of creating breastmilk jewelry and custom hand-knit items will be essential. We plan to host informational sessions and create educational content highlighting our products’ emotional and sentimental value.
- Supporting Families: We aim to extend our support beyond the sale of keepsakes. Plans include partnerships with local and national maternal health organizations and initiatives that help mothers and families in need.
Our startup is more than a business; it’s a passion project to preserve precious moments in tangible, lasting ways. We are excited about the journey ahead and eager to touch lives with our handcrafted keepsakes.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies based on how clients customize their keepsakes to fit their budgets and styles.
Contact Info:
- Website: milkandyarnco.myshopify.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkandyarn.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557058405377
