Meet Laura Walton: Transforming Grief into Guidance
In a heartfelt interview, Laura Walton shares her transformative journey from personal tragedy to becoming a beacon of support for those navigating the murky waters of grief and death. Walton's story is one of overcoming and turning profound loss into a professional calling that aids others in their darkest hours.
A Personal Journey Through Grief
Laura’s backstory is both powerful and poignant. At the tender age of 21, she faced the devastating suicide of her father and five years later, the death of her boyfriend to a heroin overdose. These back-to-back tragedies marked her early twenties with profound grief, a period during which she found a significant lack of supportive resources. This gap in grief support sparked a resolve in Laura to one day create something that would assist others like her.
From Grief to Grad School
Determined to make a difference, Laura pursued higher education with a clear focus. She attended graduate school to specialize in grief and trauma therapy, gearing her career toward helping others deal with similar challenges. Today, she boasts over a decade of experience as a therapist and has been running her private practice since 2018.
Launching lovelew
Building on her extensive experience, Laura is currently launching a second venture, lovelew, which offers non-clinical emotional and logistical support to those dealing with grief and death. This initiative aims to empower individuals to thrive despite their grief, providing resources that were once scarce in her own life.
Challenges Along the Way
Laura's path has had its challenges. She candidly shares struggles with personal barriers and old belief systems, particularly a fear of being seen, which she has had to work through to promote her business effectively.
Business Insights and Advice
lovelew stands out for its compassionate approach to grief management, offering courses and online group grief coaching cohorts. Laura advises those starting out: "Set an intention with your business, but hold it lightly." She emphasizes the importance of flexibility and readiness to adapt as key components of navigating the entrepreneurial journey, especially one intertwined with personal growth and helping others.
A Call to Thrive
Laura Walton’s journey illustrates a powerful message: out of personal tragedy can come a profound purpose. Her work not only supports those in need but also transforms the landscape of grief support, making it more accessible and understanding for everyone affected. Through lovelew, Laura continues to ensure that no one has to face their grief alone, providing a roadmap for healing and growth she once sought during her own times of despair.
Read the full article on Voyage Phoenix’s website here.