Offering Healing and Hope: Avery’s Garden
Meet inspiring woman business owner, Tara Denz, angel mom, and president of Avery’s Garden, a nonprofit organization that helps bereaved families who are suffering from the loss of a child. Founded after the death of Tara’s own son, Avery’s Garden has evolved over the years to offer different creative outlets – from art to gardening – for families to express and deal with their grief. Here’s a look at her journey as a business owner with an incredibly personal mission:
Q. What inspired you to start your own business?
A. First and foremost, my son, Avery inspired me to start our nonprofit business. He passed away in 2016, during complications with my pregnancy. I did not realize it at the time, but his death simultaneously was colliding with untapped personal talents. It was my love for him that was the driving force behind wanting to do more for others. I wanted to honor him for the life he did not get to live.
When I began branching out in the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Community, I saw a true need among many hurting hearts, who, like me, desperately just wanted their children to be seen and recognized, regardless of how long that time on earth may have been. This was the second reason for the business, to be the change. Not only did I understand what bereaved mothers and fathers were going through in their own grief journeys, I was uncovering artistic skills that I truly believed would help heal parts of them.
Lastly, I would like to think that I also inspired myself to start this business. Up until that pivotal point in my life, I had always ignored my true gifts and settled for what careers I could find. I needed more from my life and decided to take my talents and apply them to their true purpose. I was willing to take the risk, bet on myself and go all in.
Q. Why do you love running a business?
A. Since I have experienced similar heartbreak as many of the men and women I work with, the bonds we develop are on a much deeper, more personal level. It is all very empowering. The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Community is filled with some of the most incredible human beings and I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of it all, despite our shared unfortunate circumstances. Of all the paths I have taken in my life, this one is fueled on love, support, and kindness. Running this business will be one of the most rewarding experiences I will ever have.
Q. What advice would you give your younger self?
A. I actually still have conversations with my younger self. I think she is responsible for some of the more creative projects I do. She is the fearless one who still has the courage to dream big! When we have reconnected over the years, the mantras have shifted, but the message pretty much has remained the same. Don’t give up. Days are going to be hard. Weeks are going to be harder. Even years can feel like giant gaps in time, but just keep going. Keep dreaming ridiculously big until you have everything you deserve. Others may not understand while you are trying to figure things out. It’s ok, don’t let that discourage you. Your dreams belong to your heart and soul for a reason. Be fearless and pursue them with everything you have.
For more information visit https://www.averys-garden.com/.
