Kayce Jones, founder of Sugarberry Memorials. (Credit: Courtesy of Sugarberry Memorials)
Her Personal Journey Led Her to an Artisan Venture
Kayce Jones crafts bespoke reliquaries and memorial jewelry for families looking to commemorate lost loved ones through her business, Sugarberry Memorials.
In 2011, Kayce Jones recalls one evening sitting at her kitchen table, hand-stamping personalized jewelry. She says it was the beginning of a hobby that quickly blossomed into a thriving Etsy shop. When Jones and her husband lost a pregnancy in 2016, she found herself channeling her grief into her first piece of cremation jewelry – which ultimately became the launchpad for Sugarberry Memorials. Today, the Las Vegas artist and entrepreneur helps families across the country memorialize loved ones who have passed by creating unique pieces of jewelry to remember them by.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We forge deep, personal connections with our clients. I listen to their stories, and create pieces that honor their loved ones, to provide them some comfort and peace. Those relationships have become the foundation of my business – I think of them now as members of our extended family.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
Creating unique cremation jewelry for some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. I take my work very seriously, as many of our clients are going through the most difficult times of their lives. I believe the quality of what I am producing is setting a new standard in a relatively new industry.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Managing a family and work simultaneously is difficult. I am married with 4 kids – ours is a very busy household. We have a home studio, and are at the same time ranked as one of the top companies in our field. This keeps me very busy.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?
The pandemic hit us hard financially, and we were forced to leave San Diego and relocate to Las Vegas. We’ve also experienced several familial losses, including my father-in-law, grandmother and biological father.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Getting into this particular industry is not for everyone. The stories are heart-wrenching, and the emotional toll is heavy. And, there are no days off – seven days a week, we are always working on some part of the business.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I am surrounded by stories of loss every single day – but seeing what some people have had to go through reminds me that things can always be worse. Some days, I get off the phone with someone who lost their high schooler to a freak accident, or their toddler had an illness, and I hold how lucky I am. To be able to help slightly with a tangible piece of art, and to hug my children at the end of the day.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
It depends on the day and mood, but when I am working, I listen to a lot of Christian worship music.
Who is your most important role model?
My aunt, Hope. She has been battling cancer for years, and I look up to her strength.
Instagram: @SugarberryMemorials
Facebook: @SugarberryMemorials
TikTok: @SugarberryMemorials
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