Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Schisler
Hi Erica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Founded in July 2019, my company, Shadows Aglow, was born from a heartfelt desire to create meaningful memorial gifts that offer comfort and connection during times of grief.
The inspiration for Shadows Aglow came from a moment of personal loss. When I lost my own dog to cancer, I received many wonderful gifts but none that were lasting or personalized. So when my mother’s beloved cat, Imagine, passed away I sought to create a lasting tribute that would honor Imagine’s memory and provide solace. This experience led to the inception of Shadows Aglow’s first product—a personalized memorial sun catcher adorned with Imagine’s photo and name. The profound impact of this gift on my mother inspired me to create these personalized memorials for others navigating their own journeys of loss. Then in September of 2019, I opened Shadows Aglow’s Etsy shop, offering unique, handmade crystal sun catchers designed to commemorate beloved people, pets, and miscarriages. The positive response was overwhelming, with heartfelt feedback reinforcing the importance of these memorial gifts in healing and remembrance. Each sun catcher is handmade with meticulous care and attention to detail, ensuring it serves as a lasting reminder of the love shared.
In addition to handcrafting these unique memorial gifts, I also draws on my expertise as a professional telepathic animal communicator, a skill honed from over 12 years of practice. I was taught and mentored by renowned animal communicator, Hope Black of Deerfield, Illinois. I offer my intuitive ability to anyone who desires a deeper connection and closer relationship with their pet- living or passed.
For the past 5 years, I have been creating and refining Shadows Aglow’s memorial creations as well as providing animal communication sessions for clients who seek out a greater understanding and connection to their pet.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The past 5 years have been relatively smooth, although 2024 has been the hardest year so far. This is the first year that I am working solely for myself. Previously I was running my two small business (I also own a pet service company, Wags While You’re Away) while employed full time. It was very hard to balance both workloads but I was receiving a steady income from my full-time job. Now I have to pay close attention to my cash flow and budgets. This year, I am working hard to build and growing Shadows Aglow to the next level. I am revamping my Etsy shop with over 25 different handmade items, working on targeted marketing efforts, and building a website with online sale capabilities.
As you know, we’re big fans of Shadows Aglow. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Shadows Aglow is not just a small business; it’s a heartfelt endeavor born from my personal experiences of grief and a profound belief in maintaining emotional connections with loved ones who have passed. Specializing in handmade personalized memorial sun catchers and animal communication readings, I hope Shadows Aglow stands out as a beacon of comfort and understanding in the often-avoided realms of death and telepathic communication.
I craft each memorial sun catcher by hand with detailed care, using new and vintage crystal chandelier prisms and colorful beaded strings. These sun catchers are not mere ornaments; they are personalized tributes that symbolize the enduring love and cherished memories shared between the recipient and their lost loved one, whether human or animal. Each piece is a testament to my dedication to celebrate and preserve these profound soul-to-soul connections.
In addition to these unique memorial creations, I also offer telepathic animal communication readings. Through these sessions, I am able to help pet owners bridge the gap between themselves and their living or departed pets. With a deep understanding of the emotional bonds that form between humans and animals, I can facilitate meaningful conversations that offer insight into your pet’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This service is designed not only to provide clarity but also to strengthen the bond between the pet and the owner, even after the pet has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
What sets Shadows Aglow apart is not just its products and services but also its mission to destigmatize discussions around death and animal communication. By fostering a positive conversation about these topics, I aim to help individuals and families navigate grief while honoring the memories of their loved ones. Beyond my offerings, I am proud of my philanthropic efforts, having donated over $9,000 to nonprofit organizations since 2019. This commitment reflects my belief in giving back to the community and supporting causes that align with the values of compassion and connection that define Shadows Aglow.
Whether you’re seeking a tangible memorial to commemorate a loved one or insight into your pet’s inner world, I invite you to explore Shadows Aglow’s offerings with the assurance of heartfelt craftsmanship and compassionate service. More than a business, Shadows Aglow is a sanctuary where love and loss converge into meaningful artistry and connection.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Debbie Schisler- supporter, cheerleader, and my mother. After creating my very first memorial sun catcher for her after her cat, Imagine, passed away, she encouraged me to open an Etsy shop and start selling my memorial suncatchers. She continues to support my business by ordering memorials for anyone she knows who’s pet passes away.
Hope Black- mentor, teacher, and friend. She is also an entrepreneur (ResQ Organics- Deerfield, IL). Seeing her run her business is inspiring. Above all, she focuses on helping others. She is constantly giving back to the community.
Catherine Crews- client, supporter, and friend. Catherine was one of my first corporate clients. She is also an entrepreneur (Canine Crews- Chicago, IL). I’ve learned a lot from talking to her and watching her run her business. Catherine consistently supports my business by ordering memorials for her clients, friends, and family.
Pricing:
- Standard Memorial Sun Catcher designs-Personalized, Prices from $12- to $45
- Custom Memorial Sun Catcher- starting at $50
- Telepathic Animal Communication Reading- 15 minutes- $50
- Telepathic Animal Communication Reading- 30 minutes- $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shadowsaglow.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowsaglow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadowsaglow
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shadowsaglow
