Katie Teixeira, after losing her beloved cat Milo, creates memorial jewelry to support pet owners in their grief. Teixeira adopted Milo in 2010, nurturing her from a tiny kitten found alone in an abandoned house. Their bond grew over the years, leading Teixeira to describe Milo as her “soul cat.” Following Milo’s death in 2021, Teixeira sought a meaningful way to commemorate her.
creates memorial jewelry: what to know
Inspiration for Memorial Jewelry
While working as a procurement analyst for CVS Health, Teixeira explored various pet memorial jewelry options available online. However, she found that these keepsakes did not resonate with her. With her artistic background, she decided to create something unique herself. In 2023, she crafted a ring using some of Milo’s whiskers, encased in shimmering silver resin. This creation sparked immediate interest when she wore it to her volunteer shift at a local cat shelter, PawsWatch.
Teixeira’s ring garnered numerous requests from fellow pet owners, prompting her to share her work on social media. A viral Instagram reel led to an influx of inquiries, and within three months, she launched her business, Fallen Whiskers. Initially a side project, the business allowed her to support the shelter by donating a portion of her proceeds.
Transitioning to Full-Time Business
In 2024, after being laid off from her job of 20 years, Teixeira decided to pursue her passion full-time. Despite initial fears about financial stability, she recognized the minimal startup costs involved. With a small inventory of ring and necklace settings, mica powder for resin, and the trust of pet owners providing materials, she began to test her business model.
Two years later, Teixeira fulfills approximately 15 orders weekly, with prices ranging from $125 to $150. Her customer base has grown significantly, with over 100,000 followers on Instagram. Many customers express deep appreciation for her work, describing it as a source of comfort during their grieving process.
Unique Offerings and Emotional Connections
Teixeira’s creations include a variety of materials such as whiskers, ashes, fur, teeth, claw sheaths, and even bits of favorite toys. She emphasizes that all materials must be naturally shed or collected after the pet’s passing. Her work has extended to memorializing exotic animals, including a pendant made from lion whiskers for a zookeeper and another from tiger whiskers for a sanctuary worker.
The growing trend of pet memorialization reflects a broader cultural shift in how Americans view their pets. According to the Pew Research Center, 97% of pet owners consider their animals part of the family. This sentiment is mirrored in the increasing financial investment in pet care, with Americans spending $157 billion on their pets in 2025.
Challenges of Running a Small Business
Despite her success, Teixeira faces challenges typical of small business owners. Recent tariffs on jewelry imports and rising material costs have impacted her pricing structure. She has had to adjust her costs, which she finds difficult but necessary to maintain her business. Additionally, the emotional weight of her work presents its own challenges, as she often engages with clients’ grief and shares in their stories.
Teixeira has found that understanding her clients’ bonds with their pets enhances her creative process. She believes that these conversations help her connect more deeply with the memorials she creates. Customers have shared their experiences of loss, finding solace in the personalized jewelry that honors their beloved companions.
As demand for her work continues to grow, Teixeira remains focused on maintaining the personal touch that defines Fallen Whiskers. She has relied on word-of-mouth marketing and social media to promote her business, choosing not to rush into scaling operations. Her long-term aspiration includes starting her own cat sanctuary, reflecting her commitment to animal welfare.