“Life is a series of experiences, each on of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.”  Henry Ford

Over the past few years, Nathan and my life together was filled with an endless amount of love and happiness yet an endless amount of heartache as well. We want to share our story with you in an effort to help those struggling in life and to hopefully inspire others. Our goal is to encourage all those who struggle to continue to fight for what you want, be open to the twists and turns of life and to never give up fighting for your dreams. Below is our personal story and our inspiration for starting Makes Scents Natural Spa Line.

From Heartache Grew Inspiration

We have learned that life can be a struggle at times but what you do during those times of  struggle is what counts. Our heartache came from our struggle to build a family. Together, Nathan and I went through various invasive tests only to be labeled with the diagnosis of “unexplained infertility.” All forms of infertility are difficult to endure; however, with unexplained infertility, there is no “quick-fix” or answer to the question of “why” we cannot become pregnant. As a couple, we struggled month after month with the emotional heartache and disappointment of being childless.

Through the four years we rode on the roller coaster of infertility, I desperately searched for something to take my mind off of our concerns. I very much wanted to be released from the overbearing grip infertility had on me. I knew I had to find the strength to dry my tears, get off the couch and do something creative with my hands.

As I searched for my release, I became inspired by the story of a friend’s soap making endeavor and decided to give it a try. I researched soap making and, well, the rest is history. Finally, I found my escape from the stress of infertility.

As we worked together to create beautiful bars of soap, peace and tranquility crept back into our lives. I not only found my escape, I found my sanity again as well. Making soap started out as a fun hobby for Nathan and I but it quickly turned into a love and family business. Nathan and I started working together in our kitchen, then moved to a small studio in our home and now into our 2,500 sq ft. warehouse. One product led to another, which led to another and another. Our business model changed numerous times but finally Makes Scents Natural Spa Line was born. Our little, so-called “hobby” quickly turned into a business that we loved and very much needed.

Infertility Journey

Through the first two years of our business, Nathan and I became part of a reproductive endocrinology research study at Hershey Medical Center. During those first few years, we also started our initial attempt at In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment and sadly finished the last of our six unsuccessful IVF treatments this past December. We must say, it was not easy on either one of us physically, emotionally or spiritually. The endless shots, pills, patches, medical procedures, surgical procedures and physical and emotional pain, at times, were too hard to handle yet, we would never change a thing.

Nathan and I went into this process knowing how difficult it would be but we also knew if we did not try, we would be forever faced with the “what ifs” of life. Nathan and I always hoped it would end well but we also knew the reality of unsuccessful treatments. Yet, like any other couple going through IVF, we hoped for the best. We were surrounded by friends and family who already had babies and even those who went through IVF themselves and were successful. A family of our own was our biggest dream but we sadly found out that not all dreams come true and not all prayers are answered. We had high hopes but, in the end, were left empty handed and broken hearted.

Out of the Darkness

With any struggle in life, you can choose to crumble and fall at the feet of adversity or choose to pull yourself up off the couch, dry your tears and make the best of the situation. In our situation, we chose to take life’s so-called “lemons” and make body products out of them. Nathan and I had a huge door slammed shut in our face yet, another amazing door opened: Makes Scents Natural Spa Line. Now our company is our baby. Just like any proud parent loves their child, we love each other, our family and our company.

Makes Scents Natural Spa Line brings joy and excitement to our lives. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and look forward to our exciting future. We hope one day to have a family through adoption to share not only our business with, but our love of life, our determination and our happiness. The opportunities we were blessed with pulled us out of a dark time and brought beautiful light back into our lives. Yes, we still have an empty place in our hearts and always will but we cannot and will not let it destroy our love of life and our love for each other. We are so grateful for what we were blessed with in life and look forward to what life has to offer us in the future.

Thank you for your love and support!

Heather & Nathan

“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.” Ben Okri

 

Ever wonder what to say to a couple struggling to conceive? Visit the Resolve website for more information.