Whitney never saw her current role as a jewelry designer coming. It occurred out of a great family loss and a determination to honor and remember the life of Major Joseph “Trane” McCloud. Trane was Whitney’s first cousin who died in a helicopter crash while serving others and our country in Iraq in December 2006. The tragedy generated an inspirational creation of a memory bracelet for her family and friends to wear as a daily reminder and way to honor her courageous cousin. The beautiful beaded bracelets supported the continuous circle of life, with one single bead being different than the others reflecting the missing loved one.

After repeatedly being stopped and questioned about the bracelets she was wearing, a friend suggested that she begin selling them. She considered the wider significance that comes with selling to the community at large and decided, with the support of her husband and three children, that she was ready to sell her creations locally. The message was welcomed and before she knew it, orders were coming in regularly. Never forgetting her commitment to her cousin.