Published:
12/09/2011 02:28pm
Babyboomers Changing the Way We Memorialize
Most of us have heard by now that that the very first baby boomers turned 67 this year.
That being said, the inevitability of the end of earthly life has undoubtedly entered the consciousness of many, if not most, baby boomers. Many baby boomers have been faced with the death of a parent, not to mention a spouse, relative, child, or friend. Shine On Brightly is an online resource at www.shineonbrightly.com, that offers unique, artist-made memorial products, including cremation urns, memorial jewelry, memorial portraits, memorial glass, and much more.
Consistent with baby boomers’ reputations for breaking tradition, today’s aging baby boomers are changing the way we deal with end-of-life issues. Cremation rates are increasing beyond all expectations, due to changing environmental, spiritual, and economic attitudes. Life celebrations replace the traditional funeral service. Baby boomers are open to being memorialized by shooting ashes into space, turning ashes into diamonds, requesting motorcycle funeral processions, and much more. The funeral industry concedes to this wave of change, yet they continue to offer options that are quite limited. Their cremation urn showrooms feature the same mass-produced, outsourced containers.
Today’s baby boomers are, once again, taking matters into their own hands, and seeking their own designs for memorials. New companies appear on the Internet scene almost daily to offer a new model for the old cookie cutter funeral service. But here’s how Shine On Brightly is different: “We offer unique, affordable cremation urns and memorials that are made by artists with love and compassion. These products reflect the human spirit with their beauty, creativity, and uniqueness. No two individuals are the same, so we believe that their final tribute should also represent individuality,” comments owner and founder Adrienne Crowther.
Shine On Brightly was launched in 2008 - the result of a lifelong passion for art, love for people and their stories, and lots of research on the changing trends around life and death rituals.
Fifteen months later, the most unimaginable turn of events changed Ms. Crowther’s supposedly carefully navigated path. Her husband of 29 years passed away unexpectedly. Ten months after that, his sister, who had been one of her dearest childhood friends, also died.
“At first, I felt paralyzed by these losses. But I quickly realized that I had created my own vocation. I am now, more than ever, committed to the importance of memorialization by honoring a spirit with art and beauty,” notes Crowther.
Customers rave about the variety, affordability, and compassionate customer service that are offered by Shine On Brightly. A recent customer wrote:
“After looking at urns for hours on the Internet, I couldn't find one that would represent my husband. He passed away at 38 from cancer and all of the urns looked too formal and stuffy. He was a character, and I needed something that would be full of life and would make me smile when I saw it…. Choosing an urn is a depressing task because it confirms the finality of a person's life…. I am forever grateful to have connected with Shine On Brightly. As I told them, life gave me lemons and they helped me make lemonade.
Many, many thanks.” ~ KB
Shine On Brightly ‘s variety of product lines is also impressive. Cremation urns are available in ceramic, glass, wood, metal, and biodegradable materials. Memorial jewelry can include ashes or hair, or not. The jewelry styles range from traditional to contemporary. Handmade guest register books are hand-bound, covered in silk, and lined with gorgeous hand-marbled paper. Memorial glass incorporates ashes and color into glass art pieces that produce an ethereal effect.
Western North Carolina is renowned for some of the finest craft available worldwide. Shine On Brightly is based in Asheville, and represents many of the master artisans who work here. More than thirty professional artists are represented on the site. Customers have the opportunity
