This heartfelt episode shares the true story behind Stormy's Brave Beginning, a children's book inspired by a tiny, injured kitten rescued during a season of burnout, grief, and transition. Author Ronni Vlaminck reflects on how love, kindness, and quiet bravery shaped both Stormy's healing journey and her own, offering a gentle reminder that even after loss, overwhelm, or feeling "different," life can still unfold beautifully with compassion and support.

"Just because something happens to you that doesn't really define who you are or what your outcome is going to be." - Ronni Vlaminck

What you'll learn:

• Small acts of kindness can completely change a life: One simple decision to stop, notice suffering, and help became the turning point not only for Stormy, but for an entire family's story.
• Healing doesn't erase pain; it grows alongside it: Stormy's recovery and Ronni's personal journey show that love doesn't remove past trauma, but allows something meaningful to exist beside it.
• Being different doesn't mean being broken: Stormy's one eye is never framed as a limitation, reinforcing the message that challenges don't define worth, identity, or future potential.
• Love creates safety, and safety allows healing: The episode highlights how consistent care, gentleness, and presence create the emotional foundation needed for true healing to happen.
• Stories can help children process grief without overwhelming them: By telling the story quietly and tenderly, the book gives kids space to feel, relate, and find hope without being confronted by heavy language.
• Unexpected life changes can open doors to meaningful purpose: What began as burnout and transition ultimately led to creativity, authorship, and a new way to serve children who are struggling

About Ronni Vlaminck:

Ronni Vlaminck is a mom, physical therapist assistant, and small business owner who works alongside her husband in their family business. After years of supporting others and navigating significant personal loss, Ronni chose not to let those experiences define her — instead, she followed an unexpected creative spark that changed everything.

That spark arrived when her husband rescued a tiny, sick kitten from the side of the road. Stormy, who later lost one eye, quickly became part of their family and inspired Ronni to write Stormy's Brave Beginning — a children's book about courage, second chances, and finding a place where you belong.

Dive into the Stormy world—find Ronni books, download free coloring pages, and shop the merch on her website!

Connect with Meagan:
Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group Community
Apply for a prosthetic eye here: www.intheblinkltd.com

This episode explores what happens when art, calling, and compassion intersect, as ocularists Hannah and Dylan Bond share how making custom prosthetic eyes became both their life's work and a form of healing service. From career pivots, illness, legacy craftsmanship, and falling in love at an ocularist conference, to building EYEMKR from the ground up during COVID, the conversation reveals how prosthetic eyes are not just medical devices but powerful tools for confidence, identity, and recovery, especially for children and those navigating trauma, insurance barriers, and life after eye loss.

"You're loved, you're cared about, you're important. The things that you've gone through are traumatic and difficult to deal with, and it's gonna be okay. There's people out there that care about you, that dedicate their whole lives to helping people like you." - Dylan Bond

Important points covered:

• Prosthetic eye-making is a calling, not just a skill: Both Hannah and Dylan were led to the profession through unexpected life shifts that felt deeply purposeful.
• Art and medicine are inseparable in ocularistry: Precision, creativity, and emotional sensitivity are all required to restore both comfort and confidence.
• Every prosthetic eye is fully custom, like a fingerprint: No two eyes, sockets, or life experiences are the same, making personalization essential.
• Children experience profound emotional healing through care-centered spaces: Creating a non-clinical, joyful environment helps kids process medical trauma safely.
• Insurance remains one of the biggest barriers to care: Despite being medically necessary, prosthetic eyes are often under-covered or denied.
• DIY eye kits expand access across the globe: EYEMKR's at-home molding kits allow patients worldwide to receive custom eyes without travel.
• "Cool eyes" can unlock confidence and self-expression: Choosing to stand out rather than blend in can be a transformative moment for many wearers.
• Community and connection are critical after eye loss: Support groups, foundations, and shared stories reduce isolation and restore hope.

About Dylan and Hannah Bond:

Dylan and Hannah Bond are the co-founders of EYEMKR, a homegrown practice creating custom prosthetic eyes that blend artistry and innovation. Dylan entered ocularistry in 2018 at a high-volume practice in Sacramento, while Hannah joined him in 2019, bringing with her a deep family legacy in the craft that spans six generations. In 2022, they relocated to Chico, California, to launch EYEMKR with a mission to make prosthetic eyes more accessible, expressive, and empowering, serving clients both in person and worldwide through their groundbreaking EyeMaker Kit, a DIY mold-making experience.

Connect with Dylan and Hannah:

Email: Sparkle@eyemkr.com / dylan@eyemkr.com

Website: www.eyemkr.com

Instagram: @eye.mkr

TikTok: @eye.mkr

Connect with Meagan:
Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group Community
Apply for a prosthetic eye here: www.intheblinkltd.com

In this deeply moving episode, John Fowler shares the raw, unfiltered journey of loving and losing his wife Nickie to cancer—from diagnosis and years of caregiving to hospice, grief, and the long road toward healing. Through stories of helplessness, community, anger, gratitude, and letting go of the life he thought he'd have, the conversation offers an honest look at grief as both devastating and transformative, reminding listeners that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to feel everything and slowly open to a new chapter.

"You have to let go of what you thought your life was going to be and be open to all the possibilities that are still out there for you." - John Fowler

Key Insights:

• Grief is not just losing a person—it's also losing the life and future you imagined.
• Caregiving can be profoundly isolating, especially when you're helpless to ease someone's pain.
• Community support can become a lifeline, even when it arrives during the darkest moments.
• Gratitude should not be used to suppress anger, sadness, or resentment—those emotions need space too.
• Children are deeply affected by grief, but honesty and closeness can strengthen the parent–child bond.
• Healing often requires change—sometimes leaving behind familiar places to truly move forward.

About John Fowler:

John Fowler is a devoted father and widower who spent four years caring for his wife Nickie as she bravely battled colon cancer. Now raising four adult children — including one with special needs — he approaches life with resilience, patience, and a deep, unwavering compassion. A natural storyteller and a steady presence, John brings strength, warmth, loyalty, and humor into every space he enters.

Connect with Meagan:
Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group Community
Apply for a prosthetic eye here: www.intheblinkltd.com