🎙️ How Jewelry Became a Bridge Between Grief and Legacy | Deb Strebel’s Story 💍💔
What if a piece of jewelry could carry a soul story?
In this heartfelt episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith sits down with Deb Strebel, founder of Lee Alexander & Co., a memorial jewelry company born from the devastating loss of her 15-year-old brother, Lee.
🕊️ Deb’s journey begins with heartbreak—but it doesn’t end there. From the unbearable pain of sibling loss to building a company that honors grief with grace, Deb shares how intentional, handcrafted jewelry became a path to healing—not just for her, but for so many others looking to hold onto love in a tangible way.
💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why sibling grief is uniquely misunderstood—and often overlooked
The emotional impact of becoming an “only child” overnight
How trauma reshapes identity—and how therapy like EMDR helped Deb process loss
The unexpected calling Deb discovered in helping others preserve memory through art
Why legacy isn't just about what we leave behind—but what we carry forward
✨ Whether you're mourning a sibling, a child, a parent, or a friend, this episode reminds us:
Healing doesn't mean forgetting. It means transforming grief into love that lasts.
🎧 Ready to feel seen, understood, and inspired?
Press play, and join us on a journey through loss, love, and legacy.
🔗 Explore Memorial Jewelry by Lee Alexander & Co.
https://www.leealexanderandco.com
📝 Join the conversation on our Substack:
https://grieftogrowth.substack.com
👇 Comment below 👇
What’s one way you carry your loved one’s memory forward?
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00:00 ⏳ Welcome to Grief 2 Growth
Brian introduces the podcast and frames the emotional heart of the episode: growing through grief.
01:06 💔 Meet Deb Strebel – Honoring Her Brother Lee
Deb shares the story behind Lee Alexander & Co. and the devastating loss of her younger brother.
03:51 ❄️ A Sudden, Unexplainable Chill
Deb recounts the moment she intuitively felt something was wrong—before receiving the call that changed her life.
05:30 🚨 The Call from the Police
A chilling voicemail leads Deb to the hospital, where her worst fear is confirmed: Lee has passed.
06:55 💉 Understanding Myocarditis
We learn about the silent heart condition that took Lee's life and how quickly everything changed.
08:00 🧍♀️ The Loneliness of Sibling Loss
Deb opens up about being forgotten in the grief narrative—how siblings often feel invisible.
10:20 🧠 Trauma, Panic & Finding the Right Therapist
Deb details how panic attacks and trauma responses shaped her healing journey, and how EMDR helped.
12:55 🧘♀️ Grief Therapy & Transformation
Therapy becomes a turning point. Deb begins to shift her perspective and reconnect with family.
15:08 🧭 A New Sense of Purpose
Deb reflects on how grief reshaped her values, priorities, and identity.
17:45 📉 Walking Away from the Family Business
Why she couldn’t follow in her parents’ financial footsteps—and how that led her toward her true calling.
20:31 💍 The Birth of Lee Alexander & Co.
Deb discovers memorial jewelry after her own heartbreaking experience and decides to create something better.
23:15 🔩 When Cheap Jewelry Fails You
Deb explains the pain of losing a piece with her brother's ashes—and how it inspired the brand’s mission.
25:02 🛠️ The Jewelry-Making Process Explained
A step-by-step look at how Lee Alexander & Co. creates personalized, heirloom-quality memorial jewelry.
28:30 💌 Custom Orders & Emotional Connections
Deb shares how intimately she works with customers to ensure each piece tells a unique story.
30:41 🌊 Deb’s Personal Ring & Meaningful Design
From aquamarine stones to shared memories at the ocean—Deb explains the symbolism behind her own ring.
33:28 🫂 Legacy, Healing & Helping Others
How Deb found her calling not in death, but in the way people carry love forward.
36:25 🗣️ Client Stories That Changed Everything
Deb opens up about powerful customer feedback and the emotional impact her work has had.
39:17 🌱 Finding Purpose Through Pain
Grief changed Deb—but she chose to grow. She talks about becoming someone more grateful, more intentional.
41:56 ✨ Advice for the Grieving
Give yourself grace. Get the help you need. Deb offers words of hope to anyone navigating grief.
43:48 🔗 Where to Find Deb & Lee Alexander & Co.
Deb shares how you can connect with her and start creating a piece to honor your loved one.
