Meet the Scarborough woman creating affordable memorial keepsakes

Mikayla, 35, creates unique keepsakes, including weighted memory teddies (made to a baby’s birth weight where possible), alongside jewellery that can hold personal inclusions such as ashes, breastmilk, or birth flowers.

Mikayla said: “My work focuses on creating these pieces to give families something physical to hold onto beyond the hospital setting — something that stays with them as they navigate grief.

“I place a strong focus on offering keepsakes suitable for both men and women, recognising that fathers are often overlooked in bereavement support despite experiencing the same loss.”

Mikayla has forged a strong bond with Scarborough undertaker George Roberts, who displays some of her pieces in his offices. She has also recently begun working with local bereavement services, including those at Scarborough and York hospitals, to offer families a more personal way to remember their loved ones following loss.

“Within a short space of time, I’ve seen growing interest from hospital teams,” she said. “There have also been further enquiries from outside the area, suggesting there may be a wider need for more personalised, lasting keepsakes within bereavement support.

“My aim is to continue working with local teams and, over time, make this kind of support more accessible through wider hospital partnerships and funded placements.

“A seamless service designed to support families — without adding pressure to staff.”

One group Mikayla is particularly passionate about helping is families who have lost babies too soon.

“For families who experience loss early in pregnancy, keepsakes can offer a gentle way to remember and honour that connection,” she said. “Jewellery can be created using pregnancy tests, hospital bracelets, baby hats, or small pieces of blanket, alongside symbolic options such as birth flower memorial pieces and weighted memory bears. Every piece is handled privately, respectfully, and with care.”

Mikayla founded SWL Keepsakes in 2013, inspired by her own need to preserve the memory of her father.

“That memory mattered and deserved to be held onto,” she said.

The business began with clothing keepsakes, transforming worn and loved garments into lasting pieces.

From there, it grew into a home-based studio creating handcrafted memorial and breastmilk jewellery for families across the UK and beyond.

Each piece is made by hand, with care, discretion, and deep respect for the story it carries.

Mikayla said: “Every keepsake is created slowly and intentionally, because these are not just items of jewellery; they are fragments of love, connection, and memory, designed to be carried with you always.”

The former Scarborough News Business Excellence Award winner for Best Independent Business also offers a custom design service and can create individual, coordinating pieces for family groups.

She also works with local vets to create special pieces for those who have lost their beloved pets.

Mikayla is conscious of her social responsibility to the bereaved, donating 10% of every sale to local bereavement services.

To find out more about Mikayla’s work, visit www.swlkeepsakes.co.uk.