Welcome - and Why This Matters To Me

Hello, I’m Jackie Smith, the heart behind Robin and Feather.

This isn’t just a business. It’s a personal offering — created from lived experience, deep empathy, and a genuine desire to support others through grief with sincerity and compassion.

The idea for Robin and Feather was born from a deeply personal place.

After several years of caring for my mum full-time, I found myself at a crossroads following her recent passing.

Going back to work was going to be on the table in due course but I wasn't sure which way I was going to set my sail.

I knew I wanted to create a role that felt meaningful and true to who I am, rather than trying to squeeze into a job that didn’t quite fit.

So I looked back to what I have enjoyed work wise over the years to see what stood out and my thoughts went back to my favourite job.

A few years ago, I worked in bereavement services for a large bank, a role that, while emotionally demanding, felt incredibly valuable and fulfilling.

What drove me away wasn't the nature of the work, it was the impersonal environment of a call centre and to be frank, the stress of relentless call handling but I always missed dealing in a specialist way with people who needed some genuine caring and help.

I’ve always been someone who leads with empathy, sensitivity, and care, qualities that feel essential, not optional, when it comes to supporting others through grief.

So with that came clarity. I knew I wanted to offer something meaningful to others navigating loss not with clichés or commercial fluff, but with some real care.

That said, stepping into a role in say the funeral business was just too soon. so I thought why not create my own job!

Creating my own business felt like the natural next step: a way to do this work on my own terms, with the warmth and thoughtfulness it deserves and use my gifts and talents in a way I that felt good.

Why I Started Robin & Feather

So many people don't know what to day or do when someone is greivig.

They want to help,  but are afraid of saying the wrong thing or doing too little, so I thought I could help facilitate things a bit.

This is a space for gentle, thoughtful support and guidance

• Meaningful sympathy & bereavement gifts
• Sincere words for bereavement cards
• Articles that help make sense of grief
• Resources for people who don’t want platitudes — just something real

I’ve been on both sides — the one supporting others, and the one grieving deeply. What I offer now comes from both of those places. 

Robin and Feather is a small act of service in this very big world.

Who This Is For

Robin and Feather is for:

• Those who want to send something thoughtful when words aren’t enough
• People moving through grief, anniversaries, or quiet sadness
• Anyone who wants real, comforting, non-twee support
• The kind souls who don’t want to get it wrong but want to get it right

This space is for people who feel deeply.

For those who’ve known love and now feel it's loss profoundly.

If that’s you, or someone you know, you are not alone!

Why I Think I Can Help

I’ve always been the kind of person who “gets it” — even when nothing is said out loud.

According to personality tests, astrology, and pretty much anyone who’s worked with me, I’m a deeply sensitive soul. I’m high in empathy, deeply caring, and especially good at being there for people when they’re at their most vulnerable.

That’s not just a trait, I have realised it’s a a form of calling and not everyone has it.

I learned the importance of taking the time for others who are having a difficult time,  not rushing grief, not minimising it, but supporting it with diplomacy, tact, and heart.

Then came my own family losses over the years and there have been many and eventually, the loss of my mum. That heartbreak changed everything.

It reminded me that grief is personal, messy, and often invisible to the outside world. It’s not about “moving on.” 

It’s about finding small but simple ways to honour the person and keep yourself moving forward.

It's about being the sign-poster for others who might be stuck on the road without a map.

My Promise To You

Every product in this shop — every card, candle, feather, or idea — is here for a reason.

I ask myself before adding anything:

• Would I give this to someone I love?
• Would this bring comfort in a real moment of grief?
• Is this honest, heartfelt, and useful?

If the answer isn’t “yes” to all three, it doesn’t make it into any page.

The Meaning Behind Robin & Feather

My business name isn’t random.

Many believe that a robin appearing or a feather falling unexpectedly is a sign from someone they’ve lost — a quiet “hello,” a message of presence, a whisper from beyond.

Whether you believe in signs or simply in the power of symbol, Robin and Feather is rooted in that sense of ongoing love and connection and a way to show you care.

Final Thoughts

Grief is never simple.

It can’t be fixed with flowers or forgotten after the funeral. It lives in anniversaries, in ordinary days, in those memories that hit unexpectedly.

Robin and Feather is my way of saying:

• You’re not alone.
• There is support here — quiet, respectful, thoughtful support.
• For you and for the ones you miss.

Thank you for being here. I’m honoured to walk this path with you.

With all my very best to you

Jackie Smith x