As we ring in a new year, we often find ourselves reflecting on the past and setting intentions for the year ahead. For some, this time of year can also stir feelings of loss—loss that doesn’t fade with time, no matter how much we wish it would. Grief is a universal experience, one that often leaves us searching for ways to keep the memory of our loved ones alive.
But what if we could learn to live in a healthy way with our grief or turn it into something more? What if we could channel our sorrow into a force for healing, growth, and even new purpose?
This is exactly what Liz Sicard and Caroline Gordon, the sisters behind Saint and Goldie, a unique lifestyle boutique in Marietta, have done. Inspired by their grandparents, the process of remembering and honoring those who’ve passed is at the heart of everything they do. As they navigated the grief of losing their beloved grandparents, Saint and Goldie, their loss left an undeniable void—but it also inspired them to build something that honors their memories and creates a lasting legacy of love, community, and creativity.
In this post, we explore how Liz and Caroline turned their grief into purpose, healing, and something beautiful. Their journey offers hope and inspiration for anyone facing loss and longing to transform that pain into love, connection, and growth.
The Sisters Behind Saint and Goldie: A Legacy of Love and Creativity
Liz Sicard, the older sister, is married with three kids and brings a wealth of expertise in interior design and textiles to Saint and Goldie. Caroline Gordon, the younger sister, handles the styling and merchandising, having studied fashion and business. She’s in a relationship with her boyfriend, Joe, and they share a cat. The sisters live just a block away from each other, making it easy to stay connected. As Liz says, “Sisters and best friends all wrapped into one.”
The third member of the Saint and Goldie team is Brianna Williams, an event and wedding planner, who the sisters consider a “built-in sister” and lifelong best friend. Liz shares, “We all have our little things that mesh together to make Saint and Goldie what it is.” They celebrate their first anniversary in January 2025, having finally brought their dream to life.
Saint and Goldie: Honoring Memories and Creating a Community
The name Saint and Goldie honors their grandparents, with “Saint” being their grandfather’s nickname. Everyone in the family called him “Saint” because he truly embodied kindness, creativity, and joy. An accomplished oil painter with a passion for antiquing, he inspired the unique antique pieces found in the shop. One of his prized possessions, a dry sink passed down from his grandparents, is now a centerpiece in the store. His love for art and antiques influences the curated furniture and art shows they host, showcasing local artists.
“Goldie” was their grandmother’s nickname, short for Marie Golden. She was the quintessential hostess who loved bringing family and friends together. Her legacy of hospitality and warmth lives on in the shop’s inviting atmosphere, where gathering and connecting are key. The sisters hope to be a pillar in their community, just as their grandparents were for them, creating a space to celebrate life, support local artists, and bring people closer.
Although their grandparents are no longer physically present, the sisters find comfort in keeping their memories alive. As Liz shares, “Grief is just love with nowhere to go.” Saint and Goldie feels like a tangible expression of that love. Through their work, they feel their grandparents’ presence daily. “We get these winks from them all the time,” Caroline says. Customers who visit the shop can sense that love, too, experiencing the care and warmth their grandparents once gave.
One of the shop’s most unique offerings is the Saint and Goldie signature candle collection, created in collaboration with a local candlemaker. The Goldie candle features gardenia, her favorite flower, while the Saint candle blends pine and tobacco among other smells, inspired by his love of painting and hiking. These scents evoke cherished memories, transporting the sisters back to their childhood.
In addition, the Grandparents Pen Pal Kit is another heartfelt item in the store, featuring prompts and games to help customers share memories, stories, and experiences with their own grandparents. It’s a way for the sisters to encourage others to slow down, reflect, and keep the special connections with loved ones alive in today’s fast-paced world.
The Power of Vulnerability: Healing Through Connection and Community
Goldie, their mom’s mom, and Saint, their dad’s dad, were the last two remaining grandparents when they passed just a couple of months apart. They lived in Pennsylvania, Liz and Caroline said they were caught off guard by their sudden deaths. Caroline shared, “At first, it didn’t feel real until we went to their funerals. It was when we returned to the places where they were supposed to be that reality hit me—they were really gone.” Liz added, “It felt so sad because all of our happy childhood memories with them, memories they created with their magic, seemed to be fading so fast.” The void is still present, and Liz admits, “No matter how much time we had with them, it still wasn’t enough.”
Despite the grief, the sisters find comfort in talking about their grandparents. Caroline shared, “We talk about them 24/7, and we love when people ask about them. It’s comforting to keep their memory alive. I never want to forget them.” Living far away in Georgia also created feelings of guilt. Liz said, “I often wondered how many hellos and goodbyes I would get. But we want to encourage people to cherish their time together with loved ones.” Liz added, “It’s healing for us when my kids make memories with my parents. I hope I can be half the grandparents they were.”
The sisters emphasize that talking about lost loved ones can be healing. “The more we talk about them, the more it feels like we’re allowing ourselves to express these normal feelings of sadness and grief. It shows how much love there was,” said Liz. They feel it would be a disservice to not honor how wonderful and special their grandparents were.
Liz shared a personal reflection: “Everyone’s grief journey is unique. Some people experience grief, like losing a child or a sibling. But for us, we’re thankful when others share their grief with us. It helps us feel connected.”
In the shop, Liz and Caroline see how their store is building a community of shared grief. “It’s beautiful when customers share their stories,” Liz said. “One customer was brought to tears by a candle that smelled like her grandpa. It’s moments like these that remind us we’re not alone in our grief. We can mourn together, but also celebrate life.” Caroline added, “We’ve had customers tear up because a scent reminded them of their grandparents, and we love being able to offer that comfort.”
The sisters are passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment. “We love making people feel warm and fuzzy,” said Liz. Many of the brands they carry are local artisans or women-owned and family-run businesses. “They all have their own stories, just like we have ours. It’s like weaving together a beautiful collection.”
At Saint and Goldie, they embrace vulnerability because they know life is hard. “We want to tend to those who feel alone,” Caroline said. Liz echoed this sentiment, “There are many obstacles in life, but we know we’re on the right track. If opening a business was easy, everyone would do it. But we’ve seen signs from our guardian angels, guiding us through.”
Turning Loss into Love: The Healing Power of Saint and Goldie
As they approach their first anniversary, they reflect on their journey. “Going into business with each other has been healing,” Caroline said. “We comfort and balance each other. I couldn’t have done this without my sister. Bottling up our grief would have been unhealthy for us.”
Their long-term goal is to continue growing authentically and staying true to their purpose. “We want to keep finding items that remind us of our grandparents, our true north, to honor them and our purpose,” Liz said.
Liz and Caroline emphasize the importance of having support from friends and family. “We’ll deal with grief and loss forever and honoring the memories of those we’ve lost has been healing for us,” said Caroline. “We’re not just selling material items. We’re creating a space for people to be real, to create friendships, and to be vulnerable. Turning our grief into something beautiful, even though our grandparents aren’t here physically, has been rewarding.”
Liz added, “Honoring the memory of someone you’ve lost—whether through a business or otherwise—is one of the most healing things you can do for yourself.”
As they move forward, they continue to cherish their grandparents’ memory and their legacy, creating a space where others can find healing and connection. Saint and Goldie isn’t just a store—it’s a celebration of life, love, and the power of vulnerability in the face of loss.
If you’ve found inspiration in Liz and Caroline’s story, visit Saint and Goldie to explore their shop and discover unique pieces that celebrate life and legacy. Share your own stories of healing and honoring loved ones in the comments below or on social media. We’d love to hear how you’ve transformed grief into something beautiful.
Grief is Personal, Vulnerability is Empowering
Whether you are in the early stages of grief or further along on your journey, it’s essential to understand that grief is not a process you have to go through alone. Allow yourself to experience it at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to lean into vulnerability. Remember, the journey of grief is unique for everyone, and there is no timeline or right way to grieve.
If you feel ready, share your story, lean on your support system, and seek professional help if necessary. Healing often comes through connection—both with others and with yourself. Embrace the process, knowing that there’s no “getting over” grief, only learning to live alongside it in a way that honors those we love and cherish.
Key Takeaways: Turning Grief into Purpose and Healing
- Grief is a Natural, Ongoing Journey: There’s no “right way” to grieve, and it’s important to honor your own unique journey.
- Talking About Loved Ones Keeps Their Memory Alive: Share stories and memories to keep the spirit of loved ones vibrant and meaningful.
- Vulnerability is a Strength: Being emotionally open is healing, both individually and within a community.
- Creating Something Beautiful from Grief: Saint and Goldie is a testament to how grief can become a powerful, creative force.
- Grief is Part of Life—Embrace It: Grief will always be with us, and embracing it as part of life can lead to healing and purpose.
