Finding Yourself Again — Through Love, Loss, and Kindness
There are moments in life that change us quietly — not all at once, but piece by piece. Moments that stretch our hearts, test our strength, and remind us of what truly matters.
Recently, I was asked a simple but powerful question:
What makes you lose track of time — and find yourself again?
The answer surprised even me.
When Love Meets Loss
After losing our two beloved boys just eleven days apart, my heart was shattered in a way words can’t fully describe. The house felt unbearably quiet. The routines we shared were suddenly gone. And the grief sat heavy — constant, unrelenting.
Then came the story of our newest family member.
From the moment I met him, something shifted. Being with him doesn’t erase the grief — nothing ever will — but it does something beautiful. In those moments together, I lose track of time. And instead of feeling consumed by loss, I feel my heart beating with love again.
He didn’t replace the boys we lost.
My heart simply grew to hold them all.
We may have adopted him — but in truth, he saved me. He gave me back a piece of myself I thought was gone forever, and through him, I found my way forward again.
Why I Created Daisy-Bella
My name is Mary Ann Tooker, and I’m the founder of Daisy-Bella — an inspirational lifestyle apparel brand built on one core belief:
Clothing can carry meaning.
After many years in the fashion industry, I knew I wanted to create something different. Not fast trends or disposable fashion — but soft, timeless pieces that speak to the heart. Pieces that remind us of who we are, and who we want to be.
Every Daisy-Bella design is created with intention.
From uplifting tees to cozy sweatshirts, each piece carries a message of kindness, strength, and authenticity.
And because feeling good should also mean doing good, a portion of every purchase supports women and girls in need. Fashion, to me, should always give back.
Lessons That Shape Us
Life has taught me many things — often the hard way.
What breaks the bonds between people?
Dishonesty and cruelty.
What restores them?
A genuine apology. Kindness. And the courage to be yourself — proudly, honestly, and without apology.
Over thirty years ago, I opened a clothing line before I was truly ready. I didn’t yet understand what it took — especially financially — to sustain it. New it was time to close it.
But that experience changed everything.
I no longer see it as failure. I see it as learning.
The good times shape us — but so do the difficult ones. And once you stop fearing failure, you give yourself permission to grow.
What Truly Matters
If you asked my closest friends what matters most to me, their answer would be simple:
kindness.
It’s the one thing I never compromise on. Treating people with respect. Seeing them as human beings. Choosing compassion — even when it’s easier not to.
That belief lives at the heart of Daisy-Bella. Every piece is a reminder that kindness is strength — and that what we wear can reflect what we stand for.
The Legacy I Hope to Leave
When my time here is done, I hope people remember me as someone who lived with a kind heart and stood tall in who she was.
Someone who showed up.
Who gave generously.
Who helped others without needing recognition.
At the core of everything I’ve done — in life and in business — kindness has always been what makes me tick.
And if Daisy-Bella leaves anything behind, I hope it’s this reminder:
Wear what matters. Live with kindness. And never underestimate the impact you can make.
Mary Ann Tooker of Stamford on Life, Lessons & Legacy - Bold Journey Magazine
