Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Lauren Wong.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with creating really started back in middle school, when I handmade friendship bracelets for everyone in my school — even the teachers — so no one felt left out. Each piece was unique, and that’s how I first earned the nickname “Gracelette.”
In 2020, life took a turn when my dad suffered a traumatic brain injury. During that time, I began making PFM (Pray for Mark) bracelets to raise money for his surgeries, sending one to each person who donated. It gave me a way to channel love and hope into something tangible. When my dad passed away in 2021, that grief led me to start The Trauma Dump Podcast — a place to share my story and to give others space to share theirs, so no one had to carry their pain alone.
Eventually, I came back to jewelry, this time with a deeper purpose. That’s how Gracelettes by Grace was born. Every piece I create is designed with intention — whether it’s for healing, empowerment, or simply adding beauty to someone’s day. What started as bracelets in middle school, and again during my dad’s recovery, has grown into a brand that honors his memory while carrying forward the heart of why I started: to make sure everyone has something unique, meaningful, and filled with love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. After my dad’s traumatic brain injury and passing, I hit some of the hardest seasons of my life. I was in college at Texas Tech University at the time and ended up taking a semester off just to grieve and find my footing again. When I returned, I switched to taking all my classes online so I could finish my degree while still giving myself the space I needed to heal.
On top of that, my own health struggles made day-to-day life difficult. I rely on my service dog, who has been such a huge part of helping me navigate both physical and emotional challenges. Having that support has been life-changing, but there were still plenty of moments where it felt like I was climbing uphill with no clear path forward.
Those struggles shaped me, though. They gave me resilience, patience, and a deeper sense of empathy. They’re the reason my jewelry and my podcast carry so much heart — because I know what it’s like to feel broken and still keep going. Every piece and every story I share is rooted in that journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work has always been rooted in meaning. My Papa used to tell me to “show your name,” reminding me that Grace means undeserved love and kindness. That’s something I try to carry into everything I do — whether it’s through jewelry, my podcast, or teaching.
Losing both of my grandfathers and my dad within a year shattered me in ways I’m still recovering from. But art has saved my life more than once. It’s been the thread that carried me through grief, gave me a voice when I didn’t have words, and allowed me to create something beautiful out of pain.
I graduated from Texas Tech University with my BA in Theater, and today I not only run my jewelry brand and podcast but also teach people how to sing. I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to take the hardest parts of my story and turn them into spaces of healing and expression — for myself and for others.
What sets me apart is that everything I do carries intention. My jewelry isn’t just jewelry — it’s energy, affirmation, and story. My podcast isn’t just interviews — it’s a safe space for people to share the parts of themselves they’ve been holding in. And even in teaching voice, I’m not just teaching technique — I’m teaching people how to connect with themselves and release what’s inside. At the heart of it all, I hope people feel love, kindness, and the reminder that they’re not alone.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I would definitely call myself a risk taker. To me, risk is about trust — trusting yourself, trusting others, and believing that stepping into the unknown can lead to something better.
The biggest personal risk I ever took was trusting my now-husband, Joey. We met on Tinder and developed feelings very quickly. At the time, my life was unraveling — my biological mother had kicked me out after my dad passed away. Choosing to lean on Joey was a leap of faith, but it turned out to be the greatest gift. He opened his home to me, gave me a safe environment to grieve, and supported me financially, emotionally, and physically so I could heal and pursue my passions. He truly saved my life.
Professionally, starting both my podcast and my jewelry business were huge risks as well. The Trauma Dump Podcast required me to share my most vulnerable stories publicly and invite others to do the same — with no guarantee that people would listen or respond with compassion. Gracelettes by Grace was another leap: putting my art into the world, trusting people would connect with it, and building a business from the ground up. Both risks were terrifying, but they’ve brought me connection, purpose, and a way to honor my story while helping others.
For me, risk isn’t about recklessness — it’s about courage. It’s about being willing to step into vulnerability and trust that love, opportunity, or purpose might be waiting on the other side. Some of the most meaningful parts of my life have come from the risks I was brave enough to take.
Pricing:
- The Trauma Dump Podcast is completely free. • Provides free resources for listeners navigating trauma, grief, and personal growth. • Available on YouTube and all major podcast streaming platforms.
- Gracelettes by Grace offers handmade, intentional jewelry designed for everyday wear and healing energy. • Jewelry prices range from $5–$100, making it affordable while keeping each piece unique and meaningful. • Available online at gracelettesbygrace.myshopify.com
- Singing lessons are $50 per session online and in person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gracelettesbygrace.myshopify.com
- Instagram: @Gracelaurenwong personal @gracelettesbygrace and @traumadumppod
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thetraumadumppodcast
