Butterfly Kisses
-A BOX OF STRENGTH-
"When you stand and share your story in an empowering way,
your story will heal you, and your story will heal someone else.”
-Iyanla Vanzant
Let's think about that for a moment. What a powerful statement. The power that comes from sharing your story. Not only for yourself, but for others. That is why I created this box -- to share, empower, and inspire through the healing power of telling their stories. My name is Susan Morreale. I am…a mom, a daughter, a sister, a business owner, a registered nurse, a wellness activist, a cancer thriver and a strong woman.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 41. It’s very scary hearing the word cancer anytime, but especially at such a young age. I was pretty shocked by that - I thought I was pretty healthy. I thought I ate healthy and that I took pretty good care of myself . I did - but I learned that there was so much more that I could do. I went through some extensive treatment - chemotherapy, mastectomy, radiation and then chose to remove my ovaries - all before the age of 42.
After I got through with this part of my story, I knew I wanted to give back and create something that expressed my journey and would help others on theirs. I created a beautiful line of jewelry with my daughter, Ciara - the HER Story Jewelry Collection - and from there, this box.
When I was going through breast cancer, it was so difficult to decide on things that would help me. I wanted everything I put in my body, on my skin and in my mind to be healthy + healing. I created this box filled with products that do just that - each of them created by a breast cancer survivor who also took this journey - who are surviving - who took their experience and used it to help other women. It’s filled with products that are good for the mind, the body and the soul. When we nurture and take care of all three of those we can begin to find - and keep - our balance.
When my sister, Cindy, went through breast cancer, she was always taking care of others; always making care packages filled with love, strength and hope. I would think to myself “How can you be so strong and full of hope for the others when you yourself are going through one of the most difficult times of your life?”. She would wrap these packages up with things that would make a woman feel beautiful + supported, ready to embrace the changes they were going through, mind, body and soul. Inspiring them to transition with the grace and brilliance of the butterfly.
Every time I see a butterfly, I think of her strength and her butterfly kisses.
Imagine yourself being wrapped up with love + healing.
I believe we are here to support one another + help each other to live the best life we can.
Know that you are not alone on this journey. If you ever get lost, remember you have a circle of strong women around you.
May we walk together in Strength.
- Sue
Sue + Ciara Morreale - mother-daughter team behind HER Story | HER Sanctuary | HER Kitchen
Butterfly Kisses Journal - HER Story
A custom designed journal by Sue + Ciara Morreale. This journal is velvety + smooth to the touch - with original artwork + quotes. The image on the front is an outline of a woman holding a butterfly, symbolic of the graceful + beautiful transition they go through. The inside pages are filled with lined paper - perfect for writing your thoughts, affirmations or whatever you feel like.
Our hope is that you use this journal to start each morning channeling your intentions for how you want the day to unfold.
Why We Love It:
Journaling was a practice that really helped me through - and continues to be part of my daily wellness ritual. Writing helped me to connect with how I was feeling, and helped me to practice gratitude, as hard as that was. For me, gratitude was one of the best parts of my journaling - it helped me to focus on the things that I had in my life that were good and positive.
Hope + Strength Bracelet - HER Story
a piece from the Strong Women Collection
Created in collaboration with breast cancer survivor Mercedes Wilson, this bracelet is intended to be worn as an everyday reminder to find your own hope + strength. As you touch each stone, tell yourself that you are strong and rooted in hope.
Mercedes was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 28. Her desire to educate young women about her personal story and help them become advocates for their own health + wellness - a mission that truly resonated with the mission of the HER Story brand - blossomed from this experience. After becoming friends with her, and witnessing her passion for empowering women, we knew that we had to create a piece inspired by this.
Mercedes lives by the word HOPE; Sue, by the word STRENGTH. Together, I knew we could make a difference in the lives of women of all ages.
Why We Love It:
In 2009, I was walking past a jewelry store and saw a sterling silver bracelet in the window that only said LIVESTRONG. I thought to myself, “What a beautiful reminder to wear on my arm - something to remember that I want to live each day with strength, no matter what challenges I am faced with.” I knew that I wanted to create something for women that embodied that same feeling - that could be worn everyday.
As much as I value the intention behind “pink” campaigns, to me, it was more of a constant reminder of my fears, my struggles, or having cancer. By choosing to build this collection around STRENGTH, I am hoping it will be a constant reminder of your inner strength, the strength surrounding you, the strength in your story. I chose gemstones that represented strength, femininity, new beginnings, grounding, balance + faith. Wear this piece and remember as a 'strong woman', it is not just staying strong through the journey of life, but having faith that it is in the journey itself that you become strong.
Mercedes Wilson (left) wearing the HOPE necklace and Sue Morreale (right) wearing the Strong Women Original Necklace.
Butterfly Intention Stone - HER Story
A tiny object, small enough to fit in your hand, a powerful reminder to be strong and weather the journey of life, just like the transformation of the butterfly.
Look to the grace + beauty of the butterfly + realize that our journey is the only guarantee. Keep the faith, accept the change that comes + emerge from our transitions as brilliantly as the butterfly.
Why We Love It
While I was going through treatment, I always had an angel stone in my pocket that my mom gave me. I loved it and it reminded me that I was going to get through this. I would repeat my mantras on it, and it truly gave me comfort and focus. I hope the butterfly intention does just that for you - reminds you of your brilliance and strength to push on, transforming into a strong and beautiful soul capable of achieving great things while appreciating yourself and honoring your soul along the way.
Sleep Well Roll On - HER Story
Settle into a softer evening with this soothing botanical roll-on, made with chamomile and lavender infused oils, lavender and chamomile essential oils, and a bright touch of bergamot. Simply roll it onto your pulse points as part of your bedtime ritual, breathe deeply, and take a moment to unwind.
A pocket-sized reminder to slow down and make space for rest.
Why We Love It
I love anything that helps make the transition from a busy day to a restful evening feel a little more intentional. This little roll-on has become one of those simple rituals I can reach for when I’m ready to put the day down and settle in.
There’s something lovely about taking a moment to roll it on, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that you don’t have to do anything else right now. Just rest.
High Vibe Healing Balm - Complex Creatures
Nature's most potent protectors, united. A golden fusion of healing botanicals anchored by calendula, sea buckthorn, and comfrey creates a barrier gentle enough for delicate breast tissue yet powerful enough for skin weathering storms.
Formulated for the journey through radiation and scar recovery, this balm extends its healing wisdom to any skin seeking restoration. Shea butter and Meadowfoam deliver deep moisture while St. John's wort and chamomile soothe the skin.
Why We Love It:
Keeping your skin hydrated and healthy through all of the changes it is experiencing is so important. I became very focused on what I put ON my body. I knew that I wanted clean products, free from any chemicals and packed with healthy nutrients. Tara+ Lisa’s balm checks all of these boxes.
Tara’s Story ………
Complex Creatures was founded by sisters Tara Elmore and Lisa Lundy with a mission to make caring for our breasts a more normal part of caring for our bodies. Inspired by Tara’s own experience with breast cancer, Complex Creatures creates products made specifically for breasts and the unique needs of breast skin and tissue.
Their formulas combine intentionally sourced, organic-when-possible botanicals with ingredients chosen for their researched benefits to create products that are effective, luxurious, and genuinely enjoyable to use—because they believe breast care should feel less like something you have to do and more like something you want to do.
Why breast care — and what does it actually mean?
Breasts aren't just skin. You don’t use the same products on your face that you use on your feet. So why use your body lotion on your breasts?
Most body care was never designed with this part of the body in mind. Your breasts deserve better.They respond differently—and benefit from more intentional care.
So how do I actually care for them?
A lot impacts breast health—nutrition, hormones, stress, environment, genetics.You can’t control all of it. But you can support your body in small, consistent ways.That’s where a simple ritual comes in. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be something you come back to.
Matcha + Seeds Energy Bar - Jeca Bars
The Matcha + Seeds bar is inspired by one of Japan's healthiest ingredients: Matcha Green Tea. The sweet, calming flavors of agave nectar and dates balance the grassy notes of matcha with the mildly nutty taste of seeds to create a zen experience. Jam-packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, minerals, and fiber, this "green bar" will give you everything you need to stay balanced, clean, and energized. This is the perfect snack to turn to revitalize from your afternoon slump.
Why We Love It:
Being mindful of what I put IN my body was also so important to me. Food was such a big part of my healing. I learned so much about foods that heal and foods that harm. Finding healthy snacks that were loaded with clean healthy nutrients on days when I needed that extra boost of energy were sometimes hard to find. Jeca Bars are not only good for you - but so satisfying. Bonus: they are filled with Matcha Green Tea, known for promoting longevity.
Ree’s Story…
Jeca Bars was founded in 2015 by Ree Dolnick, who wears many hats. She’s been everything from a mother to a sous chef to a cancer researcher at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. With her culinary and scientific backgrounds, Ree started making all-natural energy bars in her kitchen. They became such a hit with her friends that she started JECA Energy Bar Company. She even named the company after her daughter’s nickname. JECA is a Women Owned Small Business.
From healthy fats to high amounts of fiber, from hearty proteins to antioxidants, she wanted her bars to offer an energy bar option where each and every single ingredient was selected to work with each other to accomplish essential functions in your body. Power your mind, get you going, truly nourish you and feel proud of what you eat!
“With so many different nutrition philosophies out there, it's hard to figure out if you’re eating right or not. At Jeca Bar, we believe it’s possible to be healthy without going to extremes. It comes down to choosing whole foods whenever possible, avoiding artificial ingredients, and enjoying everything in moderation.”
Soul Soothing Bath Salts - Odacité
The bath that actually lets you let go. Indulgent notes of Lavender, Neroli, and Patchouli create a deeply relaxing sensory ritual that soothes the soul and softens the skin.
Rich in over 84 minerals, these salts helps detoxify the body and energy field, while Epsom salts soothe muscle tension. French Lavender encourages restful sleep, Neroli provides serenity, and Patchouli acts as an emotional cleanser to ground the spirit. Together, these ingredients soften the skin and help achieve a state of peaceful zen.
Why We Love It
I know firsthand how important it is to have a moment at the end of the day when you can simply let go. This bath is that moment. When life feels heavy, I love having something so simple that reminds me to pause, close the door, and give myself a little space. Sometimes taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be as simple as drawing a bath and staying there a little longer.
Valerie’s Story…
Valérie Grandury’s story began with a breast cancer diagnosis that changed the way she looked at her health and the way she cared for herself. As she searched for natural skincare, she found herself disappointed by the options available at the time. Nothing felt quite right—she wanted products that were beautiful, pleasurable to use, and made with ingredients she could feel good about putting on her skin. So, she started making her own.
Drawing on her French roots and her love of California’s natural way of living, Valérie began blending skincare formulas in her kitchen. What started as something deeply personal soon became a passion she shared with others, creating custom formulas for friends, private clients, and eventually celebrities.
In 2009, that passion became Odacité. Valérie built her own laboratory in Los Angeles and began bringing her vision to life: skincare that feels luxurious and beautiful while thoughtfully combining the gifts of nature with the power of science.
At its heart, Odacité is still a reflection of Valérie’s original journey—a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected chapters in our lives can lead us toward something beautiful, meaningful, and entirely our own.
“Cancer changes you, because it forces you to reevaluate your entire life and make necessary changes. I promised myself to never expose my body to toxic ingredients, starting with the products I was applying on my skin every single day.”
Celebrate HER Clean Candle - Eutierria
A candle created to honor HER—her strength, her story, and all the moments worth celebrating along the way. Bright citrus agave brings a sense of warmth and joy, while frankincense and sandalwood create a grounding, comforting atmosphere. Light it as a reminder to celebrate where you’ve been, where you are, and the woman you’ve become.
Why We Love It
As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve become much more thoughtful about the products I bring into my home and what I surround myself with every day. I love that Eutierria keeps things simple, using 100% soy wax, clean fragrances, and sustainably harvested wooden wicks without a long list of unnecessary additives.
And the fragrance is just right. It’s soft and beautiful without being overpowering—something you can light in the background and actually enjoy. For me, that combination of a clean, thoughtfully made candle and a gentle fragrance makes this one I feel really good about lighting in my home.
Jessica’s Story…
Eutierria was born from Jessica’s own search for connection after her breast cancer diagnosis.
Through the tests, treatments, surgeries, and appointments, she found herself longing to feel human and connected again. A friend suggested hiking, and Jessica began starting each day outside—walking through the woods, listening to the birds, watching the streams, and feeling the earth beneath her boots. Slowly, she began to feel alive again.
A nurse at radiation once told her, “It’s a breath of fresh air to see you come in here with mud on your boots and sticks in your hair.” Jessica knew then that nature was helping her heal in ways she hadn’t expected.
Years later, when a close friend was going through her own difficult season, Jessica suggested they hike together. Their weekly walks became a place to talk, listen, and find their way through. Those experiences inspired Jessica to create Eutierria—a brand rooted in the belief that nature can reconnect us to ourselves.
The name eutierria describes that beautiful feeling of oneness with the earth, when the boundaries between ourselves and nature begin to disappear and a deep sense of peace and connection takes over.
Through her candles, Jessica hopes to bring a little of that feeling home. Each one is handcrafted in small batches with soy wax, clean fragrances, and sustainably harvested wooden wicks—a simple way to invite the restorative feeling of nature into everyday life.
Unearth Your Glow.
Original Quote by Susan Morreale
Other Amazing Survivors Doing Amazing Things….
Dana Donofree of Ana Ono - for beautiful bras + loungewear to support you before, during and after.
Barb of Knitted Knockers - for soft, comfortable, hand-crafted breast forms - made with love by volunteers for women who have had mastectomies - free to anyone who requests them.
Allie, Bri + Paige of The Breasties - for a community for survivors, previvors, thrivers, and carevivors, impacted by breast and gynecological cancers - on a mission to empower through connection, free events, and trusted resources, and to fund research for metastatic breast cancer.
April of WildFire Magazine + Community - for the women “too young” for breast cancer.
Melissa of Cancer Fashionista + Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful - for a blog + podcast - a go-to resource for the Cancer Fashionista™.
Sue Morreale of HER Kitchen - for plant-based wellness.