26. The healing power of creativity after cancer and loss - with Lisamarie Pearson
Listen to The healing power of creativity after cancer and loss wherever you get your podcasts
Some people get knocked down by life and stay there. Others decide, no matter what, they’re going to keep getting back up.
In this episode, we’re talking about what that kind of resilience really looks like in real life—not the polished version, but the gritty, painful, keep-going-anyway kind.
My guest, Lisamarie Pearson, shares her journey through a life-altering diagnosis, losing her grandmother, and the identity shift that followed. In the middle of it all, she rediscovered a skill her grandmother taught her: sewing.
What started as an outlet quickly became a lifeline, and eventually, a purpose-driven business creating her now-beloved “octopals.”
We also dive into the mental load of motherhood and entrepreneurship—and the reality that you don’t actually have as much time as you think you do. She shares how creating structure, routines, and a schedule became essential not just for growing her business, but for protecting her energy and staying grounded through it all.
If you’ve ever felt lost in survival mode, unsure of who you are anymore, or craving something that feels like you again—this conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to start over.
Lisamarie Pearson is the founder of Scatterbrain Toys in Boston, MA. What began as a therapeutic outlet using repurposed vintage fabrics soon evolved into creating her signature “octopals,” sensory-friendly plush toys designed to bring comfort and joy to others. A cancer survivor, Lisamarie uses her second chance at life to build a purpose-driven business rooted in creativity, healing, and spreading happiness.
In this episode, we cover:
The emotional toll of navigating cancer and grief at the same time.
The identity shift that happens after trauma, and how to rebuild from it.
How creativity can become a powerful tool for healing.
The mental load of motherhood and running a business—and why time feels so limited.
One thing all entrepreneur mamas should be doing.
Lisamarie’s favorite self-care routine. Full body cleanse anyone?
Connect with Lisamarie:
More about Momming as a Millennial podcast:
Welcome to Momming as a Millennial, the podcast where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a millennial mom in today’s dynamic world. Join your host, Christine Giarrizzo, on this candid journey as we navigate the complexities of motherhood, from tackling outdated stereotypes, to embracing our individual parenting styles.
In each episode, we explore the intersection of tradition and modern parenting. We’ll look at unsolicited advice and internet noise, as well as gender roles and expectations handed down by our parents and grandparents, in order to find what resonates with our true, authentic selves.
Tune in for honest conversations, genuine stories, expert insights, and a supportive community that understands the unique circumstance of navigating parenthood as a millennial. Together we’ll rewrite the narrative, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our generation.
Let’s redefine what it means to be a mama in the millennial era.
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