Gretchen Kelsey and Her Small Elephant
Once, the elephant was small — tethered by memory, unsure of her own power.
But through healing, she learned to unfold herself into something new — still strong, still gentle, but finally free.
That’s the heart of The Small Elephant — a reminder that we can all reshape our story and remember who we were always meant to be.
Motherhood has a way of exposing not only the beauty of life but also the vulnerabilities and challenges we often suppress for years. For me, this reckoning was deeply tied to what is known as The Baby Elephant Syndrome—a metaphor for how long-held pain can quietly become part of our identity. As I navigated miscarriages, postpartum struggles, and the raw terrain of becoming a mother, I realized I couldn’t carry those unspoken burdens forever. To show up for my children, I had to face them, heal them, and release them.
The elephant, as a symbol, became my guide. Gentle yet powerful, intuitive yet grounded, elephants embody dignity, loyalty, and memory. As I leaned into these qualities, they became a reflection of my own journey—learning to trust my instincts, honor my sensitivity, and see my vulnerability not as weakness, but as a wellspring of strength.
The Small Elephant was born from that transformation. It’s not just a business; it’s a living reminder that we are capable of healing, growing, and creating joy out of hardship.
Professionally, my path has always blended logic and creativity. With a background in Mathematics and Studio Art, I’ve worked in roles that demanded both structure and imagination—from helping build a financial firm from the ground up, to supporting corporate recruiting and marketing initiatives, to leading teams through process changes. Each chapter gave me skills in organization, communication, and design—but more importantly, it taught me how to create experiences rooted in trust and connection.
Now, as a mother of four (including one child with autism), I carry those lessons into this new season of life. My children remind me daily why it matters to slow down, to honor what’s real, and to build spaces that nurture both courage and calm.
The Small Elephant is my tribute to that growth: a place where personal healing meets professional craft, where symbols carry meaning, and where gentle reminders help us remember our strength.
