Meet Andrea Davis | Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was deeply rooted in a desire to turn my personal experience with grief into a meaningful way to support others. I realized that society often leaves grievers without clear guidance on how to heal, and I felt compelled to bridge that gap. My own journey of losing my husband and mother taught me the importance of proper tools, safe spaces, and compassionate guidance in navigating the pain of grief. Using the principles of the Grief Recovery Method, I saw an opportunity to not only help individuals but also to educate professionals and organizations on how to better support those in mourning. That clarity and sense of purpose became the foundation for my business, Your Grief Solution.

I wanted to create a resource that catered to grievers from all walks of life, as well as to mental health professionals, churches, and funeral professionals who often play pivotal roles in the grieving process. It was important to me that Your Grief Solution offered actionable steps and emotional support, emphasizing that grief recovery is possible. My vision was to blend education, personal connection, and evidence-based methods to provide people with the tools they need to reclaim joy and move forward. I saw this as not just a business, but a calling to help others transform their pain into healing. The main thing that sets Your Grief Solution and my grief recovery method course apart from other traditional drop-in grief support groups is that my business model is about healing the heart with proven steps and not staying stuck in the pain and suffering of loss giving individuals a direct path to healing.

Building this business also allowed me to address a personal mission: raising awareness about the myths and misunderstandings surrounding grief. I was determined to normalize conversations about loss and recovery, empowering people to face their emotions without shame. By launching Your Grief Solution, I’ve been able to bring together my passion for helping others, my commitment to grief education, and my belief in the power of community. Every step of this journey has been driven by the hope that no one has to navigate their grief alone.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart in the field of grief recovery is the deeply personal connection I bring to my work, combined with evidence-based methodologies that truly transform lives. At Your Grief Solution, I provide tailored support not only to adult grievers but also to mental health professionals, churches, and other professionals in the community who need effective tools to help others. My work goes beyond addressing loss—it seeks to empower individuals and organizations to navigate grief with compassion, understanding, and actionable steps toward healing. This unique approach allows me to bridge the emotional and practical aspects of grief recovery, offering solutions that resonate with both individuals and communities.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been an easy journey, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Building this business required me to confront not only the pain of my personal losses but also the broader challenges of raising awareness about the importance of grief education. Many people are unaware of the lasting impact unresolved grief can have on their lives, and changing that narrative takes persistence and dedication. One of the biggest challenges was creating a space where people feel safe discussing grief—something society often encourages us to avoid. Overcoming these barriers required authenticity, vulnerability, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of the Grief Recovery Method. Overcoming these obstacles required unwavering resilience and adaptability. One of the hardest lessons I learned was that grief impacts everyone differently, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. By listening deeply to my clients and continuously refining my methods, I’ve been able to meet people where they are on their journeys.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients and colleagues. Knowing that people feel safe sharing their deepest pain with me and are able to find hope again is incredibly fulfilling. I’m also excited about the increasing awareness of grief recovery and the importance of addressing loss in a structured, compassionate way.

Through this journey, I’ve learned several key lessons. First, healing and recovery aren’t linear processes; they require patience, grace, and a willingness to be present in the moment. Second, collaboration is vital. Partnering with mental health professionals, spiritual leaders, and others in the community has helped amplify my mission, ensuring more people have access to the support they need. Lastly, I’ve realized the profound importance of storytelling—sharing my own personal experiences has fostered connection and inspired hope. What I want the world to know about Your Grief Solution is that grief recovery is possible. My work is driven by the belief that, no matter the type of loss, everyone deserves a path to reclaiming their joy and finding peace.

Ultimately, what I want the world to know about Your Grief Solution is that grief doesn’t have to define you—it can be a starting point for transformation. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, a job, a relationship, or anything else significant, recovery is possible. My story and my brand are built on the belief that everyone deserves support, understanding, and the tools to rediscover happiness. Through this work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their grief, knowing they don’t have to walk this path alone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the Nashville and Franklin, TN area for a week, I’d plan an itinerary that captures the vibrant culture, music, and southern charm of the region. On day one, we’d start with breakfast at Biscuit Love in the Gulch, known for its incredible “bonuts” (biscuit doughnuts). From there, we’d dive into the heart of Nashville’s music scene with a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and a visit to the Ryman Auditorium, the historic “Mother Church of Country Music.” For lunch, we’d grab hot chicken at Hattie B’s, and in the evening, we’d head to Broadway for live music at iconic honky-tonk bars like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.

Midweek, we’d slow things down with a trip to Franklin, just a short drive from Nashville. Franklin’s quaint downtown is perfect for exploring boutiques and sipping coffee at The Coffee House at Second and Bridge. We’d visit Carnton Plantation, steeped in Civil War history, and then relax with lunch at Gray’s on Main, a beautifully restored pharmacy turned restaurant. For dinner, we’d enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at 55 South, which blends Southern classics with a modern twist. At night, we’d catch a show at the Franklin Theatre, a charming venue that features live music and classic films.

The rest of the week would be spent enjoying Nashville’s outdoor and creative scene. We’d stroll through Centennial Park and take photos by the Parthenon, then explore local art galleries and murals in East Nashville. A day in 12South would include shopping at Draper James (Reese Witherspoon’s boutique) and indulging in ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. To wrap up the week, we’d take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway, then unwind with a live show at the Bluebird Cafe, an intimate venue famous for showcasing up-and-coming songwriters. This mix of history, culture, and entertainment would make for an unforgettable visit!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable individuals who have significantly influenced my grief recovery journey after the loss of my husband Dave and my mother Susan in 2019. Cole James and Lois Hall from the Grief Recovery Institute have been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration: their teachings have certainly enriched my understanding of the grieving process. The best book that I have read to date is The Grief Recovery Handbook by James and Friedman. This book gives you proven steps and tools to move beyond grief and is the only book I use as part of my grief class curriculum.

I received my Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist Certification under Michael Wadel with The Grief Recovery Institute. This certification equips me with the knowledge and sensitivity to approach grief in a way that avoids unintentionally causing harm due to personal biases or blind spots. It is essential for me to provide meaningful support to individuals navigating diverse grief journeys while respecting their unique experiences. Experiencing my own profound losses fundamentally altered my perspective, challenged my beliefs, and reshaped how I engage with the world around me, as well as when I teach my grief recovery class.

Lastly, I owe so much thanks to my husband Robert, and daughter Ashlee for their steadfast love and support through this grief journey, not only as a widow and bereaved daughter, but also as I build my career as a grief educator; they are the driving force that keeps me going.

Website: https://yourgriefsolution.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourgriefsolution/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-d-87b0a314/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefBeyond/