We’re proud to share that Heather Nickerson, Founder & CEO of Artifcts, recently appeared as a guest on Episode 10 of Secrets of Enterprising Families, titled “Navigating the Loss of a Loved One.” In this thoughtful conversation with hosts Nikè Anani and Eric Czepyha, Heather joins Jon Jackson from Northern Trust’s Estate Settlement Group to dive into the emotional and logistical terrain that families face after losing someone they love. Listen now on Spotify.
The episode examines how families can plan ahead, avoid common missteps, preserve stories, and communicate clearly during times of grief. While Heather offers professional insight, she also draws on her personal experience — crafting an authentic and deeply human perspective on how we honor both objects and memories.
Key Takeaways from Heather’s Conversation
1. Start with the stories, not just the 'stuff'
Heather emphasizes that many conflicts arise because the meaning behind objects is unknown to heirs. When only the physical object is transferred without its history, family members can struggle to see why it matters. In her own life, she Artifcted her mother’s cookbooks and utensils — adding stories, photos, and context so her daughter and siblings could connect the dots across generations.
2. Create a “legacy roadmap” for your belongings
One tip Heather shares is to begin by selecting perhaps five items that best tell your story — your “legacy list” — then document those fully (photos, narrative, provenance, wishes). Over time, that becomes a guide for family members who may otherwise be unsure what to keep, sell, or pass along. (She credits advisor Matt Paxton for advocating the “pick‑your‑five” approach.)
3. Get organized now — even imperfection helps
During the podcast, Heather and Jon Jackson underscore that many families delay planning because it feels overwhelming to get it “right.” But even a partially organized folder or a simple list can make a huge difference for executors. The hurdles of grief only magnify the complications of unorganized estates. Listen now!
Why This Matters — and Why We’re Proud
Artifcts exists to help people preserve, share, and plan for the full life of their belongings — not simply as things, but as vessels of memory, meaning, and connection. Heather’s appearance on Secrets of Enterprising Families is a powerful opportunity to bring that mission to a wider audience.
Too often, families handle the logistical side of loss without meaningful tools to carry forward the stories behind what is left. By speaking openly about grief, inheritance, and memory preservation, Heather helps normalize conversations many avoid — and offers concrete, actionable strategies to make legacy planning more accessible.
###
© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
