A tragedy three and a half years ago changed one Fairport mother's life forever. Now, she's found a way to deal with her grief, and also help a not-for-profit organization at the same time.

"Live, laugh and love was my daughter's philosophy of life," Stephanie Shirley, Katie's Closet founder said.

Stephanie says she had no idea how to make jewelry, but was ready to give it a go with some help.

"I sent out an email and 22 people showed up. None of us knew how to make jewelery, but 22 people showed up," Shirley said.

A couple years later, orders keep coming back in for the bracelets and necklaces, and Katie's Closet outgrew its current space.

"It has taken off like wildfire. We've expanded. We have people that buy bracelets across the country. I get emails everyday from people who have seen them on someone else, from another state, that want one," Shirley said.

Katie's Closet has generated nearly $90,000, a legacy for the businesses namesake. Katie Shirley was one of five Fairport girls killed in a car crash five days after their high school graduation.

"It was more of a desperate need for me to find something good coming from something so tragic - to try and find something positive to come from something so awful in my life," Shirley said.

100% of the money Katie's Closet goes to Daystar, a local charity that services medically fragile babies.

"I tried to pick passions, and babies were a passion of hers," Shirley said.

Others are noticing Stephanie's big heart. The Jay Birmbaum company donated a store in the Courtney Commons Plaza in Fairport.

"I was like, 'when, where, why!' So, we came down with Jay and we looked at it, and it was perfect. He couldn't have been anymore gracious in helping us," Shirley said.

Stephanie says the volunteers have kept her and the company alive the past couple of years.

"People have stepped into my life that I would never have met. They have done extraordinary things for myself and the organization, and I am forever grateful for them," Shirley said.