When Olivia Howell went through her divorce in 2019, she was left with almost nothing. Her husband took his belongings, and she donated items that triggered painful memories. But she didn’t let that define her. Instead, she created Fresh Starts, a gift registry specifically designed for people rebuilding their lives after divorce.
Fresh Starts is more than just a registry; it’s a community that offers vetted experts, resources, and support. Olivia and her sister, Jenny Dreizen, built it from the ground up, understanding the struggles of starting anew. Today, it has become a go-to resource for those seeking a fresh start, with between 50,000 and 70,000 monthly visitors.
The idea of divorce registries might seem unconventional, but it’s part of a growing trend to break the stigma surrounding divorce. By acknowledging the pain and offering practical support, Fresh Starts and similar initiatives aim to make a difference.
For Erin Eloise Tulberg, a yoga teacher and actor, Fresh Starts was a lifeline. She used the registry to furnish her new apartment and felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and family. “It was a great way to have my friends rally behind me,” she said.
Leslie Jamison, a novelist and essayist, sees the beauty in this approach. “Part of it is a kind of faith and hope and trust that a new version of one’s life, household, family… can be filled with beauty,” she said.
Fresh Starts offers bundles of essentials, from bedroom to kitchen items, and even suggests text prompts to help users share their registry with loved ones. It’s not just about material goods; it’s about community and emotional support.
As Angela Ashurst-McGee, who finalized her divorce in March, put it, “It’s forward-looking. It’s not denigrating the other person. It’s just practical support.” And that’s exactly what people need when starting anew.
