LOCAL: Brands, Businesses + Entrepreneurs | #33 | Headstoners
Kitsap is full of incredible brands, businesses, and entrepreneurs who make LIVING in Kitsap a fun adventure.
headstoners
Tara Haag, Owner
Website | Facebook | Instagram
It all began with a dream to ease and comfort those dealing with loss. Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy and caring for a loved one’s resting place can become a challenge, especially as family members age or move away. Headstoners are here to help clean headstones and maintain cemetery plots around the Puget Sound region, helping you honor those you’ve loved and lost.
About tara
What was your first job?
“I grew up in Colorado and my first job was at a very small ‘theme park’ that was called Heritage Square. I scooped ice cream at a 1950s themed restaurant.”
Where do you draw inspiration/creativity in your life?
“I will randomly get a creative bug to photograph or paint something, and when this happens I draw inspiration from the dark and wet forest floor of the Pacific Northwest looking for fungi, ferns, and banana slugs to be my subjects.”
About headstoners
How did the idea of starting Headstoners begin?
“I have always enjoyed visiting cemeteries and the history behind the lives of those buried within. On my more recent visits, I began to notice headstones and gravesites that were in need of cleaning and repair. From these visits and some research regarding grave tending, the idea of my gravesite maintenance company was born.”
The Genesis
Tell us the story of how Headstoners came to fruition.
“After the idea sparked to start Headstoners, I did a lot of research into what services are typically involved in grave tending, as well as doing a deep dive into what was the proper and safe way to clean and repair headstones and markers. Through this research, I discovered a local who has been cleaning headstones and repairing graveyards for years. He was kind enough to meet with me to make sure I was safely and properly cleaning the headstones as well as teaching me some new tricks/tips. After working at this for a while I began to notice the overwhelming amount of Veteran headstones across Kitsap, but unfortunately many looked very neglected. Because of this, at the request of a family member, I offer free Veteran headstone cleanings and I recently started a Veteran headstone cleaning event called ‘Respects For Vets’. So many individuals wanted to help me clean Veteran headstones, so I thought, why don’t we get together and clean as a group to maximize our efforts?”
The Drive
Tell us what/who drives you to keep working hard towards your goals.
“As difficult as the nature of this business can be, I find the work to be very gratifying. Families move away, have aged, or just cannot find the time to do the dirty work of maintaining their loved one’s graves. When I present families with before/after pictures, the reactions I receive are very rewarding. It pushes me to keep pursuing this business so that I can continue to honor the memory of our loved ones and also honor the sacrifices that our Veterans and their families made. My business motto is ‘allow people to, rest easy, and let Headstoners do the dirty work’.”
Love Kitsap
Tell us your fave local drink spot - coffee, tea, wine, tequila, whatever!
“Whiskey Gulch! Great views, fun place to hang, and some great menu items.”
Tell us your fave local spot for a comfort meal - what do you always order?
“Peninsula BevCo, the giant pretzel and beer cheese dip for me please!”
Live Kitsap
Out-of-town guests are coming for the weekend. What is the most important thing you share with them about the Kitsap Peninsula? Where do you absolutely have to take them?
“We like to take our guests out boating and fishing so that they can experience the magic of the Kitsap Peninsula from the water. And, of course, we have to boat to the Boat Shed for drinks and dinner with a view.”
Thrive in Kitsap
Where are your favorite places to get outside? What do you do when you go?
“I am an avid mushroom hunter/photographer. I love to take pictures of fungi and learn about each new-to-me species that I discover on my hikes. I really enjoy walking through Manchester State Park and also getting lost in the crazy maze of trails in Banner Forest looking for the best local mushies.”
our connections + friendships with local brands, businesses + entrepreneurs is something that makes living in kitsap truly unique. we aren’t just supporting a business, we’re building relationships.
read more brands, businesses + entrepreneurs
Sam Eitzen, the co-founder of SnapBar, is a truly inspiring story of grit and perseverance as he grew his company through the pandemic.