Our Story

Halo began with a small stray kitten named Prada.

While living in Japan, Halo's co-founder cared for Prada after finding her as a street kitten. Sadly, she did not survive, and he wanted to honor her life in a meaningful way. He discovered a memorial balloon company in Japan and arranged a near-space balloon ceremony in her memory. The experience was deeply moving — a beautiful farewell that transformed grief into something filled with wonder, love, and peace.

Inspired to bring this kind of memorial experience to the United States, he shared the idea with his friend and spiritual mentor, Reverend Hannah Winters.

Wanting to approach the practice with authenticity and care, Hannah traveled to Japan to learn firsthand from the people who pioneered these ceremonies. Deeply moved by the reverence and intention behind the practice, she returned inspired to help create meaningful memorial experiences for families navigating loss.

Hannah in Japan

Hannah has spent her life exploring spirituality, creativity, ritual, and the many ways people seek connection and healing. Her relationship with grief is also deeply personal. When Hannah was just 22 years old, her mother passed away unexpectedly, and she lost both her beloved grandmothers shortly after. Those experiences shaped her understanding of how important meaningful ritual can be during times of profound loss — and how much gentleness and compassion grieving families deserve.

Hannah with her mother

An animal lover and devoted companion to her beloved senior dog Leonard, Hannah also understands the profound bonds we share with the animals who walk beside us through life. Halo lovingly offers memorial services for both human and animal companions.

Hannah and Leonard

Halo is proudly woman- and queer-owned and operated, rooted in the belief that memorials can be personal, beautiful, and deeply human.