Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Stamper.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Little Dude Skeletons began as a personal healing journey. After enduring domestic violence, I turned to creativity as a way to process, heal, and bring light back into my world. What started as a simple outlet quickly took on a life of its own — people connected with my whimsical skeleton art in ways I never expected.
As my creations gained support, I realized that Little Dude Skeletons could be more than just art — it could be a way to give back. During that difficult chapter, so many people came to my aid, and I wanted to honor that kindness by paying it forward. That’s why with every sale, Little Dude Skeletons donates $1 to LACADA (Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault), a nonprofit that provides shelter, support, and resources for survivors of domestic violence. Giving back in this way is my way of turning pain into purpose and making sure others have access to the same kind of help that saved me and my children.
With every product I create, my story is attached in the hope that it reaches the right people — those who may need encouragement, strength, or even a lifeline — and helps spare them from enduring what I did.
Today, Little Dude Skeletons represents creativity, resilience, and community. Each piece is designed to spark joy and remind people to embrace humor and lightness, even in unexpected places. At the same time, every creation carries a deeper purpose — to share hope, healing, and the message that even from hardship, something beautiful can grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely not been smooth. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, I had to relearn myself and come to terms with how much the injury impacted my brain and daily life. It’s been difficult at times realizing that I’m not as sharp as I used to be and that healing is not a straight path. Some days I feel like I’ve made incredible progress, while other days it feels like I’ve taken two steps back and am starting all over again.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how important it is to have a strong support system in place for your mental health while healing. Therapy has been a huge part of that for me, and leaning on the team at Lapeer Mental Health has given me the tools to sort through difficult times and keep moving forward.
That same spirit of resilience is what I pour into my business. Each piece I create is not only part of my own healing but also a way to connect with others who may need a reminder of light, joy, or comfort. My focus now is on continuing to grow Little Dude Skeletons, making sure it reaches the people who can benefit most—whether that’s through a smile, a spark of hope, or simply knowing they’re not alone.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create little skeleton art scenes inside wooden frames, repurposing broken items and giving them new life. I use jewelry, knickknacks, and miniature pieces I collect, arranging them in ways that tell a story. Beyond my skeleton scenes, I also design original products like my Skully Style Pack (a 6-piece hair accessory set) and my “Keep F-ing Going” line, which includes motivational pieces such as a two-piece bracelet set, fidget rings for anxious moments, a simple black band, and even mood rings — because sometimes fun and lightheartedness are just as important as strength.
I’m most known for my trademarked skeleton creations, but what I’m most proud of is how Little Dude Skeletons has become a platform for raising awareness about domestic violence and giving back to my community.
What sets me apart as an artist is that my work blends creativity with purpose. Each piece is not just a creation, but a story — born from my own healing and resilience — and carries with it a mission to spread hope, humor, and light while supporting others in their darkest times. My art is both whimsical and meaningful, making people smile while also reminding them that even broken pieces can come together to create something beautiful.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that healing isn’t a straight line. There are ups and downs, and sometimes it feels like you’re making great progress only to be pulled back a few steps. I’ve learned to accept that this is part of the journey, not a setback.
Having the right people and a strong support system is absolutely essential. Therapy, community resources, and loved ones who believe in you can make all the difference when the road feels heavy.
I’ve also learned the value of just going for it — to try new things, to create even when it feels uncertain, and to take risks on yourself. Little Dude Skeletons grew out of me taking that leap, and it’s shown me how important it is to trust the process and not wait for the “perfect” moment.
Most of all, I’ve learned that broken pieces can be repurposed into something beautiful — whether that’s in art, in life, or in the human spirit.
Pricing:
- Skully Style Pack (hair accessories) $10 each
- Little Dude Skeletons (framed art scenes) $30 each
- Keep F-ing Going (simple black band) $8 each
- Keep F-ing Going (fidget/mood rings) $10 each
- Keep F-ing Going (bracelets) $10 each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littledudeskeletons.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littledudeskeletons
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleDudeSkeletons/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@littledudeskeletons
- Other: http://oaklandcounty115.com/2018/11/14/brandon-township-shooting-survivor-shares-story/
