Studio Saudade – Offering Grief and Trauma Support in Seattle and beyond.

Saudade /sou'dä de/
The love that lingers.

In Portuguese and Brazilian culture, “saudade” is described as a longing – a profound melancholy – for what was. It often carries a deeper truth that the object of longing – a family member, a homeland, an unborn baby, a memorable experience – may never return. Infused with longing and love, it is the presence of absence and a feeling anchored in a beautiful memory.

Saudade brings happiness and sadness simultaneously – a sadness for missing something so loved, yet happiness you experienced the love.

About the Founder
Rebecca Mullins' vision for Studio Saudade took root in 2006, shortly after the sudden loss of a dear friend. While helping prepare for the memorial service, she was deeply discouraged by the modern funeral experience. The limited, low-quality, or overpriced options for commemoration left everyone scrambling for a more personal tribute with deeper connection and meaning.

As a result, Rebecca designed her friend’s tribute personally, and she experienced firsthand how creative expression can provide an outlet for joy and reflection — even during a time of deep and painful sorrow.

This experience eventually guided Rebecca down a long, rocky path toward personal healing. Training as a hospice and bereavement volunteer, specialty training with certifications to work with grief and trauma-informed support, coupled with 15 years of professional work in creative fields, formed the foundation of the company.

Rebecca is dedicated to serving those in the process of grieving through creative expression and meaningful design. Under her leadership, Studio Saudade listens and gently guides, helping to soften clients’ suffering by identifying pathways that will best enable them to have their stories witnessed and shared by friends and family.

With profound respect for community, history, and heart, she is dedicated to transforming how we process and integrate loss.

Rebecca offers grief and trauma support services, programs, and workshops in Seattle and online, offering individual sessions and group programs.