Soul Shop™ was founded by Fe Anam Avis, who began exploring how faith communities could respond to suicide in 1999. At the time, Fe was serving as the pastor of a suburban church where three students tragically died by suicide within a seven-month period. His journey later became personal when he experienced his own battle with suicidal desperation, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose and self-understanding.

In 2012, Fe was invited to develop a one-day training for faith leaders, with the goal of equipping congregations to provide care for those impacted by suicide. The training was well-received, gaining momentum as requests for workshops grew. In 2015, Soul Shop™ partnered with the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute, expanding into a national movement. By 2017, Soul Shop™ became an independent organization, building partnerships with influential organizations like The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and LivingWorks.

Today, Soul Shop™ workshops are offered across the U.S. and around the world, empowering faith communities to offer hope and healing to individuals affected by suicide.