Brave Enough To Be Bliss

To: Ginger Bliss From: Male Friend Mon, Dec 11, 2023 at 10:28 PM

I think that there is nothing out there like it and there is a need for such communication. Whatever the relationship, we often can’t find a card that addresses imperfect situations. You may want to send a card to someone you care about but, to say that you are the most wonderful sister, when she is not, makes you feel like a liar.

Go for it. It’s brilliant.

I was in the bathtub when I read that response, but if I had been in a chair, I would have fallen out of it. Suffice it to say, I was definitely shocked. I never expected him to be so positive and encouraging. A part of me had been telling myself it was a dumb idea so that I wouldn’t be disappointed when that’s the feedback I received . Clearly an old habit from when I lived scared of all negative responses. But now without any negative feedback, I wasn’t quite sure how to move forward. I sought advice from an attorney regarding how I could protect the “idea” of a Real card line knowing it’s pretty tough, if not impossible, to protect an idea. I was explaining the card line to him and said, “You know for those challenging relationships, ” and he immediately said, “ Like all of them? ” I didn ’ t expect such immediate understanding from him. I wanted to ask more, but then I remembered I was on the clock, so figured I better not. And of course, it could have just been a day that started poorly with a spouse or kids or a phone call from someone, but I took it as more encouragement that there might be some life in the concept. He was very kind and didn’t even charge me the consultation fee of $250, likely because I had been unemployed since April. And when I got out my checkbook and attempted to still pay him, he was very kind and said it wasn’t necessary. It was another great example that kindness does exist in this world, even with an attorney so maybe those stereotypes need to be adjusted and each person taken on his or her own merit. Maybe they live into the low bar instead of everyone raising the bar for everyone else by thinking the best of them. I left his office contemplating my next step, trusting it would come. I had initially thought of pitching the idea to a connection within Hallmark and then trying to get it moved up the ladder for consideration. Following this meeting, however, I knew I needed to get the idea straight to the top. Card sales have slumped in recent years, and I felt this was an opportunity for Hallmark to tap into a market that it didn ’ t currently reach and breathe new life into the brand I had always been loyal to because of the words I found there. I wrote a pitch that began with the following and then had a more complete description of the card line, proposed corporate partnerships, and some future thoughts on Real movies. I planned to send the pitch and some card samples to the CEO and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Hallmark Real Inspiration I have been challenged to find cards, even at Hallmark, for recipients with whom I have a challenged relationship. Words are important and I have refused to give a card to anyone with words I don’t mean. Hallmark Real cards would say all the things humans feel, but often are too scared to express verbally and/or lack the authenticity and experience to adequately capture their feelings in writing. Generational research indicates a “real” approach would appeal to younger generations, but based on lived experience I would argue every generation naturally moves toward authenticity with increased knowledge, experience, and awareness of the frailty of life. Because these cards are unique and have the ability to open lines of communication, provide support, education, and inspiration, as well as potentially transform relationships, there is value provided that far outweighs the cost of the card. The initial card launch would encourage card senders and recipients to write in and share their real

404