TalkingWithTami: How did you come up with the idea for your stationery business Whimsicard?
As the hostess of lots of parties, I became very frustrated that I couldn’t find any cute cocktail napkins with a chic Black woman on it — someone that looked like me and all of my fashionable friends who attend my parties. In the spirit of self-determination, I took matters into my own hands and designed the cocktail napkin myself. From there we decided to add cards in the mix.
TalkingWithTami: You have a variety of cards, where do you get your inspiration?
I design the kinds of cards I want to buy for the celebrations in my family’s lives. I design cards that reflect the African American experience in the whimsical and fun loving way I authentically experience it with my family and friends everyday.
TalkingWithTami: Are there any women that are in the public eye right now that inspire you?
Malaak Compton-Rock, founder of the Angelrock Project, inspires me because she’s empowering our youth through programs such as “Journey for Change.” This is her life’s work; thus, she inspires me to be the change I want to see in the world.
TalkingWithTami: Whats next with your line of cards?
We intend to continue expanding our kid invitations for a wide variety of party themes.
TalkingWithTami: How do you pitch your stationery to companies?
Currently, we sell our products exclusively through our website, although we’d love to develop wholesale relationships with stationary stores.
