Real Talk, Sis

I make no New Year's resolutions. Why put out promises I can't keep? What I endeavor to do doesn't need a new year to motivate me. I've been grinding all along! The start of a new year is a good time to evaluate where I am in my goals, though. I am happy to look back on some accomplishments of last year. I revamped my website - yes, AGAIN! Not only is it refreshing to do but also keeps things from being stagnant, and it keeps Google interested to see what you've got going on.

I am building a business and a brand. I started last year with working on my business plan for Jess Vaughn Creatives, dba Narrow Gate Greeting Card Co. And then the inspiration came for Real Talk Sis, a line of greeting cards specifically targeting women who are / were in my position: navigating mental stress, grieving the loss of a loved one, restoring love to oneself after surviving trauma and living with chronic illness. So many women in these situations and if social media is any window, many are alone in their struggles. These greeting cards are a colorful, bright, sisterly cheering section for the unseen. #realtalksis #greetingcards #womanownedbusiness #crowdfundforwriters #poet #author #

I have hundreds and hundreds of thoughts written or scribbled somewhere and I am steadily composing them into encouraging words of support for the cards. A lovely friend has generously lent her artistic talent to be the graphic artist for this card line. She too is enduring health trials that shed a dark shadow over life. We are hoping through this commonality of our own experiences, we can bring the light of understanding and sisterhood to many others and help nudge them back to strength or spur them on to victory!

The line will start with about 24 cards and I will build it to 48 or 50. Then there will be two more card lines to follow. Finally, I will release my 4 gift boxes composed of curated and designed products to help soothe the souls of women undergoing the same trials I myself have experienced. I am so eager to put these gift boxes into the hands of deserving women. I can already imagine the stories they will share and how it will touch my heart. No matter what they must endure, I am longing to give them this moment to smile and feel appreciated for all that they are. I literally can not wait to begin!

It is important to build up a network of support, so I implore anyone interested to click any of the links on my home page leading to the Indiegogo crowdfund campaign, or read more of the story at www.jessvaughnwrites.com/self-care or on the Gifts and Greetings tab under BOUTIQUE.

Thank you for taking a few minutes of your time today to stop in and chat with me. I appreciate you so much!

Stay positive! Ciao.