We recently connected with Jean Marie Sanchez and have shared our conversation below.

Jean Marie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Representation matters. My mission is to touch lives and facilitate communication between souls while bringing an under represented populous to the fore front. The poetry created is from real life encounters and life experiences. The artistry is representative of the women in my life that add to my story. For so long the only imagery on greeting cards did not depict people of color. That never stopped me from buying a card that spoke to me. There were many times when I would doctor the image to reflect me or the person I was giving it to.
There is a lack of diversity throughout the industry and that means that there is also space for my creative voice and a void I can fill. You don’t realize how important representation is until you start seeing it. Adding diversity to this industry that I love is what matters. My audience is filled with people who want to express themselves to their loved ones on a spiritual, encouraging and uplifting level or need those messages in their own lives. Those ideals transcend race and make it about the message with the added privilege of the art representing those that look like me.

Jean Marie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I currently live in Hamden CT with my two boys and husband. I have a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from The City College of New York in NYC and over 20 years in the design and construction field. During my career in architecture, I have written poetry and created artwork in wide variety of painting media including watercolor, acrylic, and pencils.
My professional life as an architectural designer is vastly different than my personal life in terms of diversity. The world of architecture and construction still lacks sufficient diversity. I am passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated and strong willed. I am respected in the construction field because of it and an effective project manager.

My personal life is quite the opposite in terms diversity. My circle of friends and family are from all races and walks of life, so therefore my stationery audience has proven to be quite same. I design for the diverse life I am living,

My art exposes all aspects of being woman and human. I have the privilege of exploring the good, bad, high and lows of what that means to me and then making it tangible to share with others. You are vulnerable when a creative. I used to be afraid of exposing myself. My thoughts, my art, afraid of how it would be received. Once I realized that this is what I was meant to do and that I was helping others. the fear of sharing disappeared.

I have taken great care in cultivating my brand and making sure that people know the person behind LFO. My customers are drawn to the art on my cards and taken by the poetry. It speaks to them and they love the bright colors and afro imagery. There have been both retail and wholesale customers that I’ve cried with after reading a sympathy card that has touched their soul in a very intimate way and confirmed to them that they are not alone in what they are feeling. Priceless moments. Wholesale and retail customers are happy to see themselves, their children, and friends represented in these images.

They also enjoy that most of the cards are not holiday or moment specific. These everyday notes help fill the gap between the holidays and life’s big moments. My most popular card “Self Love” has been given as a birthday and encouragement card. Wholesalers are pleased that they can fill a void, that promotes inclusivity to their customers. This positivity pushes me to continue to create more.

I am a 2022 Louie Award Finalist for Writer of the Year! “The Louie Awards recognize the best and brightest creative talent in the greeting card industry. Card entries in each of the 51 card categories were judged by experts from the art and design, publishing, production, sales, and retail segments of the industry. The Louies, fondly referred to within the industry as the “Greeting Card Oscars” are celebrated annually in conjunction with one of the premiere national gift, stationery, and lifestyle trade shows.” I was honored to be named a finalist amongst all the amazing talent that was showcased!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

If you are a small product based business especially in the world of stationery, I strongly recommend the Proof To Product Podcast and anything else they offer. I could not have launched my business without the programs I took advantage of.

My town has an economic department that helps small businesses get off the ground. They provided some counseling, webinars etc. Look into what your community has to offer.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy has been participating at in person events! The Stationery Show at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC, local artisan fairs and participating in community events! It’s a constant effort to gain and keep your clientele. You really have to put yourself out there! Soar!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.littlefeetsopus.com
• Instagram: @littlefeetsopus
• Facebook: Little Feet’s Opus
• Other: littlefeetsopus.faire.com (wholesale accounts)

Image Credits
Kelley Norcia Photography