9 Gorgeous Greeting Card Lines From Black Women Creators

Unique offerings: Collection for racial resilience and pride

Creators: Hallmark’s Mahogany team

Inspiration: After the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, “we talked about what a collection of cards centered on racial empowerment could offer Black communities that other cards couldn’t or hadn’t. We considered what perspectives, messages and visual depictions were important for Black people to see and have right now,” editorial director Dierdra “Dee” Zollar says.

Touches we like: Powerful messages; vibrant images of diversity

Where to find: Where Hallmark cards are sold

Cheernotes

Great for: Thank you, birthday, wedding, holiday, survivors and just because

Unique offerings: “Love” line offers a wide array of options. The ability to shop by “community.”

Creator: Asha Banks

Inspiration: Amplifying artists, experiences and cultures of diverse communities. “I knew the frustration that I felt when shopping for cards. So many people felt unseen. I decided to serve more moments and more people. The response from indie card companies, artists and customers has been overwhelming,” Banks says.

Touches we like: Cards reflecting Black, Latinx, South Asian, LGBTQ+ and other communities; orders mailed by next business day

Where to find: Cheernotes.com

CRWND Illustrations by KDS

Great for: Cards, stickers, planners, totes, art collection

Unique offerings: “Be Still” and “Lifting You Up, King” cards

Creator: Keliah Smith

Inspiration: Smith always loved drawing, but after a long break, it was in a moment of darkness in her life that she came back to it. This source of stillness and healing allowed her to find her voice and empower other women with poems she personally writes. “All of my cards are designed, hand-cut and crafted by me,” Smith says.

Touches we like: Art that incorporates uplifting, stylized type messages

Where to find: Crwndbykds.com

Leanne Creative

Great for: birthday cards, coasters, mugs and sketchbooks

Unique offerings: The Royalty Collection; a children’s book; cards featuring gay and lesbian couples

Creator: Leanne Armstrong

Inspiration: “I wanted to create pieces that celebrated portraits of people from the African diaspora like the kings and queens we are.”

Touches we like: Cards that are hand-finished with gems.

Where to find: etsy.com

Nicola Lespeare Greeting Cards

Great for: Birthdays, holidays

Unique offerings: “Paradise Queens” celebration cards, free printable birthday calendar

Creator: Nicola Lespeare

Inspiration: London-based Lespeare searched in vain for a birthday greeting for her sister, so she decided to illustrate one. “My sister was so excited to receive a memorable card that reflected her deep skin tone and beautiful Afro hair. Seeing her eyes light up with joy made me want to re-create the same uplifting experience for other people,” she says.

Touches we like: A hand-glittered crown illustration; a satin bow appliqué on a sketched party dress

Where to find: NicolaLespeare.com

CandyRays

Great for: Greeting cards, stickers, gift wrap, mugs, wall art

Unique offerings: Yoga cards featuring Black women

Creator: Tanyia Lewis

Inspiration: Based in the UK, Lewis says she created some things she wished had existed when she was growing up. “The comments that touch me the most are when happy customers mention that a recipient has felt catered for or that ‘she looks like me,’” Lewis says.

Touches we like: Cards with 3D “fur” embellishments

Where to find: etsy.com

Take Note: Pro Tips From a Writing Coach

C.K. Alexander Jean recommends opening your note with a term of endearment that will make the recipient feel great. Consider “Hello Beautiful,” “Hey Queen” or “Dear Wonder Woman.” Depending on the occasion, you might also:

List qualities, talents, skills or abilities that you admire in her

Celebrate an accomplishment or positive step she’s taking

Share how she’s contributed to your growth, well-being or happiness

Support her through a challenge. Try, “You are a rock star. Keep going!”