Be Open to Grace™ Mother’s Day Cards Inspired by Creator’s Real-Life Moms
Life and Legacy of Jennifer Lewis-Hall’s Mother, Grandmother Reflected in Messages for All Moms
CLEVELAND, OH (April, 2008) – For a woman who has been surrounded by strong women her whole life, who was named after her grandmother, who is best friends with her own mom and who now has a family of her own, writing Mother’s Day cards was a labor of love for Jennifer Lewis-Hall, creator of Be Open To Grace Products ™ from American Greetings. For her new four-card collection at Wal-Mart stores nationwide, Lewis-Hall drew from her many positive experiences with moms of all kinds for inspiration.
“The influence of my Mom, my grandmother, and the many other women I’ve had the joy of knowing in my life is ever-present in my writing. As a woman but also an African American, I recognize that their perseverance, accomplishments and experiences still impact my life today, and that reverence shows through in the cards I created for Mother’s Day,” said Lewis-Hall. “Being encircled by motivated and inspirational women since my childhood has left me with an appreciation for the many ways that I have been blessed, and I believe that writing these cards is my way to give back to them and to ensure that their efforts are shared with even more women.”
One of the themes Lewis-Hall applied to the cards is empowerment, as seen in the message on the front of a yellow card, which reads, ““Be a mirror of the positives in the world around you. When you think of perfection, see your authentic self. You have so many gifts to share.” The inside message continues the sentiment: “Some women have a special talent for motherhood, like you. Every day you give so much of yourself – just out of love for your family. You’re an amazing woman. Happy Mother’s Day.”
Not only have Lewis-Hall’s experiences played a role in her writing, they have molded her approach to motherhood with her two sons and shaped her entire life approach, including her career path as a network television journalist and author. “My Mom is my role model in so many ways, and she has always been supportive of my goals and dreams. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without her strength and inspiration, and I am very proud of her accomplishments as a mother, a teacher, a volunteer, a friend and a smart person with a great sense of humor.”
One of Lewis-Hall’s Be Open To Grace ™ cards for Mother’s Day communicates a similar message about the power of inner strength and determination. The front of the purple card reads, “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. A powerful woman draws strength from her soul and expresses joy from her heart. I know I have the power to do anything.” The inside message thanks the recipient for her love and support through the years.
And it doesn’t stop with the words. Even the color scheme and design flourishes for the Be Open to Grace ™ Mother’s Day cards were inspired by a remarkable woman in Lewis-Hall’s life. Jennifer was named after her grandmother who immigrated to the U.S. from the tropical island of Anguilla, so she decided to incorporate a Caribbean feel on the cards with vivid colors and floral accents. Lewis-Hall speaks with great pride about the challenges her grandmother and Mom turned into triumphs in their times.
“My grandmother was an amazing woman who came to this country to seek better for her family. My Mom raised my two brothers and I, and then had the courage and determination to go back to college to earn her degree at the same time we were all in college,” added Lewis-Hall. “I am proud to come from women with fighting spirits, and I feel as if I’m continuing their legacy by imparting this same spirit in my children and in the people I reach with my messages.”
Look for Jennifer Lewis-Hall’s Be Open To Grace ™ Mother’s Day cards from American Greetings at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for store locations.
About American Greetings Corporation
American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, stationery, calendars, ornaments and electronic greetings. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual revenue of approximately $1.7 billion. For more information on the company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.