Last December, I was brainstorming ways to elevate my business with something handmade. I was craving a creative project and something that would connect with my audience in a unique and tangible way. I intentionally decided not to create a social media strategy and instead opted for a set of handmade notecards.
But first came the tea.
Whenever I sit down to do almost anything, read a book, start a craft project, talk on the phone, or use the computer, I make a cup of tea. Ginger is one of my favorite flavors. I add fresh lemon juice, a bit of honey, and a dash of cayenne. Yogi is my favorite brand. Not only is it tasty, but I love the thoughtful wisdom on the tea tags. My favorite one is, “You are unlimited.”
So when I started thinking about a line of handmade notecards, a cup of tea with a tea tag became my inspiration.
I was also in the mood to carve some stamps, and I love a good pun, so I followed the creative thread.
What resulted is a series of notecards I can use in my business for different scenarios. For example, when I meet someone new, I might send one that reads, “Nice tea meet you!” on the outside and “Just a warm hello while we’re in the flow” on the inside. Of course, there is a packet of tea tucked inside!
Designing this project was incredibly fun and it took a long time. I’m proud of it. It genuinely makes me happy to mail them out.
But this wasn’t just about making something cute.
My intention is to connect with people offline. In a world of quick emails, DMs, and constant notifications, a handwritten note slows things down. It feels intentional. It creates a small moment of pause. It says, “I thought of you.”
Marketing doesn’t always have to be louder. Sometimes it can be slower.
So far, I’ve received really positive comments about the cards. I don’t have conversion stats, and that’s not really the point right now. What I do feel is that I’m building better relationships. The kind that are thoughtful and human.
In addition to carving stamps, designing the notecard, and choosing materials, I wanted the content to be reusable and intentional. I created variations for different moments in business:
- Thank you
- Hello or thinking of you
- New connection
- Current clients
- Past clients or reconnecting
- Congrats or good luck
- Mid-project appreciation
- End-of-project wrap-up
- Referral thank you
For each scenario, I wrote a phrase for the tea tag to pair with a message inside the card.
I don’t plan to send them to everyone or for every situation. That’s part of what makes them special.
This is what handmade marketing looks like for me right now. Thoughtful. Personal. A little playful. Rooted in care. And aligned.
If you want to create something tangible that reflects your brand and builds real connection, I’d love to help you think it through. Find a time our calendars align and let’s chat.
