Your Name & Position
leslie kolk – owner, writer, designer, barista, mail girl, fluffer and rainmaker
Company name
oh my word
Why did you decide to start this business?
i love cards, like in an obsessive kind of way. but i could never find any that expressed what i really wanted to say to my loved, and not so loved ones. so, you know, when you see a void in the marketplace… there are a handful of awesome card companies now [you know who you are] but back in ’08? not so much.
Describe your product in five words.
smart, sarcastic, funny ass cards
What is your current best seller?
hands down my best seller is my jewish card. the fact that it sells so much is inherent in the joke itself… there are just so many occasions to give it.
outside: happy jewish day inside: really, who can keep track.
Does anyone else work with you?
the answer is yes. but if child protective services comes asking questions, i’ll deny it up and down. same goes for the aspca.
What is your biggest obstacle as a small business owner?
the moral debate over cloning.
What are your goals for your company?
today greeting cards. tomorrow, more greeting cards. ok, and maybe a magnet or 2.
If you could change something about the greeting card industry what would it be?
my cards would be in more stores.
Do you exhibit at the Stationery Show? Why or why not?
yes. like wikipedia says my good friend woody allen says, 90% of success is just showing up.
Who are your biggest customers?
well if you consider target big, i would say target.
Why did you enter the Louie Awards?
to win, of course.
Show us what won.
Happy Jewish Day
really, who can keep track.
i’m so glad mom picked you
even if she isn’t. happy father’s day
What was the best part about winning a Louie Award?
i needed matching bookends in my office, so…
What would you change about the experience?
i would have won the other 2 i was nominated for.
Are your customers (independent retailers) aware of the Louie Awards?
not at all. until i sent them my “louie and me” photo montage, that is. only a handful asked me to take them off their mailing list.
