Out of town, but not out of it entirely

I missed the National Stationery Show this year. Bad scribbler. My freelance writing/wanderlust drew me south of the equator to Argentina -- which is another story for another blog. Amazing journey.

The doodler reported that the trade show floor was smaller than years before -- less exhibitors, less buyers. But from the looks of the NSS blog, the talent level was as high as it has been in years past. Congrats to all of the LOUIE winners, new exhibitors and pioneers of new designs and technology.

The doodler also exhibited at Surtex this year for the first time - marking her debut on the licensing scene. Before the show -- which ran concurrently with NSS -- opened, she got an awesome shout-out in Print & Pattern. Pep couldn't be more proud of its designer-in-chief!

Remember, she's carried you a lot longer than 9 months

Moms don't quit on their kids. Ever. At all costs. And you were kind of a brat at times. And you know it.

So consider that when you're weighing what to get her this weekend. Smaller bouquet or 2 dozen rodes. Mediocre brunch or a swanky affair. The cheaper card, or a Pep Greetings card. Come on now.

She didn't eat you alive. And she could have. Trust me.

Happy Mother's Day to all of our favorite mommas. We love every one of you.

Creating a brand

When Kathy Davis started submitting her designs to card companies in the the late 1980s, she had no idea what was born from necessity (a divorce) and talent (freelance calligraphy) would become inspirational. The former art teacher with a master's degree built her business design by design. Recycled Paper Greetings believed in her, and the two worked together to develop her brand, which has grown into four separate entities, 15 employees and more than $50 million in retail sales last year. In 2008, she forged a new partnership with American Greetings and wrote a book. Not bad for the rest of your life.

You don't have to be an entrepreneur to develop your personal brand. It isn't all about mugs and gift bags or book deals. Know who you are. Embrace it. Take a risk. And live it.

"Everybody's going to want a piece of you. Make sure you maintain doing the things you love," Davis said about advice she received on drawing boundaries in business.

It applies well beyond the workplace.