Chicago-based and Black-owned Lavenderpop Greeting Cards is bringing fresh flavor to the card aisle with a new collection of designs celebrating coffee culture and the iconic singer Sade. These latest creations are now available in eleven Jewel-Osco stores, deepening a groundbreaking partnership that began in 2020.
The new birthday card, perfect for the caffeine enthusiast, features a vibrant illustration of a woman joyfully holding an oversized cup of coffee. The inside reads: “Sending you a whole latte love. May your birthday be the best it’s ever bean!”
Otis Richardson, the artist and owner of Lavenderpop Greeting Cards, draws inspiration from everyday life and cultural touchstones. “Many of my greeting cards have a food theme,” Richardson said. “Like the birthday cards based on Chicago Mix popcorn or the Chicago Style hot dog. I thought about what food or drink is popular with folks and it hit me about doing something with coffee since I also drink it almost every day. This card would be a great accessory for Black-owned and independent coffee houses.”
Music also serves as a significant muse for Richardson. The new “Get Well” card cleverly plays on the title of Sade’s hit song, “Smooth Operator.” The card, which features a cool illustration of a doctor in scrubs, is intended to bring a humorous and comforting message to those facing a medical procedure. The front reads, “My Get Well Song For You,” and the inside text sings, “Have a Smooth Operation, Smoooooth Operatiooooon! All the best on your recovery.”
“A card idea may come from anywhere. It could be a person’s style, a phrase, a cultural reference, or a musical style or performer,” Richardson explained. This creative approach has led to other popular designs, including cards that celebrate House music and one inspired by Donna Summer.
The continued collaboration with Jewel-Osco marks a significant milestone for both the artist and the grocery chain. In 2020, Lavenderpop made history by becoming the first independent and Black-owned greeting card line to be carried in Jewel-Osco’s 126-year history. This partnership has flourished over the past five years, a testament to the community’s support for the culturally relevant and artist-driven cards.
“We had a great Mother’s Day season with many stores selling out of our cards,” Richardson shared. “I’m very excited about our Father’s Day cards and launching even more new designs.”
In addition to the eleven Jewel-Osco locations, Lavenderpop cards can also be found at Local Market Foods in South Shore and the BUDDY Shop in the Chicago Cultural Center.
Looking ahead, Richardson plans to connect with his audience on a deeper level through a new social media campaign titled “Walkin’ & Talkin’ with Lavenderpop.” The series will offer followers a behind-the-scenes look at his journey as a small business owner and the creative process behind his celebrated greeting cards.