13 You Are was inspired by the Netflix movie ?13 Reasons Why.? After watching season one in a day, I had a sudden idea to start a challenge. I didn?t know what, but I wanted to use hand lettering to inspire something more. Words that were said once became my thoughts, then my thoughts became my habits and eventually became reality. My mind was so stuck on what one person told me and I let that define me. I battled with that for a long time until I had to change my mindset. When I found my love for hand lettering I wanted to use words to inspire change, inspire connection through creativity. Binge watching the show sparked a light inside of me to create a 13 Day Instagram challenge of 13 cards for 13 different people. 13 You Are is a project of words reflecting one?s worth in the world, reminding us that You Are Beautiful. You Are Enough. You Are Worthy? etc. 

After the 13 Days, I began reflecting on what else I could do with 13 You Are. I had my why, but how was I going to execute 13 You Are to this world again? My challenge was over. I set 13 You Are aside because I was a busy working mom, wife, and very involved in my church. I knew eventually something would spark an interest to relaunch this project. When 2018 hit, I reflected on my two major 2017 projects. I was on fire to grow 13 You Are because the word ?one? came to my mind. It reminded me and inspired me to reach that one person. And not only for myself but for someone out there who wants to do the same thing. With deep thought and prayer, I decided to make cards to sell. 

Suddenly, I started to think of my community of lettering artists who I had met within the year. It was a realization that these cards are not only representing the power of words but a community. I reached out to different lettering artists to join me on my relaunch of 13 You Are. To my amazement, they all said YES! It was one step in the process of 13 You Are relaunch.

I partnered with these 12 creative artists in relaunching the #13YouAre project cards. This campaign is to support our project and creative process of our cards. By buying a product you are supporting the awareness of mental health, the art of hand-lettering, the power in words and how these cards can make a difference to other's lives. I pray that when this launches it brings out a community of people who just want to bring beauty to this world with the power and positivity in words. To bring life into someone through these cards. To change the way we all think.

Read my detailed story featured in Silicon Valley De-Bug Magazine. 

http://www.creaelleco.com