When Cheryl Johnson struggled to find greeting cards showing people of colour she decided to create her own range and Fearless Steps was born. Cheryl is exhibiting for the first time at PG Live this year.
In 2014, after working as an investment banker in London for 27 years, Cheryl Johnson was suddenly diagnosed with a rare brain disease. While she was off ill she was shopping for a greeting card showing people of colour. Disappointed with the selection she decided to design her own cards.
“I launched Fearless Steps in November 2015, with the aim of producing cards showing diversity. I wanted my cards to be modern and different with inspirational wording. I started looking for people to hand draw my designs, as I could not draw myself. The idea came to use teenage students after a discussion I had with a business coach.
I have a 16 year old daughter named Nicolle and have mainly used her friends to create the designs who are all Enfield-based students. I have also used two other girls from a school I spoke to in Hackney. It’s been great working with them and they also enjoy the opportunity, as it promotes their art work. I print their name on the back of each card. One of my artists is a 14 year old cancer survivor and I intend to do some charity lines and have already contacted Great Ormond Street Hospital. I would like to raise funds for The National Hospital where I am still a patient, as they are brilliant.
I love inspiring these young people and find I can use my finance and business head to be a strong positive role model. It’s not easy but I believe it’s worth it. There is a large group of forgotten consumers of all colours. We forget there are many mixed culture relationships and families. I intend to double my range of cards by the end of 2017. Onwards and upwards, it’s time to take Fearless Steps!”
Visit Cheryl at PG Live on 6 – 7 June on stand 663.
