My name is Donna. I am a 58 y/o single women. My mid-life passion that I've worked on for the last 4 years is called Jail Mail Art (JMA); art work donated by inmates. The art is reproduced into greeting cards, the proceeds from the sale of the greeting cards are donated to organizations that assist children affected by the incarceration of a loved ones. The website: jailmailart.org
I've had success developing the website, brochures and art work reproduced into the greeting cards for retail; my next venture is advertising to the general public.
My goal is to be able to work on JMA full time and I just don't have the resources to do that
I need some help and advice in getting to the next level.
Any advice will be welcome

Post edited by: latebloomer, at: 2008/09/15 06:30

Hello Latebloomer (love that!)

Welcome to WomenBloom!

What a wonderful project you're working on. I'm gathering that you're in Austin since your site mentions Del Valle. I know a couple of women who do various kinds of work out there with female inmates. There is something out there that makes people want to help. :)

Well, I may be taking a leap here and assuming your goals. If you're looking for a way to make a business out of this I would suggest you contact www.bigaustin.org. They provide WONderful assistance to women like you on how to start a business. Very smart people who have a lot of resources at their fingertips. Even if you were thinking of making it a non-profit, I think they could help you.

City of Austin also has a Small Business Development Corp with a number of excellent resources.

If you just want to spread it in an organic way, you might look at setting up on S. Congress or something on First Thursdays to see if you can sell them. Wouldn't cost you much.

Austin Tidbits is a site here that features cool stuff they find. You might be able to get on there. Also, looking for opportunities to to speak at Rotary clubs, women's church groups etc would be a way to spread the word.

Hope those are helpful....good luck with that, sounds like a great cause!

Thank you WomenBloom.................I do appreciate the info. You are right,there are many different programs doing what they can to make a differance in peoples lives. I think the ladies you were refering are with TruthBeTold. They are doing great things at the local women prisons.
I have gone thru the Big Austin business class and they were helpful.
I mostly need to find a business partner. A business manager. Someone who shares the same passion for art and the rights for children..........I just feel like I need to see if there's someway to search for such. I have the dream and have alot of details worked out and I know it's a really good idea for all involved.............I just know there are areas I need someone else to help with. I am finding my strenghts and my weakness and that can be frustration.
Someone who could help me file for grants and share the responsiblity of working towards success.
I will contact the organizations you mentioned............I just feel with my work schedule that I get frustrated not having the time or the skills to do what needs to be done.