I started my career as a New York City fashion journalist interested in why certain colors and clothes made folks happy.

Before I created Smile Songs, I had become an award-winning songwriter and graphic designer. I never imagined combining happiness, fashion, music and art into a single product line of gifts for introverts. Until audiences at my live music shows made a powerful request:

Could I help them feel the fun, love and encouragement of my songs any time, anywhere? In a way that went beyond a music video, but was still … visual, too?

It turned out that these fans were what’s known as quiet folks: introverts. As am I.

And so, I set out to create my first line of encouraging art prints that sang happy songs for introspective folks and the special people in their life.

Honestly? I was worried that cheerful art that played optimistic songs might be too uncool for modern tastes.

But then …

Introverts of all sorts wanted my art prints as gifts of love for themselves. Co-workers. Friends. Students. Family.

I knew was on the right path.

So, I decided to create a full collection of art and other products that sang.

Turns out …

The road from my first eureka was bumpier than I’d imagined.

Doors closed …

literally, when the studio where I planned to record my songs went out of business.

creatively, when my plan to build mechanical music boxes didn’t make me or my audience smile.

Inspired by adversity …

I learned music production. Art production. And created a way to make my art pieces sing, by designing attractive QR codes and custom web links.

Pneumonia KO’d my singing voice

for over a year.

But I was determined to share the encouraging messages folks needed to see and hear on the upbeat art they loved.

I was literally breathless when we released our first collection of Smile Songs art that sings. It was the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

The best part?

The response has been pure love from introverts and other caring folks who value a true emotional experience. And a good laugh, too.

Smile Songs wearables and art that sings stir the emotions in such a feel-good way.