In a world that is increasingly digital and disconnected, Coral & Blue Paper Co. is on a mission to help children rediscover the joy of human connection through the simple act of note-writing. A mother of two, Coral & Blue’s founder, Ashley Campbell, was concerned about the lack of personal connection in today’s society. She created this company to offer beautiful, high-quality children’s stationery that encourages children to connect with friends, family, teachers, coaches, and beyond.
It’s elementary
The idea for Coral & Blue Paper Co. was born out of a desire to help children develop a sense of gratitude, creativity, empathy, and a stronger sense of community. “I used to make my kid’s cards from scratch using a ruler and construction paper. Through this process, I learned exactly what they need to make note-writing simple: elementary lines, room to write, and an area to get creative.”
Coral & Blue is named after the colors of the traditional elementary lines that kids use at school to learn their upper and lower-case letters. “I searched for kid-friendly stationery in stores and online, and when I couldn’t find what kids needed to keep note-writing fun and simple, I decided to create it myself,” Campbell says.
Learning to think about others
With the rise of social media and other digital platforms, children today are growing up feeling increasingly disconnected. They may have hundreds or even thousands of followers on social media, but they lack close friends or family members with whom they can truly connect. Moreover, social media is a platform that focuses on the self, resulting in a highly consumerist mentality amongst users.
Campbell realized that writing cards was a simple but powerful way to help children forge real, meaningful connections with others. Unlike digital communication — which can be impersonal and fleeting — a handwritten card is a tangible reminder of the sender’s care and thoughtfulness. When children write cards, they have to think about the recipient’s interests, feelings, and experiences, as well as consider what message they want to convey and how they want to express themselves. This process helps children develop their empathy and communication skills, which are essential for building strong relationships with others.
Coral & Blue Paper Co.’s cards are designed to appeal to children of all ages and interests. From colorful birthday cards to whimsical thank-you notes, the company’s products are designed to spark creativity and imagination. Each card features a unique design that encourages children to express themselves in their own way. Whether they want to draw a picture, write a poem, or simply say “hello,” Coral & Blue Paper Co.’s cards provide the perfect canvas for children to express themselves.
Human connection
One of the most exciting things about Coral & Blue Paper Co. is that it’s not just a card company — it’s a movement. The company’s founder is passionate about spreading the message that human connection is essential for everyone’s well-being and happiness. She believes that if children learn the value of connection at a young age, they will be more likely to prioritize it throughout their lives.
To this end, Coral & Blue Paper Co. has launched several initiatives aiming to promote connection and kindness. For example, the company has partnered with schools and youth organizations to host card-writing events. These events give children the opportunity to come together, share their creativity, and connect with others in a meaningful way. The events also provide a platform for discussing important issues, such as empathy, kindness, and inclusivity.
It’s not just about stationery, it’s about personal connection
According to many health and wellness sources, letter writing holds many benefits, like easing feelings of loneliness, developing a sense of accomplishment, strengthening relationships, and bringing joy to both the sender and the receiver. It’s no wonder that Coral & Blue Paper Co. has received such praise for its appropriately designed stationery for elementary-aged children.
“When I am with groups,” recounts Campbell, “I love to explain how taking the time to write deepens connections with others and enhances gratitude and even self-confidence in children.”
Ashley Campbell and her husband grew up writing cards for others, and she wanted her children to grow up with that habit. She soon realized that others could benefit from this habit, too.
“My mission with Coral & Blue is to help kids become happier, more well-rounded people by enhancing their ability to connect with others and express gratitude through note writing,” she advocates.
While Ashely Campbell’s main focus is younger children, she is also developing new products for teens and adults to continue to promote deeper human connection. To that end, she’s also creating a monthly note-writing event in her community. “The point is to enjoy time together while writing any kind of notes we want or feel the need to write,” shares Campbell.
Coral & Blue Paper Co.’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company has received praise from parents, educators, and media outlets alike for its innovative approach to promoting connection and empathy. By helping children rediscover the joy of human connection through writing cards, Coral & Blue Paper Co. is making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across the country.
