I've got an important meeting today. XO, Chloe Pink

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

Chloe Pink interviews Lysi of Too Scoop Kids and Dream Follower Extraordinaire.

Chloe Pink is SUPER excited to be a part of Too Scoop Kid's awesome gift guide & giveaway this holiday season. Visit Too Scoop Kids now to enter & win Chloe Pink coloring books, pink rain boots, Burpin' Baby, Flik Floks & more! Ends December 18, so enter today!

 

Alysia "Lysi" Muhammad, owner Two Scoop Kids

CP: You're a true Chloe Pink girl – following your dreams with Too Scoop Kids. What’s your secret? Stay positive and work towards a goal everyday. 

CP: When was the first time you followed a dream? Honestly, I can't remember the 1st time but I've always been somewhat of a "dream chaser." From a young age, my mom always told me that as long as I wasn't afraid of hard work, I could do or be anything and I found that to be true.

CP: Why do you think it’s important for people to do what they love? When you do what you love, it doesn't feel like work. Doing what you love is freedom and happiness, and we all want to be free and happy.

CP: You are, yourself, a very encouraging person to others to follow their dreams. How did you become that way? My best friend and business partner, Jenny always says, "There is enough success for everybody." And I agree. For me, there's no better feeling than seeing my hard work pay off and a dream come alive. If I can help anyone feel that way, well, why wouldn't I? 

CP: What inspires you? The kids inspire me! They are fearless, fun, mischievous, sweet, carefree, perfect little beings. They make life enjoyable and hearts happy.

CP: What’s your favorite time of day? I do my best work late at night. (Well, more like early in the morning when most people are asleep.)That's when I feel unstoppable. 

CP: Favorite drink? Sweet Tea...Really SWEET Tea! 

CP: Favorite food? Pizza, I LOOOOOVE Pizza!

CP: Biggest pet peeve? Oh my! there are too many to name. I am a crazed perfectionist so anything less than perfect drives me insane. 

CP: Favorite show? I can't get enough of TLC's "Long Island Medium."  I don't know if it's entirely real but, I love it. 

CP: Biggest dream for the future? It's our goal to create more than just a blog. We want to build a community, an on-line family. Whenever someone is in need of fashion inspiration, fun projects/activities, support and/or advice, I want them to think of Too Scoops Kids. 

CP: You are a social media buff and a design snob by your own admission. Tell me a little bit more about that  and how it helps you grow your blog. Well, what I meant by that is...I like things to look pretty! I am a super girly girl so I'm drawn to all things beautiful. I like blogs and pages that are neat and pretty and I want to bring the same aesthetics to our readers.  I'm far from where I want to be but always trying to improve my photo shop and photography skills to bring eye catching content to our TSK family.  

CP: What do you enjoy most about running your own business? The freedom to live, learn, and grow. To know that every win or fail is to our benefit makes it worthwhile. 

CP: Who supports you as you follow your dreams and how does it help you and your business? I couldn't do anything without my business partner, Jenny and our Marketing Coordinator, Kharena. I have the vision and they make it come to life! I'm nothing without them.

CP: It takes guts and courage to believe in yourself. But every day isn’t always perfect. How do you recharge and get over life’s little bumps to keep on following your dream?

JENNY! Jenny talks me off the ledge at least once a week. When things don't go as planned I get really frustrated. Luckily, I have an awesome friend and partner that helps me to see that every setback is a lesson learned. 
CP: I like that answer a lot! We all need the courage AND support to follow our dreams. Thankfully, I have Pete! Thanks for your time, Lysi. Have a wonderful day following YOUR dreams. XO, Chloe Pink

Shop Small! Get FREE crayons for tiny hands. XO, Chloe Pink

 

 Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

Girls can be whoever they want to be!

Okay. So it was a Halloween/book signing/Chloe Pink event with Troop #3080!  But even though these girls were dressed as someone else in their costumes, they each were totally unique one-of-a-kind girls of their own! Song writers. Animal lovers. Artists....What I love about these "CP meet-ups" is the chance to hear from girls what's in their hearts, what they love about life at the age of eight, what hopes they have for their futures...and how they plan to follow those dreams. It's also fantastic to see a group of young ladies supporting each other like Pete supports Chloe Pink. It's true. They really do!

And speaking of Pete, I have to thank Rebecca Pinckard. Not only did she invite me and Chloe Pink to take part -- she also recently began fostering a real Pete! Yes, there was a gray Schnauzer who bore an amazing resemblance to Chloe Pink's Pete. He was working that room of scouts and their parents with nothing but kisses, hugs and support. If that's not a sign that girls should follow their dreams, what is?

Changes coming to Chloe Pink. The fictional character...the licensing property...the brand!

In the coming weeks, I'll be making changes to Chloe Pink that I believe will only make her better. In fact, I've already started. I'll be putting my energies toward making her a global licensing brand. Sound like a lofty goal? Like I'm attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? I am. But that's okay. Chloe Pink is a strong, determined girl. And she's got the pink rain boots for it to get her past any obstacle.Not to mention, the unwavering support of her bestie, Pete, the terrier.

So why am I telling you? I need you to hold me accountable for my plans, goals and dreams. I need your support. Like Chloe Pink needs Pete by her side to help her follow her dreams. It's just like that.

I've been thinking about this project all my life -- since 2nd grade. And I've been drawing her the past seven years. There have been hits and misses. More misses, actually. But the misses have been good for they have shown me what to cross off my list for Chloe Pink and where she is telling me to go next. Like a mini Chloe Pink dream map where forks in the road direct her to the next place, the next adventure.

Along the way, one thing's always been the same. Chloe Pink and her bestie, Pete have been with me every single day to help me share something near to my heart.

I want girls to know that they can be loved and appreciated by their individuality and enthusiasm for life -- not by trying to fit in, appease others and be like all the other girls. Puhleez. And listen, I'm not against fashion or tutus..or stylish hair..or ballet or girly stuff. I love all that, myself. But really, it's time (2013) that "we" stop defining girls by their "girliness." Hooray for Sheryl Sandberg, the author of Lean In, who in her own words tells girls to follow their dreams just like Chloe Pink does.

I also want adults to know that seven year old girls are smart, perceptive and highly creative problem solvers. You don't have to talk down to them...or "cute" things up for them. I've worked with lots of seven year old girls and boys at my doodle and cartoon workshops, in schools, etc. They are very real and very down-to-earth and they get what Chloe Pink is trying to tell them. It's simply grand to be YOU.

So with that said, here's what's happening.

• The retail website for Chloe Pink will shut down at the end of the month. All Chloe Pink books will still be available on Amazon.com and on chloepinkcartoon.blogspot.com. (Look on the right side of the page to order them through Pay Pal. You can also request they be personalized and signed by the author. I'll tell her.

• A new website geared towards manufacturers is on the horizon for early 2014. This portal will enable children's apparel, textile, toy, publishing and tabletop manufacturers as well as pet industry, etc. buyers to view the "brand" of Chloe Pink and envision how it will help them move more tees, lunch pails, art sets, softies and whatever off their shelves. Do I want Chloe Pink plastered on every cool kids and pet product? Absolutely. But I want it to be done well - on classic, wholesome, high quality, trendsetting products that promote old fashioned values.

• Yesterday, I stopped following about 500 Twitter accounts.Why? I was one of the first tweeters and did not have the focus I do today. I'm now looking to engage with, create and nurture relationships with licensing, manufacturing, publishing professionals. There are also great voices out there like Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta promoting equality for girls and you can bet your pink rain booties, I'll still be following you. I'll also use the page to tweet new Chloe Pink eCards that I've already started putting up on Facebook. Oh yeah...and I need to start using Instagram as well. I hear it's all the rage. (LOL. Just kidding.) I've had an account for a long time, now. Just need to use it.)

• Of course, being a better writer and artist are my number one goal. I've been loving working on my iPad SketchBook Pro to create the eCards lately. Since technology is such an integral part of the new "art licensing" world, I need to educate myself on what to be using to further Chloe Pink and make her and her message of "follow your dreams" more accessible to her consumers and "friends."

If you have any ideas, suggestions, thoughts or leads for me, I would love to hear them. Thank you for reading and thanks for your continued support.
Sharna Fulton
Creator, Chloe Pink

Chloe Pink is setting up her Crayon Bar! And you're invited to Doodle & Dream with her in Decatur (and Brookhaven.)

Join Sharn' and Chloe Pink at Salon Red Kids from 3-6 pm in Decatur October 17 and in Brookhaven October 24. Click here to read more courtesy of Two Scoop Kids!

Then, it's Cartooning in the Garden - Saturday, October 26, 10:30-11:30 am --

Bring your Cartoon Character to Life! (Mention BOGO in the comments to get 1 free pass for a buddy!) Click here to register. $7 Wylde Center Members,  $10 Non Members

Join local Decatur author/illustrator, Sharna Fulton of The Chloe Pink Doodle & Dream in the City Book for some artistic fun. Pencils, erasers, markers, etc. provided as Sharn’ helps you plant creative cartoon seeds and sprout your imagination on paper. Drawing basic shapes, you’ll learn how to create a look and personality for your cartoon character. Plus, you’ll take home your very own three panel comic strip.  Parents may drop off.  Perfect for ages 6+. Advanced registration required. 10 max.  Profits benefit The Wylde Center. 

Woohoo! Chloe Pink in Focus. Makes City of Decatur Magazine!

Thank you Linda Harris at City of Decatur for your article on our new book. You're such a good writer. Sharn' and I are honored. XO, Chloe Pink 

(P.S. Click on picture to read the article.)

Chloe Pink + City of Decatur = Cause Marketing Dream Come True

Many moons ago - 6-8 years? - I was lucky to meet Cause Marketing Guru, Joe Waters of selfishgiving.com - (Uh. you'll want to follow him on Twitter. 6,302 other people do.) 

Joe taught me how Cause Marketing helps 'for profits' and nonprofits work together for mutual benefit. Well, finally after several years of trying to do a viable CPCM (Chloe Pink Cause Marketing) campaign, I have one for my cartoon girl. 

This summer, I'm working w/ City of Decatur Tourism on my 3rd book for kids - The Chloe Pink Doodle & Dream in the City Book. (Yes, that would make "me" the 'for profit.' But here's what I'm really excited about and what Cause Marketing is all about. $1 from every sale will go to "Indie-Catur," a group of independent shop owners, restauranteurs. What could be a better cause than supporting local merchants who work so hard every day to serve their local community, offer up great products, services and food, employ talented/creative folks and make Decatur, GA one of the most charming places to live, work and play in the U.S.? (Is it any surprise it's one of Chloe Pink's favorite places to follow her dreams?) 

So, look for the book coming to Amazon.com and the Decatur Book Festival late August.Thanks to Joe who planted the seed of a great idea called cause marketing awhile ago - it's a dream come true! 

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

  Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

 Click on the illustration to make it bigger and don't forget to visit
Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

From the desk of Chloe Pink

For immediate release:

DECATUR, GA (June 25, 2013) -- Chloe Pink, a children's book character is partnering with her favorite place, the City of Decatur. She's coming back for the 2nd time to the Decatur Book Festival with "The Chloe Pink Doodle & Dream In The City Book."

The book will be available at the Decatur Visitor's Center, on Amazon and at www.chloepink.com. The author will also donate $1 from each book sale to Indie-Catur to help promote Decatur's independent merchants and business community . "Doodle & Dream In The City" is Chloe Pink's 3rd book. The first "Doodle & Dream" was launched at the 2010 Decatur Book Festival.

"While I've always loved Decatur, I didn't live here then," says author/illustrator, Sharna Fulton. A metro Atlanta resident since the early 90's, Fulton and her husband moved to Decatur from Loganville a few years ago. "It truly feels like home," says Fulton.

In fact, it was a few months ago, the artist was on her daily walk back to her home studio in Decatur from her favorite coffeehouse on the square when her next project idea came to her.

Why not do another "Doodle & Dream," but set it in a city. And why not set it in her favorite city of all, Decatur! So, she stopped into the Decatur Tourism Office and pitched the idea to Decatur's Visitor Center's Manager, Sherry Charles Jackman. "Thankfully, The City of Decatur gave it the green light!" said Fulton.

Chloe Pink is an independent, adventurous seven year old girl with a BFF friend, Jack - the Scottish Terrier Mutt. Their message to girls and boys is to believe in yourself, be curious about everything, get support and most importantly, follow your dreams!

"Doodle & Dream In the City" will include pages of City of Decatur stuff with prompts for kids to fill in and complete the picture. Whether it's drawing their favorite toppings on a slice of pizza, doodling a folk art painting or trying to find the hidden veggies in a garden word search puzzle, Decaturites are sure to recognize many of the shops and places from their favorite city.

"I can think of no better place to follow your dreams, like Chloe Pink, then in Decatur," said Fulton. From it's incredible walkability, historic square filled with shops and yummy restaurants to it's beautiful tree-lined streets, charming neighborhoods, its commitment to the arts, wonderful school system, a working railroad that goes through town and of course, Oakhurst Garden (the Wylde Center) -- Decatur has it all. It's a magical place to explore and be happy. And that's what life is all about."

In addition to the book launch at the Decatur Book Festival, there will be a pre-launch book signing at Oakhurst Garden Wednesday, August 28 from 4-6 pm.

For more information, please contact sharna.fulton@att.net

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

  Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

 Click on the illustration to make it bigger and don't forget to visit
Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

  Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

 Click on the illustration to make it bigger and don't forget to visit
Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

My Top 10 Healthy Summer Tips

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved. 

Thanks Kelly Wright Liddell for inspiring me to have a fabulous summer. I'd like to share your ideas with the kids soon to be home -- in just a little more detail. So without further ado, enjoy! XO, Chloe Pink
1. Get outside and play!  Swim, ride your bike, take a nature walk!
2. Stay hydrated!  Take your weight and divide it by 2.....that's how many ounces of water you need every day.
And during the summer you probably need MORE than that!
3. Wear sunscreen!  Yes a tan is beautiful, but a burn is ouchy!  AND bad for you!
4. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies!  All the wonderful things that grow are on this planet for a reason - to sustain your healthy body!
5. Practice slowing down to smell the flowers or gaze at the stars.....meditating is SO important and if you start when you're young, you'll
be a pro by the time you're a teen or grown up (when you REALLY need it!).
6.  Sing a song and LAUGH!!!  More joy = better health!  Proven factoid!
7. Get off the computer or video game and get out your sketch pad and markers!  Creating something is a GREAT way to get your thoughts and feelings out!
8. Have a picnic with friends and family!  Re-connect and have CONVERSATIONS.....put the cell phones away!
9.  Host a family game or movie night! 
10.  READ!!!  Join your local library's summer reading program!  Great way to keep the ole' noggin ship shape during the summer (and you might learn something new!).

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

 Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

 Click on the illustration to make it bigger and don't forget to visit
Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

Make today a work of heART, Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta! XO, Chloe PInk

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

There's a real art to helping girls achieve their potential. Just ask Girls Inc of Greater Atlanta, because they know how to do it. Click on the cartoon to make it bigger and don't forget to visit Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

Boston Marathoners Follow Their Dreams

There's nothing like the heart of a marathoner. Not just that they typically have a slower resting heart rate. Marathoners are people who follow their dreams. Day by day, they train and put in the necessary mileage before dawn or at dusk - to work up to being able to run 26.2 miles. And then, 12-18 weeks later, the big day arrives.

But what if the race is in Boston? It's truly all the more magical for the runners and their friends and family - most of whom are "elites" and must qualify to run the prestigious event. Add to that - the Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon - a tradition like no other, founded in 1897 by the Boston Athletic Association - where everybody in the city comes together for one special day. And not in just any city, but THE happy-go-lucky place where Red Sox fans dump into the streets to watch the finishers after the game. It's Patriot's Day. A national holiday in Boston. What could be better than that?

I know what it's like because I've been there. My husband is a 6 time runner of the Boston Marathon. Yesterday, I saw tears in his eyes, understandably, as his beloved ground, Boylston Street had been tainted. Thank you to our friends and families for texting and calling to ask "Did Rob run the race?" Fortunately, no. But I can only imagine if he had. I've waited for him at the finish line next to the 20,000 bananas. You've never seen so many bananas. Also, in my past career, my company SportsPottery.com was an official licensee and vendor at the Boston Marathon's John Hancock Health & Fitness Expo.

I've run a marathon myself (in Chicago) and know what it's like to feel a sisterhood in striving towards a huge goal and then attaining it by training and running it with a friend. Perhaps in my life, there's been nothing more empowering to my self confidence than crossing that finish line. So, in closing, no matter what obstacles....No matter what bad stuff exists in the world... Please remember one thing. Follow YOUR dreams. Do it today. Do it for the spirit of the runners of the Boston Marathon who were following their dreams and for those affected so tragically yesterday. Do it for you. Because your life is a gift. Sincerely, Sharna Fulton, Chloe Pink