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

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

Test yourself on the Happy-O-Meter!

I was happy when I came up with the concept for today's cartoon for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta. How happy? About an 8 on the meter. (See diagram above.) Not only was it fun to draw, but fun to paint with the watercolors, too. Although,now that I'm looking at it, that has got to be the weirdest needle on a meter I've ever seen. If it wasn't pointing at the 10, it would be completely off the meter. Oh well. I'm at deadline for Mahsa, so here it is! Hope you enjoy, Sharna

P.S. Click on the cartoon to make it bigger. Then, please visit Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta to see all that they do to make girls strong, smart and bold.

 Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2013. All Rights Reserved.

 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.

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

 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.

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

 

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

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

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

 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.

Chloe Pink for Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Life imitates art or vice versa?

This past Saturday, was the Chloe Pink book launch for her second activity book, The Tell Your Secrets & Stuff To Chloe Pink Diary. What a fun surprise it was when Abby showed up portraying Chloe Pink and Kiyana came as CP's friend, Brooklyn with her signature sparkly headband and all!

Every time I see these girls together, they have big smiles on their faces. They are always implementing one or another's new creative idea. On Saturday, they handed out pink lollipops to our launch attendees and passed out pink strips of paper for them to put their dreams on and stuff in a pink bottle. Taking their hostessing duties seriously, they even made a label with directions for the front of the bottle.

All the while, they were encouraging each other to be their best selves. They are true friends! So, this little cartoon is a salute to you, Abby and Kiyana.

Two "true originals." Follow your dreams, girls!

"Anybody up for a little beach volleyball?" asks Pete

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

You're invited to a Chloe Pink Book Launch! Bring a girl!

Are you a mom or dad? An aunt, an educator or someone who simply wants to encourage a special girl(s) in grade K-5?

Then, boy...I mean girl! Is this the event for you!

It's the book launch party of Chloe Pink's 2nd activity book. (And this one is a diary where a girl gets to discover some cool stuff that makes her special!)

Thank you to Marlene and her staff at Tall Tales Book Shop in the Toco Hills Book Shop in North Druid Hills (Atlanta) for hosting it.

Join Chloe Pink & friends as we launch our 2nd activity book for girls to set your dreams sailing!

Stop by Saturday, August 18 from 11 a.m. to noon for:

Your own signed copy of The Tell Your Secrets & Stuff To Chloe Pink Diary

A FREE art/journaling activity for kids

Refreshments

Until then, you know what to do! Follow your dreams, girl! XO, Chloe Pink

All in favor of girls following your dreams, say pie! (A Chloe Pink board meeting.)

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Chloe Pink's Big, Big, Big Meeting!

Last week, I had the opportunity to pitch Chloe Pink to the leadership team of Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta.

It truly was that pivotal moment, the culmination of a six year dream to put the cartoon of Chloe Pink to work on behalf of a girls organization. You may ask why did it take six years. And believe me. So have I.

But now I see I had work to do. I had art skills to develop and a voice to find. I had to learn how to draw hands (sort of...) and find a Chloe Pink face shape I could live with - a roundish square. Then I had to learn how to draw it about the same way every time. I had other characters to create like Brooklyn - an African American math whiz and fashionista, JenBall - an athlete who coaches sportsmanship and the benefits of teamwork and physical fitness and finally, Maria - the Latina cupcake entrepreneur. I had a mission I needed to understand. I had to get to the core of what I was trying to do and who Chloe Pink truly is before I could find the partner that is right for both of us. Like kissing frogs, I had to search for an organization that would be worth the blood, sweat and tears to pour my heart and energies into. Because, let's face it. Chloe Pink is above all else, a labor of love. And there's no sense in putting Micron 08 permanent ink marker to paper -- or now, stylus to iPad tablet- without a real cause, a read need, or a real appreciation for my dear, dear cartoon character, Chloe Pink (and friends) who simply want to support and empower girls.

But then one day it happened. The aha moment! I discovered the Girls Inc Bill of Rights. It says, Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender stereotypes, to express themselves with originality, to prepare for interesting work and economic independence and...click here to read it. It's really great stuff! If you know about Chloe Pink, you know she doesn't like being "boxed in." She is her own girl and wants every girl to be the same way. Thus, her mantra--"Follow YOUR Dreams, Girl!"

In other words, Girls Inc. Bill of Rights is all the things that Chloe Pink stands for and, quite simply, nobody says it better than Girls Inc. as they go about their business of helping 3,000 girls in Atlanta each year all the while. 3,000!

So, in closing, while Chloe Pink is a work in progress, nothing has been finalized and the promise of a partnership that helps girls even more is out there on the horizon....I'm hopeful that soon Chloe Pink will be helping Girls Inc. "Inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold." After all, is there any doubt about it? Isn't that the way it should be.










Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Happy "Independence" Day! Follow your dreams, girl! XO, Chloe Pink

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Life is a zoo. Isn't that great. XO, Chloe Pink

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Have a pink lemonade day! XO, Chloe Pink

Hey girl! Did you know a great way to sip pink lemonade this summer is with a cool plastic cup and a stripey big straw...Those things, plus also a pink journal and your favorite pencil -- maybe one with a pink feather plume on the end of it..or just lots of sparkles on it. You could be at the pool, in your room or sitting under a tree. You could be with your friend, your dog, your brother Ralph or all by yourself! The important thing is this. You've got a) YOU! b) your secrets & stuff c) a place to express all of your cool thoughts d) a cool drink! What could be cooler than pink lemonade? I rest my case.

This blog post has been brought to you by: The Tell Your Secrets & Stuff To Chloe Pink Diary now available at Amazon.com Don't go to on your summer vacation without it! XO, Chloe Pink

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.

What makes a father happy? Could it be a self-confident daughter!

Happy Father's Day, Dad! Tell us what makes you happy to have a daughter(s)? What have you done to help her? How have you contributed to the development of your little girl to be or become a strong, confident woman.

Sharn's Dad has always encouraged her to follow her dreams - as a tennis player in her early childhood (teaching her at the age of 9) and spending endless hours on the court with her all the way through her high school tennis team years. Then, as an cartoonist and female entrepreneur. (He took her to a franchise show when she was 8!) He still acts as her essential sounding board, LISTENING to her talk about her plans for Chloe Pink (that's me) and helping her create plans of action. She wouldn't have nowhere near the tough minded 'tude to keep on following her dreams in spite of the many obstacles without him and the groundwork of fatherly advice and encouragement he's given her all these years. So, in a way I guess you could say, without Sharn's Dad, there might not be a "me." I'm just sayin. You know - A little cartoon girl who encourages girls to follow her dreams. I wonder where I got that idea from? (Hint. Sharn's Dad!) XO, Chloe Pink

Yee Haw! Round-Up Your Dreams, Girl! XO, Chloe Pink

Copyright © Sharna Fulton 2012. All Rights Reserved.