Mom Invented

Want to brighten someone's day in a quick, fun and easy way?

Karem Kalin has the answer. She's always been a note writer, and loves the way a special note makes people feel. A mother of two pre-school boys, she took her hobby one step further and developed a product and business, "Smiles Made Easy," to help others do the same. Her product consists of fill-in-the-blank "thought cards" that make it easy to connect with others. Her cards come in different themed sets, with "starter" thoughts like, "Remember when-", "You're a great mom because-", and "I am proud when-".

"I wanted to make it easy for people to stay things that often go left unsaid, especially in today's busy world," said Karem. "It can be very romantic or inspirational -- or humorous and goofy!"

There are countless uses for her cards: additions to gift bags, included in a child's lunchbox or a spouse's briefcase, placed on a co-worker's desk. Brides have given them to wedding guests to fill out as a keepsake; crafters use them for scrapbooking. Karem's cards are even used as a therapy tool; therapists say they help encourage communication in a non-intimidating way.

Cool factor -- Smiles Made Easy cards were included in the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Award Gift Bags. They also won the iParenting 2006 Best Product Award.

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Tagged as: advice, Mom to Mom™, product business