Gemini Isn’t Just A Star Sign Anymore
What is the Gemini sign but a symbol for twins? In that case, Gemini Greetings is on the right track. A unique online card store, they offer a variety of cards for those with twins, triplets and more.
One thing that many cards found in stores seem to miss is that niche in family. They’ve got son/daughter, but what about multiples? Angelice Tyson was wondering that herself when she had her own twin boys. Frustrated over not being able to find the cards she wanted, she ended up turning it into a business.
With over 50 different designs, Angelice has been kind enough to offer a pack of 8 cards to one of our readers. It is the winner’s choice what style they will be. If you have your own set of twins, triplets or quadruplets then here is your chance to get your own set of very nice cards that you can give away from your children that will reflect how special they are.
If you’d like a chance to win your own pack of cards, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. I will choose one of the comments to win. The winner will be contacted by email, so don’t forget to include your email address! The giveaway starts now and will end May 11th at 11:59pm. I will choose the winner on May 12th.
What is Gemini Greetings?
Gemini Greetings is a specialty greeting card company focusing on families with multiples. Cards vary from identical to fraternal twins, triplets and quadruplets.
How long has it been since you launched your business?
Gemini Greetings began selling cards to the public in January of this year.
What was your inspiration?
As a mother of identical twin boys, it didn’t take long for me to realize how difficult it was to find greeting cards that reflected our family situation. The epiphany occurred on a Saturday morning when I was rushing to buy a gift and card for a playmate’s birthday. I could not even find a card from the “both of us” for kids to give. It wasn’t until almost a year later, that frustration turned into a real business.
How many different card styles do you offer? How many different occasions?
Gemini Greetings currently offers over 50 designs including birthday, thank you, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines Day, soon to add Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am very conscious of offering a wide variety of hair, eye and skin color, in effort to accommodate as many family situations as possible. Due to the overwhelming response from families with singletons, Gemini Greetings will begin offering cards with one child in its Fathers Day line. More singleton designs will soon follow.
What steps did you have to take to get your business started?
Research, research, research! I called my CPA and attorney to make sure I had all my legal obligations covered. Then, listed an ad online for an illustrator to create my vision of multiples. I spent many hours taking the information found in my research and compiling it into a business plan. Once I had a vision of cost, income, time-line and designs, I was ready to obtain a business loan to start the presses.
Have you learned anything since that you wish you’d known before?
I learn something new everyday, but I feel like I took the time prior to opening my company to meet with other entrepreneurs of various industries to ask questions about their experiences and what they would have done differently, in effort to not make the same mistakes myself.
What advice have you received that’s been invaluable in business?
If you don’t ask for the sale, it will not have the opportunity to take place.
Do you have any previous education or experience that you were able to apply to your business?
With over ten years in hospitality, four of those at Walt Disney World, customer service and a high quality product is first and foremost importance to me. If you don’t believe in what you are selling, why sell it?
Have you learned anything as a parent that you were able to apply to Gemini Greetings?
Since Gemini Greetings encompasses the expression of multiples, I know first hand some of the unique experiences parents of multiples will relate to versus parents of singletons. I grew up as an only child and I think how lucky the boys are to have each other, not to mention their baby sister, too!
How do you manage your time as a mom and a business owner?
As a “type A” personality, you’d think I’d have a time-line of what I do when, but honestly I multi-task every moment I can get, to keep things moving along. Whether it be carrying a bottle, toy, diaper from one end of the house to the next, or making calls or responding to emails when I know I have a two minute break during my full-time job. It is the only way to make it all work. Lists are good, but are not always in front of me. I will say that my Blackberry has become a sidekick that I have come to depend on quite heavily.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with other moms who would like to start their own business?
Follow your dreams. Don’t let “nay-sayers” hold you back. Do your research, call anyone and everyone you feel could offer you information to help you make the right decision in your first six months to a year in business. This is the most crucial time of a new business and if you can learn from others’ mistakes, take advantage of it. Also, make sure you have 110% support from your spouse. Although, my husband is not named in my business, he is my partner and most important person in my life, next to my kids. Your spouse has to be on board with whatever it business you are wanting to launch.
Susan on May 5th, 2008 9:19 am
I have the Gemini Greeting birthday cards, and sell them on my TwinsTalk web site. They are absolutely adorable. They’re of very high quality and can be customized for your needs. Families of multiples will be very pleased with these beautiful cards.
Melanie D. on May 6th, 2008 9:08 am
That was a very good observation. I didn’t notice that there were very limited- if not none- cards for twins. Well, how could i notice when i’m not yet even a mother. LoL. I like the designs though, i’ll definitely get these cards if only i have twins or at the very least, a child. :D
Sonya on May 7th, 2008 7:42 am
I’ve seen several of the cards first hand and they are adorable. I’ve purchased some of the Thank You cards just for personal use and will get more in the future to give as baby gifts. The owner is super sweet and willing to work with you for whatever your needs are. I can’t wait to see the fathers day cards.
Brooke T on May 7th, 2008 1:14 pm
I noticed the lack of diversity for families with multiples when I was pregnant with my twin boys. I can’t tell you how many people mentioned to me at my baby shower that there weren’t many choices of cards at all for twins. Most people bought a regular baby card but instead of leaving the words how they were written, most people scratched out the word baby and wrote the word babies, or changed bundle of joy to bundles of joy. Apparently there was one “Twin card” on the market at the time, because every gift had the same card attached to it. It’s a great idea that only friends/family members of multliples can truly appreciate.
Angela on May 12th, 2008 9:47 am
Congratulations Brooke, your comment is the winning comment. You should be receiving an email soon with more information!
Dana Keith on May 12th, 2008 9:45 pm
Congratulations Ms. Angelice Tyson for the great idea.. It is more appreciated if it was emphasize naturally what card you’re going to give to anyone..
I mean, I found it unfair if this was not invented then, It is better to present a card with no erasures or no additional letters on the default message.
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