We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dee Schrader. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Dee, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Many people believe they need to pay to receive “A Bright Spot ” cards of care shipment
Our community cares boxes and support are free to all- ALWAYS, There is no personal information exchanged or cost to any of the Bright Spot card shipments,
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In a world of digital noise and instant messaging, A Bright Spot, a 501C Charity is reviving a beautiful lost art: handwritten letters of encouragement.
Our mission is to send uplifting handwritten cards, notes, or small tokens (like stickers for kids) to people who might need encouragement — seniors, hospitalized children, caregivers, deployed service members, or anyone going through a hard time and in need of a reminder that they are seen, appreciated, and loved.
The inspiration: the founders Dee’s grandmother, Bernadine M. Dorney (1926-2021), would spend hours in a card store selecting greeting cards for people not just for birthdays or holidays, but for “bad days, sad days, days we needed a lift.”
That habit of sending cards made Dee realize how powerful a small gesture can be and motivated her to “pay it forward” by establishing an organization whose purpose is “to make a difference, one life at a time.”
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child there were times I thought no one really cared. In a world of millions of people, I felt alone and lonely. Often I would stare at the sky thinking and hoping someone- anyone was looking the stars at the same time then I wouldn’t be alone,
I know now there are many people who care – sometimes you are the one that has to reach out and find them, The right people, the right place or the right organization to remind you- you do matter in this world.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Look for the Bright Spots in this world ” would be what I would tell my younger self. By feeding the positives, you are acknowledging the things that ARE going for you, are positive , and are keeping you on track. Fill your life with people boosting you up not taking you down,
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies right now are that people don’t care about each other.
Many people genuinely care for others, they try to help, they show kindness even in small ways —many more than it sometimes feels like. Every day, millions of people volunteer, comfort friends, donate quietly, or simply choose patience over anger.
Most acts of goodness are invisible — they don’t make the headlines.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I mattered.
I hope when I am gone, people take my little idea of brightening someone’s life with a card, from my grandmothers love and continue sharing it with others. Reminding others, that kindness is always in this world despite the news headlines.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abrightspot.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightspotcards/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrightSpotCards
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
