There’s a little design studio filled with sunshine in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, and it wants to share some of those hopeful rays with you. Lana’s Shop is helmed by Lana Effron, who is not only a gifted illustrator, but also a connoisseur of kindness. After a successful career as a graphic designer for Vogue magazine and Gap, Inc., the native New Yorker moved to Colorado and launched her stationery and paper goods business in 2012. Effron’s products are as bright and cheery as the artist herself. And, it turns out, she’s just the pal we all need during these troubled times.

“I had three baby showers canceled, two weddings postponed, a mom bestie with her hands full, and my 93-year-old aunt alone in her New York City apartment,” Effron says, and “every time I went to reach [for a greeting card], it didn’t seem like the right words for what I wanted to say.” Of course, the best words are often the simplest and most heartfelt, so Effron rolled up her sleeves and designed a new line of “social distancing” cards with fresh paintings and upbeat messages designed to comfort recipients through stress and sorrow.

“My first card was the toilet paper card,” Effron says. “I thought we might need a little laugh.” Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from this card will go to Mile High United Way, to support people coping with COVID-19. “Donating to the community is that tiny bit of extra we can give back,” Effron says. Photo courtesy of Lana’s Shop
“It became so obvious that healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, and postal workers were the real heroes,” Effron says. “I ran to my studio during baby’s nap to paint the stethoscope card as fast as possible so we could thank them.” Photo courtesy of Lana’s Shop
“The extra Zoom calls have been fabulous, but seeing that someone sent you a card and took that time is a whole other level of connection,” Effron says. “You can keep a card out on your kitchen counter and feel loved every time you walk past it.” Photo courtesy of Lana’s Shop
Since so many events have been postponed this year, this card looks forward to future celebrations and brighter days ahead. Photo courtesy of Lana’s Shop
“At the core of everything we make is the idea that sending something handwritten, kind, and full of love can make the biggest difference in someone’s day,” Effron says. Photo courtesy of Lana’s Shop
Baby and bridal showers might be canceled this year, but even if you can’t celebrate in person, you can still let friends and family know you’re sending sweet thoughts their way. Photo courtesy of Lana’s Shop

Effron’s motto, “nice matters,” resonates now more than ever. “The world needs more gratitude, more kindness, more love, and people really, genuinely want to be that bright light right now for everyone, however they can,” she says. “Cards can be read over and over again—it’s a small gesture but it might just give that comfort to someone who needs it most.”

For an extra level of personalized service, Effron is offering to hand-write her customers’ messages and mail the cards for them. “I just wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to send a card,” she says. “I even remove the cost of the stamp if you use code SENDINGSMILES, so you’re just paying for the card itself.”