Sandra L. Powell–Wilson was born on New Year’s Day in Mobile, Alabama. She grew up in the Watts section of Los Angeles, California, and married her high school sweetheart. The couple became the proud parents of their adorable baby boy, Drew.
WISHMILL Greeting Cards, books and more, based in Inglewood, California, was inspired by Sandra and her husband’s desire to teach Drew the joy, power, and love of the Black family. “As new parents, my husband and I wanted to thank God for our son, who was a beautiful, healthy bundle of joy. So, we decided to have a little family fun, and have a song competition between the two of us, to see who could write the best song for Drew,” says Sandra.
“We agreed on the rules: Drew would be the judge, and any movement made by Drew, like a kick, stretch, smile, or drool would declare either Mom or Dad the winner.” The couple gave each other 10 minutes to write a song. “My husband rushed to the living room to get started. I stayed in the bedroom with Drew.” When the 10 minutes were up, the competition was on!
“My husband began to brag about how sure he was that he had this win in the bag. He honestly believed, there was no way Drew would not kick, smile, drool, or do something for Daddy. After all, dad was the first person to change his first diaper. But, when my husband began to perform the rap song he had written, Drew just laid there with a look of confusion, no movement at all.”
“I thought to myself with a slight giggle, ‘This competition is over!'” When Sandra began to sing, Mr. Sandman, the song she had written, Drew’s entire mood changed! “His eyes quickly became lights of joy! He immediately began to kick with his little fists balled up with all his might!”
“The biggest smile suddenly appeared on his face, and to my surprise, it appeared as though Drew was trying to sing along with me, as a wonderful drool of sweet bubbles was right on cue —I was ecstatic! And, was undeniably crowned the “Winner.”
What Sandra’s husband had overlooked, although Drew was only a few days old, she had been singing to Drew since the day he was born. “I did not cheat, but I guess I did have a slight advantage,” she recalls.
That was truly the night, the seed was planted for the business and WISHMILL was born.
With over 24 various designs celebrating major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and more, the Wishmill African American greeting card line also features cards for life-themed events, birthdays, inspiration, Black love, memories, get well, and more.
The WISHMILL African American Greeting Cards are beautiful, unique, and a one-of-a-kind collection that family and friends will forever treasure! Each card and product in the line is personally created by Sandra who says, “I share the blueprint of my vision with independent illustrators and work closely with them to ensure my vision remains intact.” She is most proud of the fact that she retains creative control of all things WISHMILL.”
WISHMILL African American Greeting Cards are available individually or in box sets and can be purchased on the WISHMILL website: wishmillgreetingcards.bigcartel.com. Prices range from $18.99 and up.
