Cohen's "Tough Skin, Soft Heart" Line Speaks to Difficulties Difference Makers Navigate Behind Their Smiles and Roles

New York, NY, January 29, 2019 --(PR.com)-- New to the 2019 National Stationery Show is a Michigan entrepreneur with a line of products that fill a growing industry need.

Shannon Cohen, founder and principal of Shannon Cohen Inc., will attend the National Stationery Show at the Javitz Center February 3-6, bringing her line of “Tough Skin Soft Heart” stationery products, small gifts and women’s apparel.

Cohen said her line of Tough Skin, Soft Heart products speak to an invisible population within the greeting card industry.

“My messages on the Tough Skin Soft Heart line of greeting cards and postcards uplift and empower women who lead, love and serve in dynamic ways,” Cohen said. “My greeting card line gives voice to an invisible population in the industry.”

Tough Skin, Soft Heart messages help people thrive at the intersection of joy and purpose. That’s the message Cohen took to the Michigan Women’s Foundation Dolphin Tank pitch competition in November.

In a regional competition, Cohen pitched the idea of expanding wholesale distribution of her product line via increased retail partnerships, participating in national trade shows, and developing a wholesale catalogue. Judges agreed and she won the top prize of $10,000.

There are few women of color who design and market stationery products at the national level. Perhaps that’s why Cohen’s Tough Skin, Soft Heart line speaks to the hearts of women, women of color and other “Rock Stars.”

With messages like “Girl, You Have Greatness in Your Bones,” and “Girl Code for Grown Women,” Tough Skin, Soft Heart products are popular throughout Michigan and are found in 25 boutique stores.

Cohen’s inspirational speeches were the catalyst to Tough Skin, Soft Heart. She said her “ah-ha moment” came three years ago while speaking to executives at a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan meeting.

“There was an older woman at the meeting who came up to me after and said, ‘Where is your book, or your products?’” Cohen said. “I said I didn’t have anything. She said, ‘The next time I see you, you better have a book.' Her belief in me and my message inspired the birth of the product line.’”

Media Note: Find Shannon Cohen and Tough Skin Soft Heart at Booth 5503 at the National Stationary Show.