cover of episode Esther Howland: The Mother of the American Valentine

Esther Howland: The Mother of the American Valentine

2022/2/14
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Mimosa Sisterhood

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Shownotes Transcript

Hello beautiful friends and Happy Valentine's Day! To celebrate everyone's loved (or hated) holiday, I've released a special bonus episode featuring a woman who* literally* made her stamp in history. Esther Howland was an artist and businesswoman who is credited for popularizing Valentine's Day cards in America. In the late 1800s, Esther's business eventually grossed over $100,000 per year which is equivalent to almost 3 million today. Esther Howland is so much more than a pioneer in the card-making business, she was an example of independent womanhood in the 19th century. 

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Esther Howland's entrepreneurial parents and family dynamics during the 1800s
  • The beloved and expensive Valentine's Day cards that were imported from Europe
  • Esther's million dollar business idea
  • Esther's artistry and elaborate embellishments on her Valentine's cards
  • Becoming a female entrepreneur and hiring a team of high-paid women employees

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