One of the last things Emily Chan has from her dad is a card that he gave her. Over the years, she has read and re-read it, feeling his presence in the distinct shapes of his letters. In the age of text communication, she recognizes handwritten notes as a deeper form of communication – a small gesture in which she finds big power.

In founding Brightspot Design, which offers punny food-inspired cards and gifts, Chan wanted to channel that power into something that would be the bright spot in people’s days. The multicultural and international scope of her cards – from “Thai to party!” birthday cards to “soymate” stickers – offer uplifting messages that reflect the identities of millions of people across the country, an idea that grew out of her experiences growing up on Mercer Island.

As the only Asian student in her class at Bellevue Christian, she struggled to make friends. But an art teacher offered her a safe place during recess and encouraged her to pursue art as a career. Working at the Hallmark in Bellevue Square during high school kicked off Chan’s professional trajectory, even as she noticed that the work on the shelves didn’t reflect or relate to her. “I never bought the cards; I always made my own cute, fun things,” Chan said. “Having my own voice was really cool.”

After majoring in English at the University of Washington and doing graphic design in the Bay Area for five years, Chan and her husband moved back to Mercer Island. Launching Brightspot Design, Chan combined her education, experience, and artistic gifts to center her own perspective. 

Local shops such as Kitchen & Market and Island Books helped her get started, and neighbors even come over to buy cards directly from Chan. Once Asian grocery chain Uwajimaya started selling (and quickly selling out of) Brightspot Design, similar shops followed suit: Chan’s stationery is now available in more than 70 stores along the West Coast.

But Chan remains set on sharing her heritage and values on Mercer Island, even as the business expands. When her husband gave a presentation on Lunar New Year to island students earlier this year, the kids used Brightspot cards to write messages celebrating the occasion with their friends and family. In an industry with few Asian American brands, Chan says, “It’s really cool to be able to provide a voice in the stationery world.”