Michelle Roberts, a Barneveld native, has realized a dream two generations in the making as her Messenger Birds™ take flight to Hallmark stores across the country.
“My 91-year-old grandmother worked with Hallmark products her whole life and absolutely loved them,” Roberts explains. “She always shared that love with me as a kid. Then, a few years ago, she told me she always wanted to have her very own product featured in Hallmark stores. Now, in a way, her dream has come true through my Messenger Birds.”
Messenger Birds™ are a handmade gift concept that Roberts crafts from a block of clay. The bird design is made with a hole through the middle so it can hold a special, handwritten note. Each bird is unique with its own special markings and details. The gift sender includes a heartfelt message intended specifically for the recipient.
Roberts has been working on her handcrafted creations for nearly 5 years, beginning at the kitchen table of her small apartment in New Hartford and growing to include online sales and independent boutique stores across the country and around the world – with sales as far away Australia. However the recent connection to Hallmark stores has upped the anti when it comes to potential growth.
“Through a chance and friendly connection, my Messenger Birds were shown to top level executives within Hallmark and it turns out, they really loved them,” Roberts said. “So far, they’ve made orders for a number of stores from New York to Hawaii. With so much potential for growth, I’m now planning for additions to the Messenger Birds™ line. Hallmark has already expressed interest in reviewing them once they’re complete.”
About Michelle Roberts and Novus – Be Known
Michelle Roberts, President at Novus – Be Known, helps organizations and entrepreneurs reach their full potential by building a brand they are
known for. Over the last four years, Roberts has branded more than 55 companies worldwide using her proven brand strategy development process, which has earned her various awards and recognition over the years. A graduate of Holland Patent Central School and Mohawk Valley Community College, Roberts completed her bachelor of fine arts in communication at Oswego State. More information about Novus – Be Known can be found online at www.novusbeknown.com.
About Messenger Birds
Messenger Birds have been featured in many print and online publications since the project first hatched five years ago. More than 1,300 handcrafted birds have flown off and found a place to nest in homes around the world. They can be found at select Hallmark Stores across the country, small boutiques around the world and online at www.messengerbirds.com.