Local songwriter and musician collaborate on a unique product line that benefits pediatric cancer patients
When the world went into lockdown back in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, Anita Kruse, Houston area pianist, and songwriter, knew just like many others, she had to do something simple, fun, new, and creative to preserve her sanity and well-being while watching the evening news.
Kruse, caring for her elderly mother and keeping her safe, grabbed a white sketch pad and a purple pen and just began doodling cute faces, baby animals, and child-like art to get her mind off the madness happening in the world around her. After she produced her first drawing, she showed it to her mother, who smiled and said, “She is so lovable!”
“She’s a Purple Lovable,’” said Kruse. “Soon afterward, I found myself sketching more of these characters and posting them on Facebook just to bring a smile, a feeling of hope or simply a moment of relief to anyone who might need it,” she said.
As the comments and likes on social media grew, Kruse decided she needed to do something else with her sketches, so she contacted her longtime friend, colleague, fellow musician, and graphic designer, Ray Younkin, to discuss how to bring the Purple Lovables to life. Soon after, the two launched the Purple Lovables website, showcasing an array of various products and gift ideas, including t-shirts, leggings, coffee mugs, hairbands, pillows, and face masks.
“Anita’s drawings embody happiness, joy, and instill feelings of kindness at a time when people need an uplifting reminder that good in the world does exist,” said Younkin. “The timing was right to transfer these whimsical lovables to something tangible people could wear or use in their home as a constant reminder of better and brighter days.”
A portion of each Purple Lovable product benefits Kruse’s nonprofit Purple Songs Can Fly. Dedicated to providing a creative musical outlet for children at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, it is the first-ever recording studio on a pediatric cancer floor where songwriters work with children and their siblings to write and record their own songs.
“Children diagnosed with cancer face great obstacles but do so with grace and a spirit of resiliency,” said Kruse. “It is these children and their siblings that inspire me, even in the darkest of days, and remind me that hope always exists.”
The items available on Purple Lovables.com are currently on-demand and range in price from anywhere between $2 for an ebook to $50 for a pair of leggings. After an order is placed, they take about a week or so to arrive.
“We imagine a large majority of individuals will be doing their holiday shopping online this year – more than most years,” said Younkin. “A Purple Lovable might be just the perfect gift for someone on your list or yourself. You can feel great about the purchase, knowing it will bring a smile and support a wonderful cause.”
For more information and to shop, visit www.purplelovables.com, and connect with Purple Lovables on social media @purplelovables. For more information about Purple Songs Can Fly, visit www.purplesongscanfly.com.
