Coffee Talk with Sunny Goode
There are few things better than coffee and conversation, which is why we try to set up coffee dates (in-person or virtual) as often as we can. It’s a great way to catch up with clients and friends and chat with people we’ve been dying to meet.
Today we’re talking to Sunny Goode, artist and owner of LOVEVOLVE. We worked with Sunny for several years and were thrilled to help grow her brand, redesign the websites, and become part of The LOVE Movement. We're so proud of her and her vision! LOVEVOLVE started as art therapy, intuitively moved to textiles, and is built on the foundation that words change the brain. “By simply and consistently displaying the word LOVE, we can build a more loving world.”
For those who are new to the LOVEVOLVE mission, can you speak to the importance of spreading the message of LOVE?
For me the importance is the intention behind the word LOVE. It is the space around the words we use, to stop and pause and choose words intentionally. Words are very powerful, in fact so powerful they subconsciously repeat themselves in our thoughts daily, so the words we choose to focus on can positively (or negatively) impact our entire day, our health, and most importantly our relationships. In short words we see daily can literally change your brain.
I wake up each day and focus on this one statistic:
3 million babies are born in the US annually, and every year, more than 4 million referrals are made to child protection agencies involving more than 4.3 million children, ages 0-10 (a referral can include multiple children).
The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations – losing on average 5 children every day to child abuse and neglect.
In 2019 alone, state agencies found over 656,000 victims of child maltreatment, but that only tells part of the story. This would pack 10 football stadiums. These statistics are much higher and went unreported during Covid.
This is a lot of info, but I am extremely passionate about turning this train around at the roots. This is what motivates me each morning. Every day, in all communities, child abuse and domestic violence are happening. This is a learned behavior, we are not ‘waiting for a cure.’ This brings me to the importance of spreading awareness at birth. I want all of this to happen yesterday, so for me there is a huge sense of urgency. Simple awareness is the ONLY way we can start to fix this.
In what ways has your business changed since opening your brick + mortar shop?
SO many stories have been shared in the shop. Everyone has a story and relates to the mission and everyone gets goosebumps and some cry. The emotional connections have been absolutely amazing. Brick and Mortar is the best marketing for sure, and great for manageable growth. Customers hear our store and literally experience the LOVE, and share with healthcare workers all over the country. We have new accounts in new states simply from the shop. (To visit the shop, get directions here.)
Which LOVE accessory do you never leave home without?
The LOVE Blanket® travels with me daily. It is large so I use it as a wrap, a picnic blanket, and yesterday I used it as a towel when I spilled my coffee on my airplane seat before I sat down :) The 100% organic cotton muslin gets softer with each use and definitely after it’s machine washed and dried.
My second favorite accessory is a LOVE Cosmetic Bag. I toss it in my tote daily- it's a great stand alone bag or bag within a bag :) I put computer cords in it, lotion, and sunglasses in the little side pockets. It is machine washable/hang dry, so I love that also!
How are people responding to all of your gorgeous murals? Any new ones in the works?
The connection to the murals is always an ah-ha moment and excitement for the customer :) I am amazed at how many people see them. We are currently planning one in Lexington, VA, two in Nashville, Tennessee, and three on the University of Denver campus. I am VERY excited about all of these!
Can you share details about any new events, product launches, or hospital partnerships coming up?
1. We have just added Children’s Hospital of Richmond (ChoR) to our Hospital Blanket Program, which is very exciting and rounds out the hospitals in the whole city of Richmond, VA for us. So every baby and new parent in Richmond receives a LOVE Swaddle® at birth and the 10 signs of a healthy relationship card from One Love Foundation for their home.
2. We are in the process of adding our first hospital outside of Virginia, in Spartanburg, South Carolina which is VERY exciting.
3. We have also created various blankets for Noah’s Children pediatric palliative care for the patients, their siblings and parents. We feel very honored to be a part of this space with them.
4. Presley is moving to NYC in November to bring our mission north. She will be contacting hospitals in NY, NJ and PA. She will also manage any pop ups we schedule.
What is one unexpected moment or life event that has come about because of your LOVEVOLVE journey?
Working hand in hand with my daughter, Presley. This was never in the plan, but has become extremely special because really it is her generation of parents we are reaching daily. I think all the time what if someone had started this 25 years ago when I became a mom and had her. What kind of country would we be living in today if every parent got relationship health guidance and awareness at birth. Her passion for this grows each day in her research and her love of the mission inspires me.
I am also in awe of the stories people share. Honestly I wish I could capture all of the beauty the store environment inspires. Everyone from all parts of life with very different beliefs all agree that we need relationship health starting at birth. Overall we all want to be able to share opinions and ideas in a safe space. Everyone does not like feeling polarized or judged.
How can people become part of The LOVE Movement, even if they're not local to you?
I think the best support is spreading the word. Connecting people who can bring this into healthcare in their communities, and sharing the mission is the key to success for us. We also love anyone who wants to host a pop up to sell the products, and of course the murals need a building and volunteers. We usually connect the murals with a child advocacy agency or a domestic violence shelter in the city of the location. To inquire about creating a mural in your town, please contact Sunny and the LOVE team here.