About a month ago, I received a note from Anna Szolwinski, Community Outreach Coordinator for key2Bme, a Cincinnati based organization. She told me that she wanted to share the story of The Smile Project on their social channels to help fulfill their mission to spread Happiness, kindness, and inspiration. We were already speaking the same language.
Key2Bme donated “unlock Happiness” keys to The Smile Project and I feel so grateful for their support and contribution. As I talked more with Anna, she connected me to Tammy Nelson, the Founder and CEO and I knew we had to feature their work.
Without further ado, allow me to introduce Tammy and key2Bme.
Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Give me a “Happiness is..”
Tammy: Happiness is.. a sunshiney day spent with family and full of lots of laughter.
Liz: What is your organization?
Tammy: We create and sell a product called key2Bme. It is a gift that uses the power of words to inspire happiness and spread kindness. Each design highlights a word that serves as a little reminder of what you most want to focus on to live your best life. Whether it’s a word to help lift you up when times are tough or a word to help you soar even higher when things are going your way, our products are an outer reflection of your inner spirit and a reminder that you have what it takes right within you.
We started our philanthropic “key2Bme Unlock Happiness Program” to recognize everyday heroes who make a difference in our lives and communities. Through this program, we are on the lookout for people or groups who are spreading kindness and inspiration to others. Those selected receive a donation of our inspiring keys to support their efforts and a recognition plaque. We then help spread their story by featuring them on our website and in our social media channels.
Liz: What is the driving force behind what you do?
Tammy: To empower people through the power of words and to spread happiness and kindness.
Liz: What does service mean to you?
Tammy: Replacing words with actions that make the world a better place.
Liz: How can people get involved?
Tammy: Here are 3 ways:
1. If you know someone (or a group) who is/are spreading happiness and kindness, nominate them to be recognized through our “key2Bme Unlock Happiness Program” here.
2. Buy some of our inspiring keys to have on hand to spread kindness to people at a moment’s notice (a great server at a restaurant, an incredible teacher, an always-there-for-you-friend, etc.)
Liz: Anything else you'd like to add?
Tammy: Thank you so much for what you’re doing to make the world a better place at The Smile Project! And, thanks for the opportunity to be featured in your Service Spotlight!
Liz: Can you leave us with one of your favorite quotes?
“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” – e.e. cummings
