With a film optioned based on her life, a major book launch underway for her autobiography, My Path To Happy and Half Moon Bay joining Danilo as a licensee for Charlotte Reed’s May The Thoughts Be With You, awareness of her soulful brand as well as the mental health issues upon which it is based, are set to soar this year.
Spring Fair sees the debut of the first tranche of May the Thoughts Be With You products from the Half Moon Bay group, which feature the philosophies and illustrations of creator Charlotte Reed, inspired by her own journey of dealing with depression.
Danilo was the first licensee to come on board, unveiling a range of greeting cards and dated products at last year’s Spring Fair.
At this year’s show (Feb 3-7), Half Moon Bay’s publishing imprint, Ice House Books will introduce a trio of journals and book products with a gifting range of 18 products to follow from its Shruti brand in two phases, in the Summer and Autumn this year (in a deal brokered by Clare Piggott of licensing agent, Larkshead Media).
Meanwhile major book publisher, Simon & Schuster is pulling out the stops for the launch of Charlotte’s autobiography, My Path To Happy, in May to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, planning a full blown consumer PR campaign. This will coincide with Charlotte, as an ambassador for Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13-19) going into schools and businesses to give talks on the importance of understanding and recognising the mental health issues.
A feature film based on the book has already been optioned.
Commenting on what attracted Half Moon Bay to signing a global licence for May The Thoughts, the company’s marketing manager Julia Slater told PG Buzz: “It has such warmth, humour and integrity – it is uplifting and rings very true. The designs are also fun and quirky, offering something new and refreshing in the market. Mental health issues are very much a focus right now and top of mind with a lot of people therefore the timing of the May The Thoughts Be With You collection could not be better.”
However, as Julia points out, Charlotte’s words are so relatable, whether or not you have suffered from serious depression. “There is something for everyone in this brand and I think it not only helps to build awareness, but makes it OK to discuss these issues unashamedly. The product range will appeal to a wide audience, those who do suffer will find the tone of voice used in the collection very much reflects real life – it’s honest!”
WHSmith is the latest retailer to get behind the brand, launching the Danilo greeting card range into select stores this month.
Charlotte is delighted that the greeting cards are gaining wider distribution. “Greeting cards are an excellent way to raise awareness because they can convey a meaningful and poignant message but in a simple and digestible way. They are accessible to everyone and if you know someone who’s not feeling good then they need something that shows you’re thinking of them without it being something heavy or lengthy to read.”
Half Moon Bay is exhibiting at Spring Fair in Halls 6-7 7 & 20 on Stand 6G22-H23.
Danilo is showing in Hall 3-3A Stand 3M16.
Top: Half Moon Bay is licensing May The Thoughts Be With You for products under its Ice House Books and Shruti brands.
