The Joy Box

Here's a simple innovation we're using for Margaret Joy at the Night Market in Charleston. When people approach our table, we say:

"Hey there! So all of the artwork you see here is inspired by other people's ideas. If you have an idea, grab one of those cards, write down your idea, and slip it in the Joy Box—then take a free sticker! Every week, we read through the ideas, select our favorites, paint them, and turn them into art prints and greeting cards. We're trying to build the largest collection of community inspired art in the world!"

People's eyes light up. As soon as we explain this, they grab a card and start writing.

The card has space for their idea, the story behind it, plus their name and email.

We're averaging 40 submissions every night in just 4 hours.

What's happening here?

This isn't a "subscribe to our mailing list" transaction. It's an invitation to join a story already in progress.

We establish the rules of engagement, then ask if they want to play.

When they slip that card into our Joy Box, they're giving us permission to make the next move—to continue the narrative together.

Marketing isn't something bolted on after creating your product.

It's woven into how you serve and operate. It's creating a clear path for people to enroll themselves in your story.

This weekend, we collected 90 ideas. Instead of reviewing them privately, we're planning to read and react to each one during a YouTube live session, inviting contributors to join us.

The measure of marketing isn't merely attention, but meaningful participation that honors each person's contribution.

Super excited to see what unfolds next with Margaret Joy!