Our History

My whole life, my dad would tell me, "You have to own your own business!" That was advice that resonated and stuck.

I graduated from college, told the company recruiting me that I would work for them…but only if they gave me 4 months to play first. I then spent the next 4 months rock climbing, hiking and sleeping in a tent under the stars. On my first day of work at the top of a high rise in downtown Atlanta, I traded in my Birkenstocks for pantyhose and high heels. It was doomed from the start.

Three months later, in January 1995, I started Can You Imagine? All of our gifts came packaged in gallon paint cans…thus the name "CAN You Imagine?" Having been assigned to a project with my "real job" that was in the basement of the airport, I drew a sun logo thinking that if Can You Imagine? worked, it would be my ticket to see the sun again! We won "Most Outstanding Booth" at our first trade show…yet only made a single sale. I then revamped the business model…a few times…until I landed on something that seemed like it might work.

A year later, I flew back home to ask my dad for $3,000 of funding to "really launch" the company. With a business plan in hand and after a day of discussion, I will never forget his answer, "I don't think it will work but, I'll give you the money because I never want to hear that I didn't support you."

When we hit our first million in sales, it was with great pleasure for me (and probably my dad as well) that I reminded him of those words. And, he has continued to be my greatest advisor and supporter. (Perhaps he knew that telling me 'I couldn't do something' was the BEST way to motivate me to do it?!)

Seven years into the journey, my dashingly handsome husband joined the company. Growing the company together, enduring all the ups and downs…with a LOT of blood, sweat, and tears…as well as lots of laughter, triumphs, and joy… has been a tremendously fun adventure! We quickly learned that part of our happy-marriage plan is to NOT carpool into work together…and to have offices at opposite ends of the building. And…we live and work happily ever after!

Whether you are a vendor, client, or simply interested, thank you for letting us share part of our story!