“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” This powerful quote, emblematic of embracing life’s challenges with joy and resilience, comes from the insightful mind of Vivian Greene. A prominent figure in the toy and game industry, Greene is not only known for her whimsical “Kisses” characters but also for her profound inspirational messages that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Her journey and philosophies offer a compelling perspective on creativity, perseverance, and finding joy even amidst life’s inevitable storms, making “Dance In Rain” more than just a quote – it’s a way of life.
The Origin of Inspiration: Seattle Rain & Personal Philosophy
Vivian Greene’s connection to the concept of “dance in rain” is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Seattle, a city famed for its frequent rainfall. She affectionately refers to her hometown environment as “THE SEATTLE RAIN FESTIVAL,” underscoring how the persistent rain wasn’t seen as a deterrent but rather as a backdrop to life itself. This perspective is crucial to understanding the essence of her now-famous quote. It’s not about passively waiting for difficulties to disappear; instead, it’s an active choice to engage with life fully, to find movement and joy even when circumstances are less than ideal. This philosophy permeates her work and personal ethos, advocating for a proactive and positive approach to navigating life’s unpredictable nature.
From Greeting Cards to Global Impact: The Journey of Kisses
Greene’s career began with her endearing “Kisses” characters, initially conceived as a line of greeting cards. These characters quickly gained popularity, evolving into a syndicated comic strip and eventually adorning a wide array of merchandise, reminiscent of iconic figures like Mickey Mouse or Snoopy. The expansion was remarkable, with her cards even finding their way into a chain of 55 salons. A pivotal moment in her journey occurred when she met Maria, a manicurist who inspired the creation of handmade dolls featuring the Kisses characters. This serendipitous encounter not only led to a heartwarming personal connection but also marked the entry of Kisses into the toy industry. Licensing offers soon followed after Greene exhibited these unique dolls at the Book Expo, demonstrating how personal stories and genuine connections can seed creative and commercial success.
“All That Is Real Is Seen With The Heart”: Core Values in Toys and Games
Greene’s passion extends beyond mere commercial success; she deeply values the messages conveyed through toys and games. She expresses immense admiration for the movie “TROLLS,” praising its thematic depth which aligns perfectly with her own trademarked message: “All that is real is seen with the heart.”® However, she also voices a concern about the missed potential in toy merchandise, wishing the toys themselves could embody and communicate these profound themes more effectively. Furthermore, Greene is acutely aware of ethical issues within the industry, particularly the persistent problem of abuse and child labor. This concern reflects her commitment to ensuring that the joy and innocence associated with toys are not tainted by unethical practices, highlighting her dedication to creating products with both heart and integrity.
Advice for Inventors: Embodying Inspirational Stories
For aspiring inventors in the toy and game industry, Greene offers simple yet profound advice: “Embody elements of the stories and quotes of mine that are so popular.” She emphasizes that incorporating her inspirational quotes into product design can add significant depth and resonance. Quotes like “Giving is the highest expression of our power,” and “Life is for giving so forgiveness is the key,” encapsulate her core beliefs and offer rich thematic material for product development. By weaving these messages of positivity, generosity, and resilience into new toy and game ideas, inventors can create products that not only entertain but also inspire and uplift, fostering a deeper connection with consumers who seek more than just fleeting amusement.
Childhood Influences and Creative Spark
Reflecting on her childhood, Greene shares insights into the early seeds of her creativity and empathetic nature. Crayons, she reveals, were and remain her “best friend,” highlighting a lifelong passion for artistic expression. She recounts her special bond with her one-armed doll, Maggie, emphasizing how she taught Maggie to adapt and thrive despite limitations. This anecdote mirrors her broader life philosophy of focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, and finding creative solutions in the face of challenges. These early experiences underscore the development of her innate creativity and her compassionate worldview, both of which are foundational to her adult work and inspirational messaging.
Turning Setbacks into Strengths: Lessons from Life
Greene’s professional journey is punctuated with instances where she turned adversity into opportunity, truly learning to “dance in the rain.” She recounts being fired from an advertising agency for standing up against inappropriate behavior, an incident she retrospectively views as “one of the best lessons of my life.” This seemingly negative event led to freelance success and significantly increased her earnings, demonstrating her resilience and ability to thrive even after setbacks. Similarly, she shares a challenging experience of cancelling contracts due to ethical concerns about child labor. While this decision initially removed her Kisses creations from the market, she learned a valuable lesson about the power of collaboration and positive influence. Instead of solely opposing unethical practices, she now advocates for helping companies and vendors adopt ethical standards and practices, transforming potential infringements into legitimate and beneficial partnerships.
Diverse Inspirations and Creative Lifestyle
Vivian Greene’s inspiration is drawn from a rich tapestry of life experiences and passions. She lists nature, creativity, music, films, dance, flying, and puppies as her key sources of inspiration, showcasing a wide-ranging appreciation for beauty, movement, and joy in various forms. Her hobbies, notably “Dance Dance Dance,” are not just leisure activities but extensions of her life philosophy – actively engaging with life, expressing herself, and finding joy in movement. Her aspiration to be a catalyst for ending child slavery and pioneering new models of crowdfunding further exemplifies her proactive approach to life and her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. For Vivian Greene, “dance in rain” is not merely a quote; it’s a lived experience, a continuous engagement with life’s rhythms, both challenging and joyful.
In conclusion, Vivian Greene embodies the spirit of “dance in rain” in both her professional endeavors and personal life. Her journey from creating greeting cards to becoming a respected voice in the toy and game industry is a testament to her creativity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to positive values. Her life story, interwoven with inspirational quotes and a proactive approach to challenges, serves as a powerful reminder to embrace life fully, find joy in every moment, and indeed, learn to dance even when it rains. Looking forward, Greene’s vision extends to hosting a telethon to celebrate new talent, relaunching her Kisses brand on a global scale, and continuing her advocacy against child slavery, all driven by the same philosophy of turning vision into action and inspiring positive change in the world.
