In a market where many brands rely on a single muse to represent women, illustrator and entrepreneur Diane Jones Richards took a different approach. Through her Black woman-owned brand, Sparkle Blu, Richards has created more than 50 original illustrated women, each with distinct features, expressions, and personalities, so grown women can find the one that feels most like them.
Sparkle Blu was born from a simple but often overlooked reality: many women do not see themselves reflected in everyday products. Rather than offering one image meant to stand in for everyone, Richards built a growing collection of characters designed to reflect range, individuality, and real life.
“Sparkle Blu doesn’t ask women to see themselves in one image,” says Richards. “It gives them many to choose from.”
Each illustrated character appears across Sparkle Blu’s stationery and lifestyle products, including greeting cards, notepads, and stickers. The products are often used for journaling, gifting, and personal encouragement, and customers are drawn to the ability to choose a character that feels familiar rather than symbolic.
What began as hand-drawn illustrations by a self-taught artist has grown into a character-driven brand built largely by Richards herself. Over time, Sparkle Blu has resonated with women who value recognition over trends and authenticity over perfection.
Richards hopes Sparkle Blu’s approach encourages broader conversations about representation, particularly the idea that being seen does not mean fitting into a single image, but having space to exist as you are.
Sparkle Blu products are available online at SparkleBlu.com
Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram @sparkle_blu
About
Sparkle Blu is a woman-owned stationery and lifestyle brand founded by illustrator Diane Jones Richards. Built around a growing collection of more than 50 illustrated characters, Sparkle Blu creates products that celebrate individuality and help grown women feel seen in everyday moments.
For press inquiries, contact hello@sparkleblu.com