A mother and daughter from a small town in central Alberta have built a mail club they hope will empower women around the globe. Each month, Sandra and Danielle Von Hollen choose a woman from history who inspires them – this month, Mexican-American writer Clarissa Pinkola Estés – and create a handmade art print, write-up and other small mindfulness goodies and journal prompts to send to their club members. “We sat down and planned for a whole year, and we get so excited when we do the stories, pick our women and get into what she’s all about and what we’ll teach our viewers and subscribers,” Sandra said. “We know we’ve got it and nailed it when we each get goosebumps.” Their goal in the $15/month themed mail club, called Making a Ripple, includes materials with a goal: “Guides to make ripples in your own community, guides to become a better you, whatever that means to you … Our main objective is to make the world just a little bit brighter and create ripples,” they say. The two have amassed more than 400 members since beginning the project in March 2026. They’ve sent to mailboxes as far as France and Spain. Twenty-four-year-old Danielle, who’s been drawing “since (she) could hold a pencil,” designs and creates each piece of art herself. Sandra researches and writes the accompanying piece. Each featured icon has her own backstory, history, mythology or lore both women take care to embody in the work. “This isn’t just a random story you’re going to receive in the mail,” Danielle said. “It’s something you can take, hold in your hands, sit by a fire, have some quality ‘you’ time.” The two already work together doing laser engraving, Sandra added, meaning this “heart project” was an extension of what Danielle describes as a “sassy and spicy but creating things nicely” dynamic they already had. “I think working together is a blessing, and I have huge gratitude for that. Really, we bring out the very best in each other,” Sandra said. “Sometimes, the very worst in each other as well.” Despite the worldly recognition, Alberta still dominates their demographic. The team hopes it’s because their memo – “Strong women build stronger women,” – resonates. “Since COVID, there’s been a really big disconnect of people getting back together and gathering. That’s where we wanted to fill that gap, inspire other women through our mail club, say, ‘Hey, you’re allowed to still go out and create your own group and mingle with other women,’” Danielle said. They also hope to remind women everywhere where they came from -- everywhere. “There’s a lot of cool women to choose from. We can see this going forever because I don’t know when we’ll run out of content,” Sandra added.
