We are excited to announce the Beastie Besties collection, a collaboration between Stickers4 and Brilliantly Brave.
This unique collection adds purpose to purchase, offering designs that not only brighten up your space but also support mental health initiatives. Founded by Jean and Stuart, Brilliantly Brave is dedicated to creating products that make a meaningful impact. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jean and Stuart to learn more about their inspiring journey and the mission behind this beautiful collection.
Origins & Mission
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your backgrounds and what inspired you to create Brilliantly Brave?
We’re Jean and Stuart, and between us, we cover mental health and design. Jean has worked in mental health for years, in the public sector, charities, private coaching, you name it. She started Green Ribbons to make support more accessible, especially for people in rural areas who often slip through the cracks. She also runs The Midlife Mingle, a menopause support group. This year, Jean was honoured by being named one of the f:entrepreneur 100 most inspiring female leaders in the UK, recognised at the Scottish Parliament, and even invited to the House of Lords!
Stuart comes from the creative side. He studied design history, spent twenty years teaching design in a social care setting, and later founded I Like Birds, licensing art for over a decade. It’s been a finalist in numerous industry awards, from the B&LLAs to The Henries, Gift of the Year, and the Calendar and Stationery Awards.
The idea for Brilliantly Brave actually started with Jean. She asked, “Do you think we could make a supportive card?” because many of the people she worked with said there just wasn’t anything out there that expressed what they needed. It snowballed from there. We realised we could make cards that not only offered emotional support but also helped fill a real funding gap, especially in rural areas like ours in Scotland where access to mental health services is limited.
So we did. We make products that are kind, honest, and actually make a difference and 100% of the profits fund mental health support in our local area.
Q: “Purchase With Purpose” is a phrase we love. What does it mean to you personally and as a brand?
It’s about buying with intention, not just picking up something because it’s convenient but thinking about what else that purchase can do. “Purchase With Purpose” is our way of saying: If you're going to spend, why not choose something that gives back too? It's a simple way to make a positive impact while getting something you love.
For us, that purpose means recognising that mental health challenges aren’t something you choose. They can touch any one of us, whether it’s us personally or someone we love. So, 100% of Brilliantly Brave's profits goes into mental health initiatives, coaching, support groups, and training community members to be mental health first aiders. Buy something beautiful and do something brilliant.
The Stickers4 Collaboration
Q: What inspired you to expand beyond greeting cards into products like wall, window, and laptop stickers?
It’s something we had in mind from day one. Stuart’s got experience in licensing through I Like Birds, which meant “these designs on other products” was baked in from the start. That’s why we designed the illustrations with versatility in mind.
People had already told us they were framing our cards, which is incredibly flattering, but also gave us a clue: people want to live with our designs. Stickers just made sense, they’re joyful, easy to use, and a bit of cheer on your wall can go a long way.
Stickers4 x Brilliantly Brave stickers are another way for people to show they care, decorate their space, and support something meaningful at the same time.
Q: How did the partnership with Stickers4 come about, and what made it feel like the right fit?
We bumped into Dan and Alex at Brand Licensing Europe, over at the This is Iris stand. They were chatting with Sarah, who runs This is Iris and also happens to be our licensing agent. Stuart had previously worked with Stickers4 on I Like Birds, so there was already a foundation of trust, friendship, and shared creative references.
From the start, they were totally on board. They understood what we were trying to do, didn’t blink at the words “mental health,” and immediately started talking about scaling up a Giraffe.
We also knew they were excellent at what they do. In licensing, there can sometimes be a bit of “fingers crossed” when you hand over your brand baby to someone else. But Stickers4 are one of those partners who not only “get it” but also elevate it. You always want to work with best-in-class partners, and Stickers4 absolutely are.
Q: What has it been like collaborating with the Stickers4 team so far? Could you share any behind-the-scenes insights into how you've worked together?
A joy, just people who know their stuff and are lovely to work with. We handed over our artwork and messaging, and they came back with ideas that made everything better.
They kept us updated all the way through with images and videos of prototypes, which was quite something to see. It’s so exciting to watch the designs come to life, and the equipment and skill they have still boggles the mind.
So how’s it been? Super smooth, very enjoyable, and an absolute pleasure from start to launch. Hopefully, that shines through in the finished products.
Q: What was the creative process like in bringing the “Beastie” wall stickers to life?
It was fun! Mostly a game of creative ping-pong between Dan and Stuart, with Sarah as the occasional umpire! Very informal, but super productive. We never felt like we were being pushed or pulled in a direction we didn’t want to go. It just flowed, like working with friends.
There’s also been space for spontaneous ideas, Dan asked us a question part-way through that sparked something completely new, and we’re now building a whole card range from that one moment. That’s the kind of working relationship we love, where ideas grow naturally and collaboratively.
What makes Stickers4 such a great licensee is that they respect the heart of the brand, but also bring loads of their own experience and insight.
Q: Do you have a personal favourite design or message from the collection?
We should probably say we love them all equally, and we do… but the Fox has a certain charm and the prototype is already up on one of our walls. Then again, the Lion’s a bit of a scene-stealer. The Koala’s a gentle soul. And the Stag? Feels right at home here in Moray.
So yes. All of them. Can’t choose. Won’t choose.
These characters are part of our Beastie Besties collection - created to inspire children with courage, kindness, and creativity. Each design is part of the Stickers4 x Brilliantly Brave collaboration, and this is just the beginning… more bold, uplifting creations are on the way!
