How One Woman Makes $80,000 a Year Sending ‘Snail Mail’ to Kids

Wendy Lattimore of Fredericksburg, Virginia, is reaping the rewards of encouraging kids to read. Here’s how:

“When my son was little, I helped him get excited about reading by sending him letters from an imaginary snail named Sunny, who traveled the world delivering mail — you should have seen him run to the mailbox each week! Then, a few years ago, I wanted to launch my own business, but was having trouble figuring out what I was ‘good’ at. I happened to open an old drawer, and there were those letters! If Sunny could help my son, why not share him with kids around the world?

“I started by polishing up the letters and illustrations, creating the subscription service and building a website, Snail Mail for Kids, so parents all over could easily sign up for a subscription online (they start at $14 a month).

“My mom and I print the letters, stuff them with stickers, pictures, and trading cards, then send hundreds of letters weekly to kids from Sunny. Recently, we had Sunny made into a super-cute stuffed animal so my loyal readers can snuggle with him as they read his letters. It makes me so happy that children are excited about reading, using their imagination, and learning about the world. There are lots of kids who live in remote areas without friends, and they love Sunny because he’s a good friend who writes to them every week!

“In 2018, I earned $40,000; in 2017, that figure doubled to $80,000. The money I make will help me retire and allow me to spend time with my family, all while making a positive impact.”

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.