Brenna has been meaning to do this for years. Aren't you glad she finally did? Based in Chicago, Brenna runs Starpokes – a mailer that launched in September 2025 with stickers at its heart and a last-minute letter that snuck in and never left.
As part of our snail mail residency – a celebration of handwritten letters and the people who still send them – we asked Brenna 10 questions. Enjoy!
How did it all start?
I wanted my own little corner of the internet to share my art, so I launched my sticker club in September 2025 after years of it being on my to-do list. The letter was a super last-minute addition that now I can’t imagine my mail without. The members of that first month received a letter printed on paper that my mom had kept around from when I was a kid, which is pretty special.
What do you love about snail mail?
I love that it gives me a moment to slow down. It takes a lot of thought and intention to sit down and write a letter or package something up for someone else, and it’s always evident how much love goes into it. Snail mail should be considered a sixth love language.
Best piece of mail you’ve ever received?
My grandma sends care packages with baked treats and other goodies around the holidays, and I always look forward to the poppyseed bread.
What’s your most treasured stationery item?
I have a collection of rubber stamps that I’ve sourced from a second-hand art supply store over the last couple of years. Part of the fun was the process of digging through boxes and boxes to find the perfect stamps, and I love to use them for decorating envelopes and wrapping paper. One of my favorite stamps is a rocking horse.
Take us inside your process – how does a letter come together?
My letters are the most “trust the process” part of my snail mail, and I usually have no idea where a letter will start until I feel a sudden spark. I take a month to consider what I’ve been enjoying lately, what I’ve been thinking about, the theme of that month’s art, or what the month itself brings up.
If it fits, I like to share a childhood memory or something about myself that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. The most important part is that it feels personal and hopefully connects with the person reading it.
Do you follow themes, or does each one evolve as you go?
It evolves each month, which I think is part of the fun! I do have a list of themes and potential plants and animals to draw, but I really let my heart guide me. I never quite know what I’ll end up doing until the designs are complete.
How do you want your subscribers to feel when they open their mail?
I hope they feel excited to open up their mail, and inspired to create some cute journal spreads.
Go-to soundtrack when packing your mail?
I listen to a lot of folk music typically, but there’s something about packing mail that makes me want to listen to early 2000s music.
Describe your snail mail community in 3 words.
Creative, thoughtful, and nostalgic.
What’s the perfect way to finish a letter?
I like to tie up my thoughts, but also leave it open to reflection for the reader. I love leaving a little room for pondering.
