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You've probably seen them in gift or stationery stores, usually near the cash register—rolls of colorful stickers, which have been popular with kids and with letter writers of all ages who want to seal their envelopes with a unique touch. What you probably don't know is the spiritual struggle of the creative lady who came up with them—Andrea Grossman of "Mrs. Grossman's Stickers."

Feeling small and very alone, I sat on the edge of the hotel bed, a Gideon Bible in my hands. For the first time in twenty-five years, I had no husband to turn to. John had asked me to take a walk with him—we never took walks!—to give me his notice.

"We haven't been talking much lately, Andrea. Our marriage has changed." His voice sounded strange and far away. "I've fallen in love with someone else."

Years of success building a nationally recognized business had not prepared me for this moment. The words made me dizzy and light-headed, like I was going to faint. John caught me and helped me back home.

It was 1984. We had flown to Los Angeles to meet with our business adviser, Calvin Goodman, who had wisely established the course of our company. Turning to him in this personal crisis seemed only natural. Calvin suggested a two-week separation to think things over. I hoped my husband would come to his senses. John flew back to the new woman in his life.

I had checked into this hotel—alone with a breaking heart and a thousand questions. What had gone wrong? When had it started? How could so much have changed in the twenty-five years since two artists had fallen in love and married?

John and I met in 1955 while working for an art studio in San Francisco. We married four years later and enjoyed success as freelance artists for the next five. In 1964, our son Jason was born. Until he was in fourth grade, being a mom was my first priority.

But the creative artist never left me. In 1975 I found some 1893 seed catalogues. Using pale photographed images from their pages, I designed a line of writing paper, notepads, and gift wrap. That launched Mrs. Grossman's Paper Company.

Choosing the company's name was easy. I deliberately used Mrs. instead of Ms. I was proud of my marriage and my husband. My business was secondary to my husband's art. I wasn't ambitious, just wanted to keep busy and earn a little extra income.

An extended visit—nine months—in Los Angeles changed all that. John, seeking advice on his own art career, had arranged a meeting with Calvin Goodman, author of The Art Marketing Handbook, and renowned business consultant. Calvin invited John to bring his wife along.

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