“The most exciting place to discover talent is in yourself.”

-Ashleigh Brilliant, 1933

English Author and Cartoonist

I first became aware of Lana Frankel's extraordinary artistic talent last year when we received one of her couture Christmas cards from close family friends. It was a depiction of the family in front of their home, an image that distinctively and beautifully captured each person's unique personality and spirit. As a self-proclaimed Christmas card connoisseur, I quickly turned over the card, curious to see where the design originated, and made note of the artist's name.

Though we have sent and received many treasured personal holiday cards over the years, this one stood out. Lana's artistic talent allowed her to convey what no photograph ever could. Her intuitive understanding of her subjects was effortlessly conveyed, in just a line or two, and in doing so, she was able to capture the exquisite beauty of each individual. Her work touched my heart and I knew that I needed to meet this artist. It was clear to me that she was a special woman. My instincts turned out to be right. As many of us already know, instincts usually are.

The next month, I found myself chairing a committee and personally procuring Silent and Live Auction items for an upcoming charity event . As I went through my Rolodex of colleagues, friends, family and associates, I came upon Lana's contact information. Without a moment's hesitation, I picked up the phone and dialed. When Lana heard about the cause, she immediately agreed to take part. She would offer the highest bidder a privately commissioned piece of her artwork. Though I had originally been impressed with her talent, I was even more impressed by her giving nature and kind heart. That impression has only increased over the year that I have known her.

We arranged to meet near her office in New York , where she worked at VOGUE, to discuss her silent auction offering. It was so generous that I felt the need to reward this young woman with my business as well. We agreed on a family portrait and 200 Christmas cards. I provided her with pictures of each family member and told her a little bit about each of us. In turn, she asked me thoughtful questions that would allow her to best represent each subject's essence. An excellent listener and observer, she easily honed in on what this portrait and the card needed to convey. She immediately understood the significance of this year: not only for us as a family unit but also as individuals. I cannot say I was surprised when she presented us with the final piece. It was better, and much more personal, than any photograph could convey. Lana listens with her head and her heart.

Lana has artistic talent. No question. It is Lana's passion and her innate interest in others that turbo charges her talent and makes her work stand apart. Seeing someone embrace and use their talents is as good (if not better) for the witnesses as it is for the person herself. I cheered Lana on as she launched her own website, making the dream of having her own business a reality.

I asked Lana recently if she had a mission statement or a guiding premise as she birthed this new venture. She told me, “I truly believe that in all things, Nice matters. I share this message through my illustrations and hope that others will pass it on by sending one of my Lana's Shop cards to those they love.”

Lana's boyfriend was unable to be in his family's Christmas card photograph this year because he is overseas, serving as a member of the United States Military. This past Christmas, Lana created a holiday card for his mother that included her son. He couldn't be home for the traditional family photograph but this didn't change the age-old tradition of giving and receiving pictures of loved ones at Christmas. Lana's talent and her kindness allowed her to depict a family together in spirit at one of the hardest times military families face: the holidays. You're right, Lana. Nice does matter. This is just one example of how your generosity of spirit combined with your abundant talent made a powerful statement and contribution to this world. You showed me, in yet another expression of your gifts, what being a beautiful person is all about.

As someone who is personally and professionally committed to ensuring individuals live into their full potential so they can make a difference in the lives of others, I am thrilled to feature Lana Frankel as April's Beautiful Person. Additionally, I am fascinated by Lana's talent: how it was identified, developed and expressed. Lana shares: “I have always loved to draw and paint, colorfully and freely. Making homemade cards for people just became what I did as a child, and it didn't occur to me until sometime in college, when having a conversation with my Mom in the car ,that I could actually pursue it as a career. I mean, what could be better!?! In this world of e-mail and cell phones, there is nothing more special than receiving a hand written card that you can treasure forever. It is such a simple way to show someone you care and bring a smile to their face. It is a gift to be a part of that exchange.” Lana is one to give credit where credit is due and emphasizes the importance of supporting the expression of natural talent: “I never think this could be possible without everyone around me and their continual support and kindness: My Mom, my entire family, my friends, my clients and those who I work with at VOGUE.”

The identification, development and expression of talent is a beautiful thing. By celebrating other's talents we bring out each person's individual beauty and more beautiful people emerge , people like Lana Frankel, to share their gifts with us. It is up to each one of us to find the beautiful person and the abundant talent that is inside each and every one of us. When you see it : do everything in your power to encourage and support it. This is the way each of us can make a difference...and find the beauty in every day.

To learn more about Lana, please visit her current website at: http://lanafrankel.com