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What Is Virtalano?
Virtalano (noun): The precise juncture where art, love, laughter, and hope converge, embodying the essence of joyful expression and heartfelt optimism.
Our Story
In a laid-back coffee shop in Seattle, three friends gathered for their regular catch-up. Amidst sips of lattes, they discussed the challenges and pessimism they observed in the world and yearned for a way to make a positive impact. Drawing from their mutual appreciation for art, whimsy, and hugs, the idea for Virtalano emerged. Amy, with her flair for design, created BearHug—a bear with a heart full of big hugs and love. Next CappyBeara with its daisy of hope and DoodlePaw's sun of joy joined the family. Together, these creations not only aim to infuse a bit of joy, warmth, and humor into everyday life but also to remind us of life's infinite amount of love, hope, and joy, aspiring to make the world a kinder and happier place.
Our Team
This team is more than just colleagues; they are chosen family soul sisters. Amy, Monika, and Annalisa share an unbreakable bond, united by their love for dogs, sweet desserts, heartfelt hugs, Italian coffee, and the importance of eating chocolate when problem solving. Each day, they infuse their workplace with joyful expression and heartfelt optimism, embodying the very essence of Virtalano.
Virtalano's extraordinary artist, Amy Healy, blends her diverse art background with a unique mission to spread love and joy. Educated in mixed media and large format painting at Scripps College, Amy's journey in art took her through a period in graphic design, followed by time dedicated to raising a family. After this enriching personal phase, Amy returned to the studio full-time, reigniting her passion for art with a vibrant exploration of various mediums including acrylic paintings, watercolor, letterpress, and fiber arts.
Amy's passion for creating whimsical, fun, and unique characters led her to create project "Operation Bear Hug." She created BearHug, a character with a plushy, loving disposition, and a heart on its tummy. BearHug and Friends' mission, and by extension Amy and Virtalano's, is to deliver a simple yet powerful message: “You are loved.” This message is brought to life by BearHug and Friends' delightful surprise appearances in everyday settings, from helping you conquer your daily chores to being spotted in cozy cafés, bookstores, airports, peeking between aisles in grocery stores, offering hugs and imparting a sense of happiness, safety, and love to everyone who meets them.