I wrote love letters to companies. This one responded.

In delving deeper into rejection therapy, the tool aimed at overcoming my fear of failure, I realised that a warm-up may be necessary to kick things off. That is, before I start going up to randoms on the street with embarassing questions like “Can I get a high five” or “Can I tell you a joke?”.

Here my journey to taking risks starts… I emailed companies of varying sizes, requesting their kindness, in turn, for my potentially one-sided poems of adoration (without the assistance of AI, might I just add).

I had three basic rules for myself:

1. Try out some variations on my swag requests to test the responses.
2. Only reach out to companies I really like and admire, so as not to waste good merch.
3. Not to beat myself up for imperfect poems — the goal was creative efficiency, not an honourary medal in romanticism.

Company 1: Krispy Kreme

My mail

Hi Krispy Kreme,

Hope you’re having a great week so far.

I really enjoy your doughnuts and look forward to all your special holiday-themed ones too. They’re so cute! In hopes of getting some free doughnuts, here’s a poem I wrote.

Krispy Kreme, such a dream

to be eating your golden wear.

In the centre, a Biscoff filling

Makes for the best decadent affair.

Your brand is fun and full of sprinkles

In retro-themed red and green.

Freshly baked for sweet-tooth lovers

and doughnut fanatics like me!

No response

Company 2: Marvel

My mail:

Hey Marvel Team,

Hope you’re having a great week so far.

I’m a huge fan of the comics and movies, especially of Spidey and Barton / Bishop.

Looking forward to Doomsday and Brand New Day!

In hopes of some merch, I thought I’d write a poem for you (no AI help needed).

Marvel is the precipice

of character-building and ever-evolving art;

An amalgamation of innovative continuity,

consistently hitting the target like an arrow dart.

Marvel is for the average Joe (or Anthony) -

The daredevil of artistry.

And like the snap of a finger,

They make it look so easy.

No response

Company 3: Fender

My mail:

Hey Fender,

I’m Hannah, a recent marketing graduate and long-time guitar player.

I’ve just transitioned from acoustic to bass and hoping to expand into electric soon as well! I especially love the Vintera II competition bass — it’s super groovy!

The Fender brand is seriously awesome and I’d love to parade some merch if there happens to be any old stock lying around.

Thanks again for continuing the legacy of great guitar legends to look up to!

Company 4: ButtaNutt

My mail:

Hi ButtaNutt,

I’m a big fan of your brand and love your products, especially the almond and pecan spreads. In hopes of getting a free spread or discount on my next purchase, I thought I’d write you a poem.

ButtaNutt — the versatile champ;

Perfect for quick smoothies or a toast revamp.

You transform an average meal into a healthy diet

It’s so tasty — you’ve got to try it!

Deep roots in South African soil

is how the brand stays stable.

ButtaNutt is truly from farm to table.

Their Response:

Morning Hannah,

Thanks for making us smile! Appreciate you loving all things ButtaNutt.

Send me your address, contact number and a wishlist.

So I sent a wishlist of three items I really enjoyed. Little did I know how my request would impact a random Tuesday morning, when two boxes got delivered to my door. It’s a week on and I’m still in awe!

I receieved some lovely nut butter spreads and cocoa oat milk — yum!

Company 5: Refinery

My mail:

Hi Refinery,

I really like your brand and have been a loyal customer for a few years now. In hopes of receiving a voucher, I thought I’d write you a poem (with no AI help). Enjoy!

Your clothing is as fine as can be.

Your sneakers and tees,

I find in every colour that suits me.

There’s a richness to

providing for the South African market,

Refinery is the go-to for an updated closet.

In customer loyalty

and a wide-grinned emoji

I say thanks a million to Refinery.

No response

Company 6: Kikki.k

My mail:

Hi kikki.K!

I’m Hannah, a recent marketing graduate and long-time fan here.

This one is a personal message. I remember each time my granny would come visit my family when I was younger, she would gift my sister and I something from the kikki.K store. I always used to love the stickers and cute details on the planners and diaries.

Since we’ve got older, the gifts have changed a bit and we also live far away now, but I still think of the brand every so often. I thought I’d reach out and say thanks for the memories — they’re so special! Also, if you happen to have old stock or any swag lying around, I’d gladly receive some.

Thanks again for making a part of my childhood so wondrous.

No response

Company 7: Seattle

My mail:

Hey Seattle!

I’m Hannah, a recent marketing graduate and big Seattle fan!

For the longest time, your company has been a go-to for coffee orders, whether for road trips, fuel top-ups or before the early morning daily grind (get it? :) coffee grind haha)

Just wanted to say that I really appreciate the consistency of this company and all the cool flavours. My dad’s favourite is the butterscotch latte, but I think the mocha or lemon + ginger freeze are my drinks of choice. They’re so good — one for Summer and one for Winter! Oh and should you have any swag lying around, I’d be happy to receive some. :)

Thanks again for having a part to play in the every day.

No response

Company 8: Vans

My Mail

Hey Vans!

I hope you’re having an amazing week so far.

This is an appreciation mail to say I’m a super big fan and I love how you have inspired so many of the greats and legends that I get to look up to in the skateboarding world. I’d be keen to parade some swag if you have any lying around? I also wrote you a little poem to say thanks!

Vans is old skool;

a testament to its longevity,

inspiring millions to get up from each fall

and aspire to a bold reverie.

For, in a world of fakies

the brand continues to move forward,

remaining relevant

while the competition stays tortured.

So thanks, Vans, for the great memories;

Here’s to a couple hundred more ollies.

Their Response

Hi Hannah, Thank you for your email and for sharing your kind words. This has been shared with the Brand team. Keep rocking your VANS! Thank you for your continued support!!

Company 9: Patagonia

My mail:

Hey Patagonia,

I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far!

I’m Hannah, a recent marketing graduate.

Just wanted to say that I really like your brand and the mission to constantly pursue the next adventure, especially in the age we’re living in where everything is digital. Doing outdoorsy things are so holistically important and it’s been a mental health game-changer for me personally. I mean life is just 10x better when we spend it in nature, right?

Your brand is just so awesome and I’ve always loved the gear and styling.

If you have any swag lying around possibly, then I would love that.

Hope your week is super amazing!

No response

An accurate depiction of my state of mind after the fifth silent rejection.

So, here’s what I observed:

• Companies owe me nothing.
• To most businesses I am just a number.
• Start-ups are more likely to be customer-centric.
• For the finance world, a like-for-like mentality is not partial to sentimentality.
• And sometimes I can be bowled over by a person’s generosity, when I simply take the chance to ask.

So, if you’re a business looking for some adoration yourself, feel free to reach out. Apparently I write love notes to businesses now. My only request? I’m a young adult — so could I get something for free?