Life & Work with Donna Fuqua

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Fuqua.

Hi Donna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have enjoyed and collected various forms of humor for more than 40 years. Originally, my favorites were Looney Tunes cartoons, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, and The Dick Van Dyke Show, to name a few. Reader’s Digest, particularly Laughter is the Best Medicine, was and still is a favorite.

In preparation for going west, I digitized much of my collection of humor and was inspired to do something with it. However, much of my collection was period-specific and no longer appropriate. Basically, I had to begin again.
I launched Laughter the Best Medicine LLC to provide various forms of comic relief to patients, caregivers, and medical staff. Product for anyone needing a reason to smile.

Dr. Bernie Siegel, a surgeon, shares his many stories about how our mental approach to life wields great power in our physical wellness. My primary influencers are Patch Adams (his red nose is featured in all products), Robin Williams, Dr. Bernie Siegel, Dr. William Fry, and Dr. Robert Provine, to name a few.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overcoming my own personal self-doubts has been my biggest challenge.

The primary focus of this business is to use laughter as a healing therapy. The medical community has begun to welcome the beneficial effects of laughter in their patients.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work entails considerable research into humor and comedy, as well as the effects of laughter on our bodies and psyche. This includes the history, types, and artists of comedy.

This work turns to finding a way to effectively create products that instill the principles found in research.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
By far the most popular, relatable postcard I have is a burning house with the caption “There was a spider! I panicked. But I think it’s gone now”.

Poking fun at our fears and insecurities reduces their negative effect on us. Laughter provides many physical and psychological benefits and is one of many primary factors in choosing who we spend time with.

While Laughter is the Best Medicine is a well-known axiom, diversion is the primary feature. It is easy to get enmeshed in a difficult situation – diversions can help break that cycle, enabling you to see your situation in a new way – laughter adds relief.

Humor and comedy have changed significantly – what was funny 40 years ago is no longer acceptable. We must strive to find humor without offense or degradation.

Our products are developed with these features in mind – I am also working on a book that embraces this concept.

Pricing:

• Postcards – $15 per pack of 5, 9 subjects to choose from
• Playing Cards – $17 per deck
• Magnets (3 3/8” x 4 7/8”) – $3
• 2022 Desktop Calendar – $15

Contact Info:

• Email: info@abucketoflaughs.com
• Website: www.ABucketOfLaughs.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/abucketoflaughs
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/abucketoflaughs/