Creating Connections
Bringing people together has always been in the cards for Jessica Reinhart.
Thoughtful, determined and community-driven, she’s on a mission to bring people closer together in a time when real connection feels harder to find. Her company, Lumitory, creates conversation cards—beautifully simple tools designed to spark meaningful moments and build lasting bonds.
Jessica’s journey to Lumitory starts on the East Coast, where she grew up in Connecticut and launched her career as a journalist. “I’ve always loved stories and connection,” she says. After stints in marketing and photography, life took her and her husband west to Arizona in 2011. “We thought we’d only stay for a year or so,” Jessica laughs. “But we fell in love with Arizona’s people, culture and community. It’s where Lumitory was meant to be.”
The idea for Lumitory didn’t spring from a strategy session or business plan. It came from Jessica’s own experiences. “My husband and I were part of a small group that met weekly,” she explains. “We’d share meals, stories and laughter—it was such a grounding experience. I kept thinking, ‘This is what the world needs more of.’ ”
That spark led to Lumitory’s flagship product: conversation cards. Each set contains 75 prompts, designed to inspire everything from lighthearted laughter to deep, heartfelt discussions.
“The beauty of the cards is their simplicity,” Jessica says. “You open a box, pull out a card, and start talking. Some questions are playful, like, ‘What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?’ Others go deeper, helping people open up and connect on another level.”
Jessica knows firsthand how transformative those moments can be. When her father was battling terminal cancer, she longed to capture his stories and wisdom. “I was mentally and emotionally drained, and I didn’t know where to start,” she recalls. That experience inspired Lumitory’s Legacy set, designed to help families preserve cherished memories.
But like any meaningful endeavor, Lumitory’s path hasn’t always been easy. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges, from halts in gatherings to supply chain struggles. “We honestly considered closing,” Jessica admits. “But after a lot of prayer, we felt this strong sense to double down.” The company rebranded, streamlined its product line, and emerged stronger.
Today, Lumitory is thriving. The cards, designed and printed in Arizona, are sold in hundreds of boutique retailers nationwide and even earned a coveted spot in Magnolia Journal’s holiday gift guide. But for Jessica, the real success comes from hearing how Lumitory has touched lives.
“One customer bought every single set we make and said, ‘I really think these are going to make our lives better,’” Jessica shares. “Another friend uses the cards to help her son on the autism spectrum build social skills. That’s what keeps us going—knowing we’re making a difference.”
As Lumitory grows, Jessica remains focused on the heart of the company: creating space for connection. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” she says. “Because sometimes, all it takes to bring people closer is the courage to ask a good question.”
Photography by Mark Lipczynski
