“We want to create a footprint in this community that kicks in doors to give access to folks like me.”
When Marcus Bullock was just 15, he faced a life-altering challenge. Arrested and sentenced to eight years in adult maximum security prison for carjacking, he found himself in a place where hope seemed distant. Two years into his sentence and struck with darkness and despair, his mother rescued him from the dark with simple letters. “Those letters saved my life!” Marcus recalls, reflecting on the promise his mother made to send him a picture or letter every day for the remaining six years of his imprisonment. This consistent connection to the outside world through his mother’s letters became a lifeline for Marcus, providing a vision for a future beyond the prison walls.
Innovative Solutions to a Persistent Problem
Marcus’s journey from incarceration to innovation is nothing short of inspiring. As the Founder and CEO of Flikshop, Marcus has channeled his experiences into creating a platform that connects incarcerated individuals with their families through personalized postcards. Each Flikshop postcard symbolizes love, hope, and resilience, filled with words of encouragement, emojis, and even confessions of yearning.
“We want to create a footprint in this community that kicks in doors to give access to folks like me,” says Marcus. “People who come from neighborhoods like mine or have been in prison cells like I was, they want to come home to a thriving community and economy. When we’re thinking about building innovative solutions, it’s very important to learn how to jump out of the window and build a parachute on the way down,” Marcus advises. This mission is at the heart of Flikshop’s innovative approach to combating recidivism.
From Incarceration to Innovation: The Genesis of Flikshop
Marcus’ path to founding Flikshop began while in maximum security prison. “By the time I served the first two years, I became very dark and depressed,” Marcus recalls. His life took a pivotal turn during a visit from his mother, Ms. Bullock, who made a promise that would ignite the spark of hope he desperately needed.
“Marcus, I’m going to write you a letter or send you a picture every day for the remaining six years of your sentence,” his mother vowed. True to her word, Ms. Bullock sent daily letters and photos, creating a lifeline for Marcus that extended beyond the prison walls, providing a window to the outside world and a vision for a life beyond incarceration.
This profound experience of receiving love and support through letters became the foundation for what would later become Flikshop. Marcus realized that the simple act of staying connected to loved ones could transform the lives of incarcerated individuals, just as it had transformed his own. The idea of Flikshop was born out of this understanding: a platform designed to help others maintain connections with their families, providing hope and reducing the sense of isolation that often accompanies incarceration.
Flikshop allows users to create personalized 4” x 6” full-color postcards featuring photos and messages, which are then printed and shipped directly to their loved ones in prison. This innovative approach leverages technology to bridge the communication gap in the prison system.
By transforming his personal experiences into a powerful tool for connection, Marcus has created a platform that supports incarcerated individuals and works towards ending recidivism. Flikshop proves that innovation’s light can shine even in the darkest places.
Redefining Communication in Prisons
Flikshop is more than just a postcard service; it’s a revolutionary communication tool. The Flikshop app allows users to send 4” x 6” full-color postcards, complete with personal photos and messages, directly to their incarcerated loved ones. With over 3,700 correctional facilities approving these postcards, Flikshop ensures that families can maintain their bonds despite physical separation. The postcards are shipped within 48 hours, providing a timely and consistent means of connection.
Security and Innovation Hand-in-Hand
Understanding the stringent security measures within correctional facilities, Flikshop goes the extra mile. Their machine learning technology scans each postcard for inappropriate content, ensuring safety and compliance with facility regulations. This dedication to security does not compromise the personal touch that makes each Flikshop postcard a cherished memento for its recipient.
Empowering Through Education and Employment
But Flikshop’s innovation doesn’t stop at communication. Marcus and his team are passionate about addressing the larger systemic issues contributing to high recidivism rates. “We’re excited about innovating around how people think about the future of work,” Marcus explains. “We’re introducing companies to the talent from these marginalized communities.”
The Flikshop School of Business (FSB) epitomizes this commitment. Founded in 2016, FSB offers justice-involved individuals and their families access to courses that prepare them for careers in technology and entrepreneurship. Partnering with esteemed institutions like Georgetown University, Princeton University, and major corporations such as Google and Slack, FSB provides free education, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder personal growth and development.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Marcus has ambitious plans for Flikshop. “We’re going to bring 100,000 formerly incarcerated people into the tech-based and knowledge-based skills industries,” he states, reflecting a goal that is as inspiring as necessary. This vision extends beyond mere employment; it is about creating a sustainable future where formerly incarcerated individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Flikshop Angels and The Neighborhood
Flikshop also ensures that the financial burden of staying connected does not fall solely on the families. Through initiatives like Flikshop Angels, credits are provided so families can send photos for free. The Neighborhood program connects community organizations and second-chance employers with incarcerated individuals, fostering stronger and more equitable communities.
As Flikshop continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals and their families becomes more profound. Through technology, education, and a steadfast commitment to ending recidivism, Flikshop is not just changing lives but rebuilding communities and redefining the future for those who need it most.
