Started by sisters in Texas and Southern California - Cardinal was named as a tribute to our family, especially our grandparents.

In 1976 our grandfather passed away. Two years later on the day of our parents’ wedding, a cardinal flew into the church and perched behind our father, then led the recessional down the aisle. Years later, our grandmother was visited daily by a cardinal she named Rudy. He returned faithfully, often bringing his own family, and she cherished those visits until the end of her life. After she passed away the cardinals continued to visit her home, and we all took comfort in their continued presence.

For us, cardinals have become a symbol of love, connection, joy, and the quiet ways those we’ve lost can still be present. That spirit lives on in Cardinal, the company.

In January 2025, after searching for chic, high-quality playing cards and finding none, we decided to create our own. Naming the company was easy and two days after the idea sparked, a cardinal landed at our back door. We took it as a sign to begin.