It was then Fahrion created the original graphic and color depiction for Strawberry Shortcake and [1] her cat Custard, along with Blueberry Muffin and Huckleberry Pie.

Her sister, Susan Trentel, crafted the first Strawberry Shortcake doll based on Fahrion's original greeting card design.

The world of Strawberry Shortcake made a big impact, and in two years, it went from a 12 card series to an entire selection of books, clothing, dolls, toy accessories, and home decor.

The Shortcake group joined Herself the Elf, Holly Hobbie and Ziggy forming the new toy and licensing division "Those Characters from Cleveland" (TCFC), under the American Greetings banner but located in a separate building.

Fahrion took several years away from American Greetings freelancing for Fisher-Price, developing illustrations for the Puffalumps and working with Disney and Snoopy licensing.