We had the pleasure of chatting with Nika Smernoff at Calligraphette & Co. in Washington, DC. Nika is a calligrapher and designer with a decade of experience in the industry. Below, Nika explains how she got her start, what keeps her going, her favorite trends, and more!
Q: Tell us about yourself and how your studio came to be? What was your inspiration?
During my first semester of graduate school in 2015, studying the relationship between pandemics and national security of all things, I found calligraphy and quickly fell in love with spending meditative evenings practicing my letters. In 2016, I started a business doing envelope calligraphy to help pay my way through school. When I received my degree in 2018, I figured I could either wonder where Calligraphette & Co. could’ve gone or jump into working for myself full-time. I had fallen in love with the wedding industry and loved the thrill of being able to see someone else’s vision and help translate it into something beautiful and tactile.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Weddings are just such a happy time in people’s lives. My clients are figuring out how to express their love for each other and their personality as a couple for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. In particular, I get to make people realize they’re creative, help them make something that they didn’t realize was possible, and hopefully ease a little of the stress that other parts of wedding planning can create.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of your business?
My end goal is for my clients to have an invitation tucked away somewhere in a keepsake box, to find with their children one day, and be transported 25 years back in time to when they were engaged. Whether that means curating and personalizing a Bella Figura design or creating something from scratch, I want to create heirloom pieces for people to enjoy. Not everyone wants to take on the work it takes to create custom designs, even if they have the taste for it. If I can continue to help couples send out invitations that rise to the occasion of their wedding, I’ll always consider that a success.
Q: Do you have any current trends you’re loving?
I’m loving the trend of non-rectangular inserts! Whether it’s a circle or a custom die-cut, playing with shapes is such a fun way to bring life into an invitation suite. Velvet is a trend I’m excited to try, especially with letterpress and foil printing. Although this isn’t a new trend, I’m always a fan of putting pets on wax seals! It’s a great way to give a nod to an important family member without necessarily making them the focus of the invitation suite. Lastly, I’d say custom match boxes because they’re so unexpected and also so much fun to have after the wedding!
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with you to create their event stationery?
One theme that I’ve noticed in reviews is that I always go the extra mile and put myself fully into the design process with each client, making it easy for the client and bringing their vision to life. Almost all of my clients apologize early in the process for being picky and too detail-oriented, and I always tell them that the best clients are the ones who care about the small details. I’m always happy to refine font choices and make adjustments to colors in order to have a design reflect exactly what you see in your head, even if it’s hard to describe.
Clients usually say that I was their most responsive vendor, combining warmth and professionalism to make their decisions as easy as possible. I’m also notorious for becoming good friends with my local clients, so chances are, if you’re located in DC, we’ll be grabbing a glass of prosecco after your wedding to catch up!
Q: Anything else we should know or that you would like to share?
There can be a lot of focus on how to make your wedding about other people. Don’t get me wrong. Of course, you want your guests to have a wonderful time, for your friends and family to mingle and create memories, and for the day to run smoothly. Invitations are perhaps the one aspect of your wedding where you don’t really have to consider anyone else and do just what you want. This doesn’t have to mean spending months crafting something from scratch, but getting to play with paper and colors and discuss what designs you and your fiance like is such a joyful part of the planning process. A good stationer will make it feel like fun, with minimal to no homework for you to do, providing a glimmer of ease in an otherwise email and logistics-heavy process.
Today we are celebrating our friend Frances Ledgewood of Ledgewood Fine Stationery in Harvest, Alabama. With an impressive twenty-year career, Frances is a true luminary in the wedding industry. Below, Frances shares the passion and inspiration behind the company and team’s success.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’ve been married for ten wonderful years, a testament to my belief in the enduring power of love and marriage. My family is my cornerstone, including my three delightful children who fill my life with joy and laughter. Not to forget my two Persian cats, who add a touch of elegance and charm to my daily life.
Q: What sets you apart in the wedding industry? Ledgewood Fine Stationery understands that planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, and are dedicated to making the process of creating wedding invitations as joyful and seamless as possible. My collaborative approach allows me to work closely with brides, guiding them through each step of the design process. This partnership not only results in a design that exceeds expectations but also creates a memorable and enjoyable experience for our clients.
Wedding invitations are more than just pieces of paper; they are keepsakes that capture the essence of a couple’s love story. Ledgewood Fine Stationery understands the sentimental value that these invitations hold, and are honored to play a part in creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Our passion for paper is fueled by the knowledge that our creations will become treasured mementos, serving as a tangible reminder of a couple’s special day.
Q: What inspires you? We believe that every wedding invitation is a work of art. Our passion for paper crafts runs deep, and it is this fervor that drives us to create intentional, handcrafted designs that capture the essence of each couple’s unique love story. We draw inspiration from our client’s stories, personalities, and wedding uses to craft designs that are not only visually stunning but also deeply personal. Whether it is the luxurious feel of cotton paper or the subtle shimmer of a beveled edge, Ledgewood Fine Stationery believes that the right paper can elevate an invitation from ordinary to extraordinary.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do? Building meaningful relationships is truly at the heart of what we do at Ledgewood Fine Stationery, and we couldn’t be more passionate about it. The journey of crafting wedding invitations is not just a creative endeavor for us—it’s a year-long tapestry of collaboration, communication, and connection with our clients. Each conversation, every shared vision, and the countless revisions turn into a beautiful relationship that transcends the boundaries of business. The rewarding aspect of this process is seeing how these bonds grow over time. It’s witnessing the excitement in our voices as we bring dreams to life, the trust client place in us to capture the essence of their special day, and the joy that comes from delivering something truly unique and personal. These interactions are the lifeblood of Ledgewood Fine Stationery; they fuel our creativity and push us to excel in every detail, knowing that each invitation is a piece of our story.
Q: How has working with Bella Figura impacted your business? The foundation of any exquisite wedding invitation is the paper itself. We are passionate about sourcing the finest quality paper— and for that we love Bella Figura. Their vast variety of paper textures, weights, and finishes are each chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic of the invitation. From traditional letterpress to modern digital printing, we carefully select the technique that best suits the design.
We got a chance to chat with Ellen, founder of Proper Notice. Below she shares her creative journey to custom paper, and what continues to set Proper Notice apart after more than three decades in business.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your studio came to be? What was your inspiration? I am proud to say that Proper Notice is currently in its 32nd year in business and going strong!
I studied Fine Arts and Fashion at FIT as an undergraduate and I went on to live abroad, honing my fashion and textile skills for many years. Upon my return I saw a hole in the marketplace for custom, fine paper products. I fell instantly in love and developed a passion for beautiful, high quality paper products and translated my organizational, fashion-related skills to those of paper. My business has grown into a trusted provider of exquisite stationery, thanks in part to Bella Figura’s incredible inventory, and my commitment to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job? My clients provide all the reward I need. I have the best job where I get to experience the pure joy and happiness alongside my clients during a momentous period in their lives. Many times, I have the unique opportunity to work with the same family from the creation of their baby announcements all the way through to their weddings! There is no greater joy than pulling out a baby announcement or mitzvah invitation suite during a client’s first wedding suite consultation – it feels wonderful to know that I have become a lifetime partner to most of my clients.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of your business? As I look to the future, I aspire to continually innovate and expand our design portfolio, incorporating the latest trends and technologies to offer captivating stationery for our clientele. I am always researching new and exciting options in the world of custom paper goods. I attend and join forums created for stationery owners to share ideas and would like to continue creating new and innovative designs for my legacy clientele! My journey is far from over and I am excited about the future of the business. With dedication and creativity and a passion for excellence I strive to continue to provide first rate service to my clients.
Q: Do you have any current trends you’re loving? Right now, I am loving sculpted embossing, watercolor artwork and die cut shaped pieces. All of these allow clients even greater customization to meet their unique, personal style.
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with you to create their event stationery? We are a completely custom company, so every job is unique. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, offering multiple, personalized consultations to guide them through the process. We turn our client’s visions into reality offering a wide range of customizable options to suit each client’s individual aesthetic. Our clients repeatedly tell us how grateful they are for our guidance and organization. We provide constant client support and provide timelines and on-going reminders for each family so as to ensure nothing is forgotten along the way.
Q: Anything else we should know or that you would like to share? We provide custom consultation by appointment only out of our design studio located in Jericho, NY. We often work with clients across the globe via Zoom and are happy to ship samples and work long distance if you are not local to our studio. We don’t just stop at invitation suites – we handle all of your “Day Of” needs as well. From cocktail napkins and coasters to escort cards and hotel welcome gifts – we do it all! From elegant, traditional designs to modern, creative layouts, our invites and “Day of” products are crafted with the finest materials to ensure they leave a lasting impression.
What a thrill to be able to chat with our dealer Nikisha, founder of Nikisha King Design House, about founding and growing her business, creating memorable moments for clients and more. Below she discusses the personal growth that sparked her journey, and what truly sets Nikisha King Design House apart.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your studio came to be? What was your inspiration?
Hey there, I’m Nikisha King—a Joy Creator, Business Development Guru, and the Founder of Nikisha King Design House (NK Design House).
I firmly believe that you should run your business—your business shouldn’t run you.
But for many of the creative entrepreneurs I talk to, this isn’t the case.
Yes, we get to do what we love, but we’re also up late burning the midnight oil, up early because we have too much on our minds, working through the weekends, missing out on yet another family gathering—without much money or fulfillment to show for it.
Listen, I’ve been on the same hamster wheel myself. In fact, I’d been on it from 2009 to 2018 before I realized how much it was costing me.
But only when I realized that I was standing in my own way was I able to create a business that supports my lifestyle rather than one that drags me down.
My turning point came when I embraced the guidance of seasoned business coaches and invested in personal development. This journey opened my eyes to the vast possibilities of what the Nikisha King Design House brand could be. I saw how a business could not only be successful but also bring immense value and joy to clients.
I was inspired by the idea of creating a business that not only delivers beautiful, modern, and refined designs but also provides exceptional service that transcends trends and becomes a lasting legacy. The joy of creating AHA moments for our clients and knowing that our work helps them celebrate life’s special moments has been incredibly fulfilling.
Moreover, becoming a Certified Life & Business Coach has allowed me to support other creative entrepreneurs in their journeys, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. The inspiration to uplift and empower others while creating a successful business that aligns with my values is what drives me every day.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is collaborating with some of the most amazing, intelligent, and beautiful humans who help me create lasting AHA moments for our clients. At NK Design House, we design memorable, modern, and refined pieces, featuring personal illustrations that become timeless art for our clients and their guests. Our creations transcend trends, becoming legacy pieces that capture life’s special moments and last forever.
Working with a talented team of diverse, creative, and predominantly women entrepreneurs and artists who share the mission of Nikisha King Design House is truly inspiring. Together, we strive to transform lives through unforgettable AHA moments, blending art and service in a way that is forever rewarding. At NK Design House, we are dedicated to building a brand of integrity, serving our clients to the highest standard, providing transformative AHA moments, and uplifting communities by empowering women.
With a team hailing from different corners of the world, we bring diversity and a deep understanding of our global clients’ needs. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them choose to partner with us, sharing their love for modern and artistic designs while creating profound AHA moments. As a team, we transform ideas into timeless art that resonates across cultures and leaves a lasting impact. The opportunity to work with such a passionate and talented group of individuals, all committed to our shared vision, makes every day at NK Design House a truly rewarding experience.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of your business?
At NK Design House, we are all about growth and having fun along the way. Looking to the future, I have exciting hopes and aspirations for our business. We’re thrilled to announce a new initiative to partner with some of the top event venues and planners in the industry. Inspired by Will Guidara’s concept of “unreasonable hospitality,” we aim to set a new standard in our design and printing services.
Our goal is to offer an exclusive design and concierge service that provides every client, regardless of budget, with invitations they adore. We believe that everyone deserves beautifully designed, personal invitations that reflect their unique style and special moments.
This innovative plan will culminate in the launch of the Nikisha King Design House Semi-Custom Collection in January 2025, allowing us to serve a broader market in unique and meaningful ways. We envision expanding our reach, delivering exceptional service, and creating unforgettable AHA moments for a diverse range of clients.
Ultimately, my hope for the future of NK Design House is to continue growing while staying true to our values of integrity, creativity, and excellence. I am excited about the opportunities to build lasting partnerships, empower women, and uplift communities through our work. By continually innovating and offering high-touch, personalized services, we aim to make a significant impact in the industry and in the lives of our clients.
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with you to create their event stationery?
At NK Design House, our clients appreciate our engaging and attentive approach, meticulously tailored to meet their demands. With their busy work lives, taking care of every detail in event planning isn’t an option. That’s where we come in, offering high-touch services that ensure every detail is managed with the quality they expect.
Some of our premium services include:
· Mailing Concierge: We handle everything from stamping and stuffing to mailing each piece of outgoing save-the-dates and invitations. We even manage returned mail to ensure every guest receives their special invitation.
· RSVP Management: Our RSVP service ensures every guest has a seat. For those who don’t respond, we have a unique process to make it easier for them to confirm their attendance.
· Event and Wedding Websites: We create informational websites for our client’s events, providing guests with all the necessary details at their fingertips, whether on mobile or desktop devices.
Besides our high-touch services, one of our most valuable offerings is our closing calls. We schedule a 15-minute meeting with clients to learn about their experience working with NK Design House. This helps us understand how we can improve and highlights the areas where we excelled. At Nikisha King Design House, creating an AHA moment for our clients is our top priority, and we believe it’s crucial to learn from their experiences to enhance our service for future clients.
We are truly blessed to have clients who trust us not just for paper goods and printing but for white-glove services that match their standards and showcase them through our modern and personalized designs. Our services allow them to focus on what matters most—excelling in their profession and enjoying personal time with loved ones.
What our clients enjoy most about working with us is the peace of mind that comes from knowing every detail is taken care of, allowing them to focus on the joy and celebration of their special events. They appreciate our dedication to quality, our personalized approach, and the unforgettable moments we help create.
We’re always excited to share a glimpse into the wonderfully creative minds of our dealers! Cambridge Street is nestled on the picturesque Waverly Place, just off Main Street in Madison, New Jersey. Owner Nina shares what sets Cambridge Street apart, current trends she’s loving, and more below.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job? How lucky am I to play a small part in a couple’s wedding day! I love the creative process of choosing design elements, and I can talk about fonts, colors and embellishments for hours…and often do. Our goal is always to work together with our clients to bring their vision to life. To witness the joy of a bride or groom seeing their wedding invitation for the first time is so rewarding.
Q: Do you have any current trends you’re loving?
I love the playful mix of traditional and modern fonts, which bring so much visual interest and personality. Custom watercolors are so “of the moment”, and add such a special touch to any invitation. And with the right suite, I adore a big silk bow tying everything together with such elegance.
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with you to create their event stationery? We pride ourselves on spending time getting to know our clients, and hope our appointments feel like a conversation with friends. We bring our knowledge and experience to the table, and try to make the process easy and fun.
Q: Anything else we should know or that you would like to share? I could not do this alone! I am blessed with three lovely ladies who work beside me, Gretchen, Annie and Nona. Together we make up the Cambridge Street family, warmly welcoming new clients into our happy place every day.
