Bella Ink's Bottle & Bottega Holiday Party

Camille adds a last bit of embellishment to her party shoes at Bottle & Bottega in Glen Ellyn.

Welcome to 2013!  We hope you had a fabulous holiday season and that the year started off on a positive note.  There's a lot to look forward to here at Bella Ink Designs.  We plan on launching exciting new gift products in May, as well as updates to our popular line of greetings and invitations.  In the meantime, check out the new, Spring 2013 release via our website, which includes Valentines.

Bella Ink's 2013 started off with a design challenge.  On January 3rd we took our crew to Bottle & Bottega in Glen Ellyn, IL to recreate a work of art, eat dinner and enjoy a couple glasses of wine.  This particular location is helmed by Lynn and John Day, but be sure to check out the founding company's website for additional franchise locations.

Bottle & Bottega in Glen Ellyn hosts daily painting parties, and is also available for private parties.  Be sure to check their (or the location of your choice) Events page for times, the featured piece of art, and participation fees.  Light snacks are provided, but additional food and wine/beer is BYOB.

When our night came to a close, we found out that all the Bella Ink gals have hidden talent.  Thanks to our artist/instructor for the evening, Carla, and Bella Ink's own designer, Melissa, we each have something to proudly display in the studio.

Left to Right: Sue Ann, Kristin, Carla, Melissa, Heather and Camille show off their finished product at Bottle & Bottega.

Bottle & Bottega in Glen Ellyn is located at 498 Crescent Blvd.  Call 630-984-4955 to reserve a spot in the class of your choice, or to book a private party.

~Heather F

Studio/Marketing Director 

Shop Girl Focus: Rachel of RSVP in Greensburg, PA

RSVP Greensburg's Rachel (Left) and Manager Liz (Right)

We had the pleasure of meeting Rachel of RSVP at the National Stationery Show in NYC this year.  It's always nice to put a face with the voice you've been speaking to on the phone.  Rachel graciously agreed to participate in this month's Shop Girl Focus.  With her love of magazines, Rachel Bilson and a strong work ethic, she's our kind of girl!

Q: Who or what inspired you to get into the stationery business?

A: I had to leave my job in NYC due to personal circumstances, so it was quite a change coming back to Western Pennsylvania.  I knew I wanted to open my own business, but I didn't know what I wanted to do.  I went to visit a friend in Delaware and she took me to her favorite stationery store and I fell in love!  One year later, RSVP opened its doors.

Q: Who has provided you with the best business advice, and what was it?

A: My parents.  They own their own business and they always told me if you are going to do this, then you have to give it 110%.  Success is the only option!

Q: When you're not working you're...

A: Working!  I literally work all of the time since I get email on my phone, and I always like to get back to my customers ASAP.  My business is young, so I am working on building my reputation in the community.  In my spare time I like to travel and, since I am young, I feel like I spend a lot of summer weekends at weddings.  I went to 13 last year, but I only have 6 this year!

Q: Where do you like to find new vendors outside of industry shows?

A: When I go on vacation I like to scout other stationery stores to see what they are offering!  This way I might find an idea that isn't offered in our area!

Q: What books are on your nightstand/in your e-reader?

A: I'm a magazine girl.  People is one  of my favorites!

Q: If it's potluck, what's your go-to dish?

A: Mac & Cheese

Q: Who is your "It" girl?

A: Rachel Bilson.  I love her style.

Q: What design is on your personal stationery?

A: My monogram.  It's classic and it never goes out of style.

Q: Morning person or night owl?

A: Night owl

Q: If you weren't in the stationery business, what would you be doing?

A: I would be at my old job working for Vineyard Vines.  I still keep in contact with them, and we even sell their ties at RSVP!

Q: Do you have a philosophy that you live by?

A: Treat people how you would like to be treated!

Q: In what time frame should a Thank You be mailed out?

A: I like to mail them out ASAP, like the week of, but I think it depends on the occasion.  For weddings you have up to 3 months, 6-8 weeks after preferably.  I would send them out as soon as you can!

Q: Fashionably late is...

A: Always a good idea!

Q: What snack do you stash behind the register?

A: Carrots and veggie dip since I am going to weddings and I am always dieting!  (Ha, ha!)  Once in awhile we have Red Vines.  I am obsessed!

Q: What factors into the buying process when selecting which brands to carry?

A: This was the hardest thing for us to figure out!  We have to buy what our customers like, which means sometimes we buy things we do not like.  I think we are still refining our process.  We tend to ask our customers questions and they ask for things as well.  If enough people ask for the same thing, we will definitely look for it at the next show!

Thanks for participating, Rachel!

Find RSVP of Greensburg, PA:

5024 Rt 30

Suite 2

Greensburg, PA 15601

P: 724-838-RSVP

E: rsvp@rsvpgreensburg.com

W: http://rsvpgreensburg.com

~ Heather F.

Studio/Marketing Director

Shop Girl Focus: Amy of Stone Hill Paperie

In this month's Shop Girl Focus feature we are talking with Amy of Stone Hill Paperie (formerly Leap Frog Paper).  Amy loves giving customers her undivided attention, so she has made her shop by appointment only.  You may also browse her online webstore HERE.

So Amy...

Q: What motivated you to get into the stationery business?

A. After a career as a General Manager in corporate dining, and several years as a stay-at-home mom, I went to work part time at a local stationery store.  I had been working there for less than a year when the owner of the shop decided to sell or close the store due to another business opportunity.  I was not ready to stop working in the industry, so I purchased several of the albums she carried and opened a small studio where I work with my clients by appointment.  My original major in college was Graphic Design.  I graduated with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management.  I really feel that I took a long, winding path to exactly where I am supposed to be, and I love it!

Q. What was your best moment as a businesswoman in the last year?

A. My best moment was when the mother of a bride that I had worked with stopped in the studio on the busiest weekend of the year to show me her daughter's wedding pictures.  I thought she was coming to the Village for Skippack Days.  It really touched my heart when she told me that she was just stopping in because she saw on Facebook that I was in the studio.  I am so fortunate to have the best clients!

Q. Your favorite celebration of the year is...

A. The Fourth of July.  We have a big pool party each year with friends, family and fireworks.  Each Spring I search for the perfect invitation.

Q. Do you have a secret talent?

A. Hmm... not that I know of.

Q. What 3 items can't you live without?

A. Mascara, Chapstick, and my hand-turned wooden pen, a gift from my husband... it writes so smoothly!

Q. If you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to your next party, who are your top 3 invitees?

A. Eleanor Roosevelt, my grandmother, and Anna Quindlen

Q. Will you be attending the National Stationery Show this year?

A. Yes!  Unfortunately, I won't be able to stay as many days I would like to.

(Note: Bella Ink Designs will be in a new booth this year, Booth #1754)

Q. Who is your personal style icon?

A. I don't think I have just one.  My top four would be Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Katherine Hepburn, and Nicole Kidman.

Q. I should have _________________, yesterday.

A. Spent more time outside.  It was a gorgeous day for February in Pennsylvania.

Q. Outside of industry shows, where is your favorite place to scout out new products?

A. I love to check out blogs, Pinterest, and Stationery Trends Magazine.

Q. Will you be drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day?

A. Absolutely not!  Unless they make green Guinness, but why mess with perfection?

Q. What is your favorite thing about where you live?

A. The view.  I live across the street from a small ski hill.  I love winter nights when the ski hill is lit up.

Q. Your go-to hostess gift is...

A. A personalized cutting board with some cheese & crackers.

Q. The key to a great party is...

A. The guest list.  If you don't invite fun and interesting people that you enjoy spending time with, it won't matter how good the food or ambience is.

Q. What is your fantasy purchase?

A. An ocean-front beach house!

Stone Hill Paperie is by appointment, only.
You can find Stone Hill Paperie at:

4038 Skippack Pike
Skippack, PA 
P: 484-802-2645 (For Appointments)
W: http://www.stonehillpaperie.com

Shop Girl Focus: Elisse at Flights of Fancy

This month's Shop Girl Focus features Elisse at Flights of Fancy.  Her shop is located within The Alcoves in Greenwood, SC.  Elisse stocks jewelry, accessories, baby/toddler gifts, stationery, and more!  She has been a Bella Ink customer since 2005.  We love the vibrant blue walls in her space.  They're so cheerful.  The perfect cure for the winter doldrums.

So Elisse...

Q: What motivated you to go into the stationery business?
A: When I was little, instead of playing with dolls, I collected and stored paper!  I wouldn't let anyone use it, and I didn't use it myself.  I just wanted to sit it on the shelf like a store.  My mom always said, "You will own a paper store one day," and boy was she right!  (These days, I do allow people to actually buy it off my shelves and use it!!!)

Q: Who was your first celebrity crush?
A: Oh my, I'm going to date myself, but... probably Ricky Schroeder from Silver Spoons!

Q: What haven't you done in life that you most want to do?
A: I by no means have a thrill-packed life, but there isn't anything that makes me feel like I'm missing out on living life.

Q: Will you be attending the National Stationery Show this year?
A: No, but I'd love to go one day when life's schedule allows.  For now, I attend Americasmart in Atlanta, which is a fabulous resource for me.

Q: What was your proudest moment as a businesswoman in 2011?
A: Probably my 4th quarter sales!  My sales doubled over the last year, and in this economy, that's huge!

Q: What are you looking forward to most in 2012?
A: I'd love to start a blog for my business.  That thought excites me... I just need someone to send me extra hours in the day.

Q: Who is your "IT" girl?
A: I'm not a celebrity-observer, so my "IT" girl is actually a dear friend... she embodies everything I think makes a woman fascinating... style, kindness, sincerity, dedication to family, and a fantabulous personality!

Q: Do you  have a philosophy that you live by?
A: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

Q: What is your favorite method of communication?
A: Definitely email!  But Facebook is making its way up to the top of my list as well.

Q: Did you have a nickname as a child?  Do you have one now?
A: Oh, gee.  Yes, and I HATED it... it was "bug."  Thanks a lot, Mom.  I made my parents stop calling me that by charging them a quarter every time they said it, and that worked like a charm.  Happy to say I have escaped nicknames in my adult years!

Q: Besides stationery shows, where do you like to scout out new vendors?
A: Finding new products and vendors is one of my favorite obsessions!  I scour the Internet, look through Stationery Trends magazine, and one of my new favs... Pinterest!  It's great because you can actually see what your customers and friends are finding appealing.

Q: What would you like to see more of from your stationery manufacturers?
A: Most of my business is gift, so I always love anything new that packages up to make a great teacher gift, birthday gift, etc., but at a price that doesn't break the wallet!

Q: Fashionably late is...
A: Preferred by me, but aggravates the hound out of my husband.  So I'm not allowed.  Boo.

Q: If it's potluck, your go-to dish is...
A: Cheesy apples!  Don't ask.  It's a Paula Deen recipe and it involves butter and sugar galore...

Q: What is your favorite trend for the Spring/Summer 2012 stationery season?
A: I'm liking the sophistication I'm seeing.  Don't get me wrong, us girls here in the south love our cuteness, but I think the market has been saturated with that for awhile.  I'm enjoying the themes and patterns that show an air of refinement at a great price without sacrificing on quality for customers.

Thank you for participating in our Q&A, Elisse!  We hope you have a successful 2012.

You can find Flights of Fancy at:
601 Montague Avenue (Within The Alcoves)
Greenwood, SC 29649
P: 864-223-5324
W: http://www.facebook.com/fofgwd

Shop Girl Focus: Alma of That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium

That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium: Houston, TX

Welcome to Bella Ink Designs' first Shop Girl Focus feature on the new blog! We're very excited to have Alma of That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium participating this month.  She's a wonderfully eloquent and passionate woman with a beautiful new store in Houston.  Her favorite, and best-selling, Bella Ink Designs invitation is PT-57, My Chihuahua. Luckily for Alma and her customers we have tweaked PT-57 for Spring 2012 to fit a half-sheet invitation and a fill-in invitation.  (Which we haven't done in years!)  Sneak peek coming soon.  Now Alma...

Q: What inspired you to open your stationery business?

A: I got to a place in life where I realized that I was giving my best energy and focus to realize someone else's vision instead of realizing my own dreams and visions.  When I came to that conclusion, I knew immediately that one of those dreams was having my own store.  At that time I had two passions: doll collecting and paper, but I felt that paper had a larger following, and my area of Northwest Houston was well in need of their own stationery/invitation store.  And thus was born That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium!

Q: The key to running a successful business is...

A: ... loving what you do. Being in business for yourself, your business becomes your life.  And if you don't love what you're doing, you won't stick with it when the going gets tough.  As you'll hear over and over again, success comes from persistence... from sticking with it.  Loving it makes sticking with it easier.

Q: What are you thankful for?

A: a) The little things, the uneventful days.  An uneventful day means that all is well.  b) The beautiful days like today where I can roll down the windows on the way to work.  c) My ride through tree-lined streets where the sun shines at the perfect angle.  d) My customers who share their happy events with me.  e) The beautiful new lifestyle center we recently moved into and the great community it supports.  f) And so much more!

Q: What is your favorite method of communication?

A: Absolutely, positively email!  There's just no way way I can communicate over the phone when a customer's in the store. And sometimes the information I have to relay is too detailed for a phone call, but I can compose a detailed email a little at a time as traffic allows.

Q: If you could move your business anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Miami.  It's a world I already know and love.

Q: When should children begin writing Thank You notes?

A: As soon as they're able to write words.  My niece is 4 and already composing sentences by asking, "Daddy how do you spell..."  Graciousness is a character trait that should be instilled as early as possible.

Q: What is your fantasy purchase?

A: I'm not picky about the combination of numbers, but so long as it says "Mercedes" or "BMW" in front of them...

Q: Where do you turn for the most up-to-date news in the stationery industry?

A: My vendors.  We get several trade magazines in hard copy and online, but considering that most placement is purchased or rehashed, I put most stock in what I see and garner directly from my vendor's communications with us.

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?

A: If I do, they're hidden from me too...

Q: What design is on your personal stationery?

A: A light blue damask background on a white shimmer stock.

Q: What was the best movie you've seen in the past month?

A: Zookeeper.  Family movies are pretty much my speed.  I knew it would be silly, but it turned out a lot funnier and much better than I expected.

Q: When it's pot-luck, what's your go-to dish?

A: Lasagna.  A full meal in a casserole dish.

You can find That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium at:

126-C Vintage Park Boulevard

Houston, TX

P: 281-257-0009