Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Ward.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in San Diego and received a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from San Diego State University. After graduating from SDSU, I worked in the non-profit sector, performing graphic design and event planning. Eventually, I moved on to “Corporate America” to become the Senior Graphic Designer of a large baby toy and baby gear company. I designed everything from logos and packaging to toys and shopping cart covers but missed the excitement and creativity involved in creating unforgettable events.
Outside of my corporate job, I frequently designed invitations and stationery at the request of friends and family. But it wasn’t until I got married that I realized how valuable a good vendor is in the process of planning a wedding. This fresh perspective coupled with my passion for design, events and people ultimately led me to start Whimsíque in 2009 while continuing to work full time as a Senior Graphic Designer. In mid-2011, Whimsíque’s success enabled me to quit my corporate job and pursue my passion wholeheartedly.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am not sure that anyone could say starting your own business is easy. There are a lot of bumps along the way in just learning the basic logistics. I also had to learn how the wedding industry works and who the main vendors are in the industry. I started out not knowing a soul. I didn’t know how to get people to know who I was or why they should work with me. So, I went to wedding venues and every networking event I could. I partnered with wedding magazines and with photographers on styled shoots and just focused on getting my brand and work out there.
Also, being a graphic designer I wasn’t super knowledgeable about working with paper. I was used to designing products and working on marketing ads and packaging. So it took a while to figure out the production side: where to get things printed, how to construct more complicated designs, vendors etc.
There are still little bumps here and there, with timelines, or a product or just lack of sleep… but time and experience have definitely made those bumps smaller and far and few in between (Like experience does). You just keep at it and know they expect them along the way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Whimsíque: Designer Invitations & Stationery – what should we know?
Whimsíque (pronounced whim-zeek) is committed to making one-of-a-kind luxury wedding invitations and stationery that provide an exclusive and authentic expression of our clients, their relationship and their wedding or event. Our work has been featured in some of the wedding industry’s most distinguished national and local media, including Style Me Pretty, Modern Luxury Brides California, Wedding Wire, Oh Lovely Day, The Knot Magazine, Inspired by This, ModWedding, Style Unveiled, Inside Weddings, The Bridal Guide, Ceremony Magazine, Desiree Hartsock. Carats and Cake, San Diego Style Weddings, Exquisite Weddings Magazine and more.
Since its inception in 2009, Whimsíque has become known for its stylish and imaginative designs as well as unsurpassed service and personalized attention throughout the entire process of custom-designing, handcrafting and delivering dream invitation suites to its clients. It is this combination of “style and service” that has allowed Whimsíque to earn the San Diego A-List Award for “Best Invitations” and numerous Wedding Wire “Bride’s Choice Awards.”
Each piece is carefully handcrafted using the finest papers, embellishments and materials. Options are endless and include letterpress, embossing, laser cut, foil printing, flat printing, acrylic, wood, silk boxes, hand drawing, watercolor painting, 3-dimensional designs and just about anything else you can dream up.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh, my goodness… so many people deserve credit. But the person who deserves the most is my husband, Jake.
Without him, I wouldn’t even have a business. The biggest of cheerleaders and supporters, but also with his Masters in Business, he has been the person I bounce everything off of. We strategize together, celebrate the wins, and gives me advice and comfort on the not so great days. Not to mention he’s a whiz in the finance department. I do NOT do numbers… I do pretty art. So I am very thankful that he’s not only handsome but smart too! 😉
Also, my “friendor” Sharon- of Organic Elements. She was my cheerleader from the beginning. And has always been someone I can come to with anything. Whether it’s a 1 am facebook message about an idea I have or needing advice. She has been an encouragement on days where I feel like I am not my best self or feel beaten up and she makes me laugh-all-the-time. She has always been one of my biggest fans and I am truly grateful for her belief in me and my company.
There are many many more- so many coordinators that took a risk with me and continue to work with me over the years and trust their clients with me, other wedding vendors that refer me, clients that trust me with one of the most special days in their life… I wouldn’t be where I am without the network of wedding vendor friends and clients or friends and family I have to support me. And of course my team of designers, admin, production assistants and printers that all pull together to make the impossible happen sometimes. Everyone gives 100% all the time and I am so grateful for the hardworking they all put in.
Pricing:
- We have $1,000 minimum for our work (usually on wedding or event invitations). Once the minimum is met we are happy to work on any items needed.
- We do offer rush services, it is a 20% of the entire order
- The cost of invitation suites varies a LOT. it can be anywhere from $8-$10 a set to $50-$100 a set or more depending on quantities, type of printing and materials, timelines, design etc.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2690 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 213
San Diego, California 92106 - Website: www.whimsique.com
- Phone: 619-215-9103
- Email: hello@whimsique.com
- Instagram: @whimsiqueinvitations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whimsiqueinvitations/
- Twitter: @whimsique
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/whimsique-designer-invitations-and-stationery-san-diego?osq=whimsique
Image Credit:
Jasmine Star, Clove and Kin
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