It’s lovely to be sitting down with you today, Shalondria! I’m eager to learn more about your business and how you’ve grown to be where you are today. Can you start off by telling me a little bit about yourself and how your business began? What inspired you to take the leap into this industry?
Of course! I’m thrilled to be sharing my journey. My name is Shalondria Hill. I’m from Jackson but currently live not too far from the Canton Square. By education, I’m a social worker and worked in the social work field for over 20 years. When I got married, I made my own stationery for my wedding. I enjoyed crafting and over the years, friends and acquaintances asked if I could make custom stationery for them, and it flourished from there.
In 2016, I transitioned out of my career in social work and began working fulltime for myself. I’ve now had this business for over twenty years. As the years have gone by and my business progressed, I grew outside of the space my home could allow. So, I needed to find somewhere that could accommodate all my equipment, which led me to where we’re based today. I eventually landed here in Canton and April 1 st marked my first anniversary of opening the store. I have to say, it’s been a heck of a year.
What were some of the initial challenges you faced when transitioning out of your career in social work to start your own business?
It was challenging for me because social work was all I had ever known. I was used to working for others and with others. I loved the company I worked for, but it was very demanding. My office was open seven days a week, 24/7. I was the director of the agency, so I was always on call. My husband nudged me to "retire", and after three months of praying while resisting, I gave in. The first year was a hard transition because I was working from home, my children were in school and my husband was at work, so it was very quiet. I didn’t have much social interaction during that time, which fueled my need to seek out other local creatives.
Are there any resources or support systems you found particularly helpful in achieving that need to engage with other creatives?
I definitely was able to find what I was longing for. My goal was to meet others and learn from them, whether it was how to market a business or things I could do to home in on my skillset. I happened upon a group called the Rising Tide Society. They’re a nonprofit organization led by a board of directors who are passionate about supporting small business owners. The group welcomes small business owners and creatives to share their diverse perspectives and skills to create an environment that fosters professional growth. I found the Jackson Chapter of the organization and joined. We met once a month to discuss different topics that were geared towards helping us improve our business, and finding that community helped me immensely in not feeling alone on my journey.
(Read more about The Rising Tide Society here):
Rising Tide Society | Small Business Community
Another group that helped me tremendously, beyond measure is The Society for Creative Founders. This group and the amazing women that call themselves alumni, poured into me, inspired and motivated me. That deserves an entire interview by itself!
What would you say were the key turning points that aided your journey in the right direction?
Being open and truthful about what I needed to succeed most definitely propelled me in the right direction. I didn’t go to school for art, nor graphic design. I was teaching myself along the way, and if I couldn’t find what I needed to learn online, I may have been hesititant because of the cost but I paid a professional in that area to teach me. That's called investing in yourself. Getting over the feeling of being inexperienced or scared and being able to ask for help was key.
I absolutely relate to that! Getting out of your own way is the best thing one can do. How do you stay innovative in your designs and offerings? Are there any upcoming trends or new products you’re excited about?
Staying innovative in our designs involves a combination of research, creativity, and client feedback. We continuously monitor industry trends, attend conferences, and draw inspiration from various sources, including fashion, art, and nature. One upcoming trend we’re excited about is the use of luxe mediums other than paper for our designs. We’re currently experimenting with interactive and 3 dimensional elements in our design process.
What sets your stationery products apart from others in the market? Do you have any signature products or collections that you’re particularly proud of?
At Open Invitation Stationery Boutique, our commitment to quality, personalization, and creativity sets us apart. Each piece is designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element reflects the unique personality and theme of our clients' events. We use professional equipment and only the finest materials, including premium paper stocks, luxurious envelopes, and elegant embellishments, to create stationery that feels as special as the occasion it represents. Our designs are not only beautiful but also thoughtfully crafted to be cherished keepsakes, ensuring that our clients and their guests will remember the special day for years to come.
How do you approach customer service and building relationships with your clients?
Customer service and building relationships are at the core of what I do. I believe in a personalized approach, taking the time to understand each client's needs, preferences, and vision. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, I try to maintain open and transparent communication, ensuring that our clients feel supported and valued throughout the process. I offer guidance on design choices, etiquette, and even event planning referrals and tips, going above and beyond to make their experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Many of our clients become repeat customers and even friends, which is a testament to the strong relationships we strive to build.
Can you share any memorable stories or feedback from customers that have particularly touched you?
Absolutely! One memorable story comes from a couple who had a special vision for their wedding stationery. They wanted to incorporate elements from the location of their destination wedding. We designed an invitation suite that resembled a passport, included a "boarding pass", complete with a custom monogram and laser cut and engraved airplane as a suite embellishment.
Additionally, what made our relationship so special to me was that we had NEVER met! They didn't live in-state, our consultation was over the phone and when I asked how they heard about me, it was from a relative who had seen some work I had done for a celebrity fundraising event.
To add, even though they approved the design concept, they requested I mail their invitations to their guests, a luxe service we provide. The majority of their guests actually saw the final production of their invitations before they had. The bride called me, overjoyed with all the compliments received. Their guests raved about the unique and sentimental invitations, which added a special touch to their wedding day. This feedback touched me deeply and reinforced my passion for creating personalized and meaningful stationery.
Another memorable moment was with a client who had experienced a significant loss in her family shortly before her wedding. She wanted to honor her late mother in a subtle yet meaningful way. We incorporated her mother’s favorite flower into the invitation design, along with a heartfelt quote that held special significance to the bride. When she saw the final product, she was moved to tears, expressing how much it meant to her to have her mother’s presence felt on her special day. The gratitude and emotional connection I felt from this experience was truly unforgettable.
These stories remind me of the profound impact my work can have and inspires me to continue creating beautiful and meaningful stationery (and gifts) for all of life’s special moments.
Those are such beautiful, touching stories. It really shows the impact a business like yours can have – you can really touch people’s hearts. Open Invitation Stationery has grown exponentially in a relatively short amount of time. What are your future goals for your business?
In general, I would like businesses to be more helpful to each other in creating a community that is supportive of everyone in it. I hope to see more events created by local business owners as well. I ask every customer who comes into the store where they’re from, and I can count on my hands the number of people that live here and shop local. I do have faithful customers that are locals and shop with me, so I’ve developed a relationship with those clients over time, but the majority are not local to this area. I would love to see that change in the future.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business, particularly female entrepreneurs?
Specifically, to other women, I would say to just get out of your head. I wish I could tell my younger self that when I first began this journey. I would tell her to put herself out there and don’t be self-conscious or anxious about taking a risk. You have what it takes. The financial aspect can be daunting, but you don’t have to start out huge. Start out small and grow from there. It took me several years to get to where I am today, and I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but while I’m here, I am going to relish in the moment and try to make it the best that I can.
