Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Shannon.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my business 10 years ago, shortly after I got married. I worked on some of the stationery for my own wedding and fell in love with the unique, creative process that comes from designing for individual weddings. I did it as a side hustle while working at a marketing agency, then left my 9-5 after having my first child to Roseville, my full-time job.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building your own business always has obstacles. Juggling my job and being a mom to young children was a challenge (and still is, though my children are no longer babies). But a big part of my motivation was having a job that allowed me to set my own schedule and be with my kids, so that challenge was also what drove me to work hard. Another challenge was moving from Connecticut to Los Angeles 5 years ago, as I was very worried about how it would affect my business. Though wedding stationery is a job where you can do it mostly remote and don’t need to be there on the actual wedding day, the industry is very localized and has tight-knit communities by region. Moving was one of the best things that happened for my business, as I branched out into a new market while still maintaining my east coast relationships. We rarely can control the bumps along the way, but there are always valuable lessons–and sometimes opportunities–that are born from them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a custom wedding stationery designer, creating save the dates, invitations, day-of items, and other premium goods. My style has a wide range, but the consistent element is that I really tap into the couple’s wedding style and personalities to create something that is reflective of who they are and the type of celebration they are planning. I am also a full-service stationer, which means I manage timing, etiquette, and really any stationery-related issue. Couples like to say I am the wedding planner for your paper goods, and most stationers do not offer that level of service.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I “came up the ranks” with Amy Champagne Events and Brooke Allison Photo on the east coast. It is so valuable to have vendors who become friends and grow together. You need people to commiserate with who understand the industry and the passion you have for your art + your business. The entrepreneurial spirit can be lonely if you don’t have support around you. I also wouldn’t be able to do what I do without a supportive husband who has always encouraged me to grow my business.
Pricing:
- Couples typically spend between $2000-$7000 on their wedding stationery, but each wedding’s needs are unique so I always send custom proposals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rosevilledesigns.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rosevilledesigns
- Facebook: facebook.com/rosevilledesigns
Image Credits
Photo credit for all photos: Julie Shuford Photography
