Life & Work with Michaelene Sandberg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaelene Sandberg.

Hi Michaelene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
QueenBee’s journey is far from a short story—it began as my graduate project 12 years ago. As I delved into crafting a business plan to showcase my skills in graphic design and marketing, the concept of QueenBee emerged. Graduation didn’t mark the end of this project; instead, it ignited the realization that QueenBee was more than just an academic endeavor—it was a brilliant idea waiting to flourish. With engagements blooming among my circle of friends and family, it felt like the perfect time to dive into the wedding industry. 

Upon entering the invitation space, I was struck by its cookie-cutter nature, leaving couples with a sense of uniformity. Determined to defy this norm, I vowed to infuse each design with personalization, ensuring that every couple felt seen and heard. It became my mission to create stationery that truly reflected their unique personalities and styles. Stepping outside the conventional boundaries, I discovered a resounding appreciation from couples who cherished the bespoke touch in their wedding invites and stationery. Over the past two years, QueenBee has soared to new heights, earning recognition in esteemed publications like California Wedding Day Magazine and Love Inc. Being crowned the best invite designer in LA in 2023 was an exhilarating milestone. Reflecting on my humble beginnings, I’m reminded of the transformative power of passion and perseverance—it’s a testament to how far one can go when fueled by unwavering dedication. 

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?
Working in the wedding industry is quite the rollercoaster ride. It’s a world filled with intense emotions, and being that guiding light for couples in need of support takes some serious dedication. Each couple I meet brings a new lesson to the table, and while some are harder to swallow than others, I’m grateful for every single experience. 

Looking back, I realize that many of my struggles were self-inflicted. For too long, I underestimated my own talents, thinking that being from a small town meant my skills were somehow limited. This mindset led me down a path of undercharging and attracting clients who only cared about the price tag. 

But things started to change when I began to truly understand the value I bring to couples’ lives. By personalizing their invitations, offering my expertise to navigate tricky situations, and taking care of all the nitty-gritty details, I shifted from just being a colorist to becoming a trusted partner on their wedding journey. As I started to take my services and passion more seriously, I noticed a change in my clients—they now come to me because they know I’ll go above and beyond to make their wedding planning journey as stress-free as possible. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart from other studios is my willingness to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of creativity. I often joke that I have a superpower—I can look at something and envision what it could become rather than just seeing it for what it is. This mindset has led to some truly remarkable designs. I thrive when couples come to me with a vague idea or a handful of inspiration images, allowing our creativity to flow and true collaboration to take place. We toss aside the idea of conforming to what’s popular and instead create unique styles and concepts tailored to each couple’s vision. 

For instance, I recently had a couple describe their desired invitations as “storytelling, rugged, romantic, old-world, and soft.” With each descriptive word they provided, my mind began to conjure up a myriad of possibilities, drawing from years of stored imagery. It’s like solving a design puzzle, and I can’t wait to piece it all together. By incorporating elements that align with their parameters, I ensure that each design is not only distinctive but also perfectly tailored to their vision. 

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
People crave the opportunity to celebrate their love, whether it’s through grand gestures or intimate moments. What I’ve discovered is that regardless of the scale, couples simply want to feel that their celebration is uniquely theirs. Understanding and embracing this desire has been my most valuable lesson in working with couples. 

Pricing:

• Custom Invites start at $2000 for 50 sets
• Ready to Order Collection starts $ 6.00 ea
• We also create custom quotes

Contact Info:

• Website: queenbeegraphics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenbeedesignstudio/