You can see Bella Figura at some of the finest stationery stores around the world. Our dealers are friendly and passionate experts who will help you choose—and customize!—your dream invitation. They’ll walk you through the ordering process, and they’ll give you design and wedding invitation wording advice, too!
We got a chance to chat with Ellen, founder of Proper Notice. Below she shares her creative journey to custom paper, and what continues to set Proper Notice apart after more than three decades in business.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your studio came to be? What was your inspiration? I am proud to say that Proper Notice is currently in its 32nd year in business and going strong!
I studied Fine Arts and Fashion at FIT as an undergraduate and I went on to live abroad, honing my fashion and textile skills for many years. Upon my return I saw a hole in the marketplace for custom, fine paper products. I fell instantly in love and developed a passion for beautiful, high quality paper products and translated my organizational, fashion-related skills to those of paper. My business has grown into a trusted provider of exquisite stationery, thanks in part to Bella Figura’s incredible inventory, and my commitment to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job? My clients provide all the reward I need. I have the best job where I get to experience the pure joy and happiness alongside my clients during a momentous period in their lives. Many times, I have the unique opportunity to work with the same family from the creation of their baby announcements all the way through to their weddings! There is no greater joy than pulling out a baby announcement or mitzvah invitation suite during a client’s first wedding suite consultation – it feels wonderful to know that I have become a lifetime partner to most of my clients.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of your business? As I look to the future, I aspire to continually innovate and expand our design portfolio, incorporating the latest trends and technologies to offer captivating stationery for our clientele. I am always researching new and exciting options in the world of custom paper goods. I attend and join forums created for stationery owners to share ideas and would like to continue creating new and innovative designs for my legacy clientele! My journey is far from over and I am excited about the future of the business. With dedication and creativity and a passion for excellence I strive to continue to provide first rate service to my clients.
Q: Do you have any current trends you’re loving? Right now, I am loving sculpted embossing, watercolor artwork and die cut shaped pieces. All of these allow clients even greater customization to meet their unique, personal style.
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with you to create their event stationery? We are a completely custom company, so every job is unique. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, offering multiple, personalized consultations to guide them through the process. We turn our client’s visions into reality offering a wide range of customizable options to suit each client’s individual aesthetic. Our clients repeatedly tell us how grateful they are for our guidance and organization. We provide constant client support and provide timelines and on-going reminders for each family so as to ensure nothing is forgotten along the way.
Q: Anything else we should know or that you would like to share? We provide custom consultation by appointment only out of our design studio located in Jericho, NY. We often work with clients across the globe via Zoom and are happy to ship samples and work long distance if you are not local to our studio. We don’t just stop at invitation suites – we handle all of your “Day Of” needs as well. From cocktail napkins and coasters to escort cards and hotel welcome gifts – we do it all! From elegant, traditional designs to modern, creative layouts, our invites and “Day of” products are crafted with the finest materials to ensure they leave a lasting impression.
What a thrill to be able to chat with our dealer Nikisha, founder of Nikisha King Design House, about founding and growing her business, creating memorable moments for clients and more. Below she discusses the personal growth that sparked her journey, and what truly sets Nikisha King Design House apart.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your studio came to be? What was your inspiration?
Hey there, I’m Nikisha King—a Joy Creator, Business Development Guru, and the Founder of Nikisha King Design House (NK Design House).
I firmly believe that you should run your business—your business shouldn’t run you.
But for many of the creative entrepreneurs I talk to, this isn’t the case.
Yes, we get to do what we love, but we’re also up late burning the midnight oil, up early because we have too much on our minds, working through the weekends, missing out on yet another family gathering—without much money or fulfillment to show for it.
Listen, I’ve been on the same hamster wheel myself. In fact, I’d been on it from 2009 to 2018 before I realized how much it was costing me.
But only when I realized that I was standing in my own way was I able to create a business that supports my lifestyle rather than one that drags me down.
My turning point came when I embraced the guidance of seasoned business coaches and invested in personal development. This journey opened my eyes to the vast possibilities of what the Nikisha King Design House brand could be. I saw how a business could not only be successful but also bring immense value and joy to clients.
I was inspired by the idea of creating a business that not only delivers beautiful, modern, and refined designs but also provides exceptional service that transcends trends and becomes a lasting legacy. The joy of creating AHA moments for our clients and knowing that our work helps them celebrate life’s special moments has been incredibly fulfilling.
Moreover, becoming a Certified Life & Business Coach has allowed me to support other creative entrepreneurs in their journeys, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. The inspiration to uplift and empower others while creating a successful business that aligns with my values is what drives me every day.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is collaborating with some of the most amazing, intelligent, and beautiful humans who help me create lasting AHA moments for our clients. At NK Design House, we design memorable, modern, and refined pieces, featuring personal illustrations that become timeless art for our clients and their guests. Our creations transcend trends, becoming legacy pieces that capture life’s special moments and last forever.
Working with a talented team of diverse, creative, and predominantly women entrepreneurs and artists who share the mission of Nikisha King Design House is truly inspiring. Together, we strive to transform lives through unforgettable AHA moments, blending art and service in a way that is forever rewarding. At NK Design House, we are dedicated to building a brand of integrity, serving our clients to the highest standard, providing transformative AHA moments, and uplifting communities by empowering women.
With a team hailing from different corners of the world, we bring diversity and a deep understanding of our global clients’ needs. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them choose to partner with us, sharing their love for modern and artistic designs while creating profound AHA moments. As a team, we transform ideas into timeless art that resonates across cultures and leaves a lasting impact. The opportunity to work with such a passionate and talented group of individuals, all committed to our shared vision, makes every day at NK Design House a truly rewarding experience.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of your business?
At NK Design House, we are all about growth and having fun along the way. Looking to the future, I have exciting hopes and aspirations for our business. We’re thrilled to announce a new initiative to partner with some of the top event venues and planners in the industry. Inspired by Will Guidara’s concept of “unreasonable hospitality,” we aim to set a new standard in our design and printing services.
Our goal is to offer an exclusive design and concierge service that provides every client, regardless of budget, with invitations they adore. We believe that everyone deserves beautifully designed, personal invitations that reflect their unique style and special moments.
This innovative plan will culminate in the launch of the Nikisha King Design House Semi-Custom Collection in January 2025, allowing us to serve a broader market in unique and meaningful ways. We envision expanding our reach, delivering exceptional service, and creating unforgettable AHA moments for a diverse range of clients.
Ultimately, my hope for the future of NK Design House is to continue growing while staying true to our values of integrity, creativity, and excellence. I am excited about the opportunities to build lasting partnerships, empower women, and uplift communities through our work. By continually innovating and offering high-touch, personalized services, we aim to make a significant impact in the industry and in the lives of our clients.
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with you to create their event stationery?
At NK Design House, our clients appreciate our engaging and attentive approach, meticulously tailored to meet their demands. With their busy work lives, taking care of every detail in event planning isn’t an option. That’s where we come in, offering high-touch services that ensure every detail is managed with the quality they expect.
Some of our premium services include:
· Mailing Concierge: We handle everything from stamping and stuffing to mailing each piece of outgoing save-the-dates and invitations. We even manage returned mail to ensure every guest receives their special invitation.
· RSVP Management: Our RSVP service ensures every guest has a seat. For those who don’t respond, we have a unique process to make it easier for them to confirm their attendance.
· Event and Wedding Websites: We create informational websites for our client’s events, providing guests with all the necessary details at their fingertips, whether on mobile or desktop devices.
Besides our high-touch services, one of our most valuable offerings is our closing calls. We schedule a 15-minute meeting with clients to learn about their experience working with NK Design House. This helps us understand how we can improve and highlights the areas where we excelled. At Nikisha King Design House, creating an AHA moment for our clients is our top priority, and we believe it’s crucial to learn from their experiences to enhance our service for future clients.
We are truly blessed to have clients who trust us not just for paper goods and printing but for white-glove services that match their standards and showcase them through our modern and personalized designs. Our services allow them to focus on what matters most—excelling in their profession and enjoying personal time with loved ones.
What our clients enjoy most about working with us is the peace of mind that comes from knowing every detail is taken care of, allowing them to focus on the joy and celebration of their special events. They appreciate our dedication to quality, our personalized approach, and the unforgettable moments we help create.
We’re always excited to share a glimpse into the wonderfully creative minds of our dealers! Cambridge Street is nestled on the picturesque Waverly Place, just off Main Street in Madison, New Jersey. Owner Nina shares what sets Cambridge Street apart, current trends she’s loving, and more below.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job? How lucky am I to play a small part in a couple’s wedding day! I love the creative process of choosing design elements, and I can talk about fonts, colors and embellishments for hours…and often do. Our goal is always to work together with our clients to bring their vision to life. To witness the joy of a bride or groom seeing their wedding invitation for the first time is so rewarding.
Q: Do you have any current trends you’re loving?
I love the playful mix of traditional and modern fonts, which bring so much visual interest and personality. Custom watercolors are so “of the moment”, and add such a special touch to any invitation. And with the right suite, I adore a big silk bow tying everything together with such elegance.
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with you to create their event stationery? We pride ourselves on spending time getting to know our clients, and hope our appointments feel like a conversation with friends. We bring our knowledge and experience to the table, and try to make the process easy and fun.
Q: Anything else we should know or that you would like to share? I could not do this alone! I am blessed with three lovely ladies who work beside me, Gretchen, Annie and Nona. Together we make up the Cambridge Street family, warmly welcoming new clients into our happy place every day.
We had the pleasure of creating six exclusive suites with our friend Heidi Daniels of Parchment Fine Papers in Nantucket and The Customs House in Wellfleet, Massachusetts – and now we can share them with you!
Chadwickwas imagined for a classic black tie wedding at The Wauwinet, a luxury hotel nestled on the shores of Nantucket Island. A timeless palette of black letterpress and gold foil is complemented by a custom, hand-drawn duogram and elegant vintage Nantucket artwork featuring ships and maps to honor the island’s history. Beveled, gold foil edging and a vellum wrap adorn the save the date to set the tone for an elegant celebration.
The Chadwick suite, featuring a vellum wrap, gold foil bevel, and custom duogram.
A bohemian, autumn beach wedding was the inspiration for the Westmoor suite. Floral illustrations of bold bouquets filled with succulents, hellebores, garden roses, anemones, and ranunculus show off a deep jewel toned palette in shades of of plum, cranberry, sage, and copper. An illustration of an iconic Nantucket Lightship basket filled with flowers on the events card is a special nod to Nantucket.
The Westmoor suite, featuring Currant paper and gorgeous watercolor and illustrated florals.
Nantucket Harbor was the main inspiration for the Dockside suite. As you sail into the harbor, you are greeted with a skyline of church steeples and historic sea captain’s homes. A hand-illustrated rendering of the harbor takes center stage on the main invitation while crisp blues and traditional fonts give give this suite a classic, tailored look.
The Dockside suite, featuring Blue and Pastel Blue papers and an illustration of Nantucket Harbor.
The maritime-themed Compass suite was inspired by vintage maps and Nantucket’s famous Gardiner’s Corner mural. In fact, the mural is featured on the envelope liner and the duogram on the invitation and save the date was created from its historic compass motif. The Nantucket Whaling Museum, where we imaged this couple having their reception, inspired the petite whale motif used throughout the suite. Moody blues, representative of the sea, and tawny foil, mimicking the light of the North Star, pair perfectly in this seafarer’s dream suite.
The Compass suite, featuring Blue paper and envelopes, a custom illustrated cartouche and the iconic Gardiner’s Corner sign.
The closing days of summer in Nantucket were the inspiration behind the Lighthouse suite. The colors are a bit cooler and slightly muted making this entire set feel soft and sweet. A hand-painted watercolor map, highlighting iconic landmarks of Nantucket, sets the perfect mood for a local couple’s big day!
The Lighthouse suite, featuring Light Gray envelopes and a variety of watercolor artwork (don’t you love the whale?!)
The Sailor suite was envisioned for a wedding set back on the mainland where sailing is still the heart and soul of the people. Nautical illustrations of sailboats, buoys, lobsters and anchors are playfully used throughout the set. With carolina blue and navy letterpress, along with a fresh modern layout, you can almost feel the wind in your hair.
The Sailor suite, featuring a vellum belly band, more illustrations, and an adorable thank you card (aw, shucks!).
We worked with our friends at Rock Paper Scissors in Ann Arbor, Michigan to create custom suites inspired by popular wedding venues in Michigan. We’ve recently added them to our collection, and today we’re sharing some behind the scenes details from the designers that helped bring these suites to life.
Zingerman’s Cornman Farms was the main inspiration for our Hales suite. A custom illustration of the farm itself and a sprinkling of vintage vegetable motifs pay homage to their famous farm-to-table vision and capture the picturesque romance of the farm. Formal fonts give a refined, ethereal feel while the color palette of rosebud and copper brings to mind a dreamy September affair. The suite is named for the farm’s Executive Chef and Managing Partner, Kieron Hales.
Hales suite, featuring rosebud letterpress ink and copper matte foil stamping on white Bella cotton paper. Foil edging in copper matte and a Rosebud envelope carry through the warm and romantic color palette.
Our Gable suite pairs classic, modern typography with colorful florals inspired by The Valley at Frutig Farms, a gable roof barn built circa 1840. “The venue is very spacious so it was important to keep the look open and soft with a splash of color from the vintage flowers,” says designer Racheal Bumbolo. A venue illustration was the perfect accent on the vellum belly band, and the warm-toned floral accents throughout bring to life the words of Rock Paper Scissors owner Lisa Roberts who compared the barn to a “fall haven of floral magic”.
Gable suite, featuring cobblestone letterpress ink and warm-toned florals printed on our Bella smooth cotton white paper. A light and airy vellum belly band with a venue illustration complements the simple, modern typography.
Our Seger suite was inspired by the historic Colony Club of Detroit and the prosperity of the city in the 1920s. The venue itself is adorned with the finest, most luxurious details including classic black and white checkered floors, gold leaf ceilings, impressive crystal chandeliers, and Louis XVI décor. A vintage Detroit map, gold matte foil, and black paper were absolute must-haves for this sleek suite.
Seger suite, printed in gold matte foil on our Bella smooth cotton ivory paper. Black ink, paper, and envelope bring a sophisticated feel and pair nicely with the vintage map and formal typography.
The Ford Piquette Plant, birthplace of the Model T, inspired the Henry suite. It showcases a modern city feel with a touch of grit. Stark black and whites, in contrast with edgy hand illustrations of the plant, the Detroit skyline, and the beloved Model T, bring this suite to life. “Henry provides a true representation of a cool urban couple wanting to say ‘I do’ in the heart of Detroit,” says designer Lindsy Talarico.
Henry suite, printed in black letterpress on our Bella smooth cotton bright white paper. Whimsical typography and illustrations and black paper accents give a modern, fun feel to this suite.
We are so excited to share this glimpse into the creative world of Bespoke Designs! They call home Westport, Connecticut. There, they dream-up luxurious invitations designs and pour passion into everything they touch. A second studio is coming soon so be sure to find out where below – it could be near you! Visit the Westport location to experience all their creativity in person and be eligible for a trunk-show promotion (buy 75 or more invitations and get 25 free) through February 24th! We will let Shari from Bespoke Designs take it from here:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your studio came to be? What was your inspiration?
A: Sometimes ideas come from passion, others come from a need. My idea for Bespoke came from both. Four years ago, I went looking for a company to help me design my wedding invitations. Seriously disappointed in not being able to find an amazing design studio locally, I just decided to open one myself.
Q: How would you describe your space to somebody that has never visited before? We want to hear all the details!
A: We have an upstairs location in a charming little retail area in coastal Connecticut. The skylights and lots of windows make it always feel airy and bright. We are constantly installing our latest work, together with the work of local artists and objects that inspire us: shells, always fresh flowers, flea market finds, design books. It’s my happiest of happy places, a little haven; I even love it when it’s dark and quiet.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job? What do you find the most challenging?
A: Without a doubt, the most rewarding part is the couples that we meet and the stories that we are a part of sharing. The most challenging: Instagram visions that are disconnected from the reality of budgets.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of your shop?
A: Our future is really beginning to happen now: we are working with couples not just in our tri-state area, but now nationally and internationally. I am in Manhattan every Wednesday to meet with couples from all over the world. And, of course, technology enables us to meet with people virtually everywhere. Additionally, we are opening a second studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Stay tuned for details!
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with Bespoke Designs?
A: Unbridled creativity coupled with impeccable delivery.
“We are over the moon and honored to win the Best of Boston Weddings award for Best Stationery this year! (and for the second year-in-a-row!),” says owner Julie Pike. “We are thrilled to be selected along with some of our amazing creative colleagues who make this work such a blast. We consider ourselves so lucky to be in this industry of many strong local entrepreneurs who kill it every day, 8 days a week, in the pursuit of creative freedom and work that inspires. And we are blessed to have amazing clients who trust us so wholeheartedly with their love stories and setting the tone for their special day.”
Congratulations to Fete Collection on receiving this prestigious award!
Pictured above is our Alchemy design by Jessica Downs, shown foil stamped in maple shine.
Our friends at Soirée Signatures in Mobile, Alabama are hosting a Bella Figura trunk show on Wednesday, January 24th to unveil our 2018 collection and celebrate their recent move. Join them for champagne and sweet treats and take advantage of a special trunk show offer: buy 75 or more invitations and get 25 free! Find the details to RSVP below.
Join us on Saturday, January 27th at Fete Collection in Boston, Massachusetts for a trunk show featuring our brand new 2018 collection! Meet with a Bella Figura design expert and take advantage of an exclusive trunk show special: buy 75 or more invitations and get 25 free! Find the details to RSVP below – we hope to see you there!
It’s our pleasure to shine the spotlight on one of the sweetest spots in Chicago, Smitten Boutique. Kirstin and Kyleigh greet their clients with a warm welcome, a glass of wine, and most importantly, an experience that transforms into a lasting relationship far past the first trip to this charming shop. We are looking forward to Smitten Boutique’s upcoming trunk show where we will get to work side by side with some of the loveliest ladies in the business! Here’s a little look inside their doors on West Madison Street and thoughts from store owner Kirstin:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your boutique came to be? Is this something you have always wanted to do?
A: When I was in college, I used to jog past the cute shops nearby and dreamed of owning one someday. Fast forward ten years, I was walking our dog through our neighborhood and saw a “for sale” sign in the window of a small retail space. I believed in the West Loop neighborhood and it just felt right. My husband jumped on board and a month later we were figuring out what our store was going to look like!
Q: How would you describe your space to somebody that has never visited before? We want to hear all the details!
A: Smitten has become a staple boutique in Chicago’s West Loop over the past decade. The bright, open store is a welcoming space for our clients to relax in while they peruse our selection of gifts. They are always welcome to enjoy a glass of wine while they create custom invitations or stationery with one of our talented consultants. Our team loves getting to know our clients which cultivate long lasting relationships through the years. Whether we are helping to design your paper goods, finding you the perfect gift for a new baby, a bridal event, a birthday, a holiday, a housewarming or an everyday gift, we’re here to help you select the best!
Q: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job? What do you find the most challenging?
A: My favorite part by far is the creative brainstorming process where we look at a couple’s wedding inspirations and help them dream up the perfect paper goods to compliment their event! Whether it’s a custom illustration, a luxe 2-ply paper, a hand-dyed silk ribbon or the perfect shade of blush – there is always something that just ties it all together and says ‘this is our wedding’ for a couple. It’s our job to help couples get there! The most challenging part of the job is probably juggling home life and Smitten life. I could spend 100% of my time working on things for Smitten but I have three adorable, small children and an amazing husband who I would love to spend ALL of my time with as well – so finding a balance can be tricky when you love what you do.
Q: What do you think your clients enjoy most about working with Smitten Boutique?
A: Planning a wedding can be overwhelming because it’s often the first time a couple has planned a party of this caliber, yet they want it to be perfect. (And how many times do you get something perfect the first time you do it?). I think we provide a trusted partner for our clients and help guide them through the process, so that they can enjoy the ride rather than stressing about whether they are doing everything correctly. That’s our job!
Q: Anything else we should know or that you would like to share?
A: I feel so lucky to be a part of our local community and a partner to so many amazing vendors on both the retail and stationery sides of our business. I hope our customers realize what an impact they have on our business when they choose to walk through the door. I don’t think anyone should shop local out of obligation or pity as I am a busy woman who can appreciate the convenience of online shopping, but I hope that the enjoyment our customers get out of visiting us, our customer service, and true desire to go the extra mile for our customers will continue to win the business of so many great people and that Smitten will be around for many decades to come!