Us
Who we are: a team of 80+ nice people // dozens of cast iron presses // ink-in-the-blood printers // a letterpress shop that does stuff to help the planet // housed in a hundred-year-old warehouse on the outskirts of downtown Syracuse // we create heirlooms // this is our passion and our life and our love
Why live here in Syracuse NY: the maples turning into fabulous reds // snow drifts and snowmen and moon-lit snow // feasts of grapes, plums, peaches, nectarines // a grand vibrant farmers’ market // the Finger Lakes wineries // no rush hour // blueberry season // Cortland apples // our gritty beautiful artist warehouse with crooked floors and much character
What we dream about: heavy antique presses // strong inks // large bodies of calm water // a guy named Gutenberg // a tea house in the Rockies // world peace // 27 hour days // spring // a rich deep impression of type
We will never grow sick of: watching lake effect snow fall // picnic lunches in mountain passes // good typography // rereading Bleak House // calligraphy // watching our presses do their stuff
What do we love: upstate New York // letterpress // the planet // cast iron // 1950’s well-crafted machinery // a secret waterfall 30 minutes southeast of here // perfection // poetry // nightstands crammed with books // family // businesses that do good // craft traditions // rich inks
What we see outside our shop: overwhelming sunsets // train tracks // a parking lot // the tops of trees // painted brick warehouses // the spires of far away churches // yellow fire hydrants // downtown // crows moving on
Debbie Urbanski
Founder and Co-owner
Debbie made Bella Figura. Yes. She is from Chicago and came to Syracuse for an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University. When she is not stopping to photograph beautiful invitations in the forests of Central New York, she is writing fiction that explores aliens, marriage, cults, and family, or some combination of those themes. Debbie is also able to eat sauerkraut in any meal.
Harold Kyle
Co-owner
Harold made the company that made Bella Figura. His dreams are filled with cast iron and cotton. A native of Maryland, he made his way to Syracuse via Minneapolis. In addition to antique presses, Harold loves the deep woods and the command line.
Tiffany Button
Custom Product Manager
Tiffany can’t get enough of gold foil edging, charcoal ink on ivory paper and wild, untamed hand lettering. She believes the best parties should never be without impeccable stationery, interesting people and an abundance of locally grown flowers. She is happiest when re-reading the Brontës, sipping Earl Grey tea, dreaming of grazing sheep and arranging peonies. She can’t imagine a world without grey days, conservationists, a pug named Stella and the sea.
Jessica Tierney
Creative Lead
Not long after graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Graphic Design, Jessica landed her dream job of designing wedding stationery at Bella Figura. She spends her days here wrapped up in patterns, pantones and pretty paper while developing our brand and dreaming up new and creative designs. The things that make her heart happiest are hand lettering, calligraphy, sketching, neutrals, shiny foil stamping, stripes, plaid, simple design, vegan cupcakes, chai tea lattes, peppermint + pumpkin flavored anything.
Sarah Sadler
Client Coordinator
As a lover of the written word and stories pressed into paper, Sarah has always been devoted to the idea of capturing moments. With wedding photography as her other passion, she couldn’t imagine a better fit than Bella Figura. She is honored to play a small part in helping the pages of your story unfold.
Sean Mahady
Client Coordinator
With many years of experience in customer service, Sean was thrilled when the opportunity to work with the wonderful people at Bella Figura arose. He looks forward to each day and the new challenges that they present.
Lindsy Talarico
Graphic Designer
Being a creative soul at heart, Lindsy pursued an education in Graphic Design at SUNY Oswego and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2004. Currently an in-house designer for Bella Figura, she continues to do what she has always loved most – designing beautiful things and working with amazing people.
Racheal Bumbolo
Graphic Designer
Racheal is a wife, a mother, a designer and perfectionist, and self-proclaimed diy-er. She grew up here in Central New York and has no plans of leaving this beautiful area surrounded by family, small towns, beautiful countrysides & the glorious Adirondacks. She always wanted to design for print, and the day she came into wedding stationery she knew right away that she wanted to spend everyday creating just one small piece to add to a beautiful day for brides, grooms and their families.
Leslie Johnston
Graphic Designer
Leslie’s rural upbringing in the finger lakes gave her plenty of inspiration as a budding artist – she could often be found somewhere in nature drawing and painting all the wildlife she found there. She pursued that passion with a degree in Studio Art and Design at Cayuga Community College and was then thrust squarely into the graphic design world where she worked as an album designer for an area recording studio, and as a visual artist and product designer for a luxury housewares company. Now as a designer at Bella Figura, Leslie loves the days when she gets to relive her childhood and create intricate custom illustrations for Bella customers.
Katie Magee
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Katie fell in love with letterpress while interning at a print shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as she pursued her degree in Fine Art and Design at Edinboro University. As someone who appreciates clean design, fine details, and excellent craftsmanship, she can’t imagine a better fit than Bella Figura. When she’s not designing, Katie can be found hanging with her dog, Walter, or running in one of CNY’s beautiful parks.
Alyssa Tidd
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Alyssa has had a passion for art and design from a young age and loves doing anything creative! She received a BFA in Visual Communications from Cazenovia College and has gained professional experience as both an in-house and agency designer. She discovered Bella Figura at an open house one winter and instantly fell in love with the beautiful stationery designs and unique letterpress shop. She is excited to be a part of the Bella Figura family and the special experiences they create for their clients.
Alix Hulihan
Graphic Designer
Alix started making greeting cards for her family and friends when she was six years old. Her deep passion for art and design only grew over the years and she attended PrattMWP and later received a BFA in Visual Communications from Cazenovia College. After five years as her Alma Mater’s Graphic Designer, Alix is overjoyed to now be a part of the Bella Figura family, finally living her dream of designing gorgeous letterpress invitations and working with the most creative and talented people.