Today we're introducing you to Sharon Donnelly of Cotton Ink Invites!
* Please tell us about Cotton Ink Invites and what services you offer...
Cotton Ink is a custom wedding invitation company in Rocky River serving clients from Boston to Los Angeles and many locations in between. My designs are created for each couple based on the bride and groom’s style, theme and color scheme. The modern bride no longer wants the cookie cutter invitation selected from a book or catalog. Cotton Ink understands the desire of couples to have their ideas and dreams for their wedding suite expressed on paper...COTTON that is! At Cotton Ink, we print on heavy 100% cotton instead of tree paper. We take care to create all of your wedding suite pieces as well as the additional adornments that round out your day, including programs, menus, place cards, table numbers, specialty placards and thank you notes. Custom creating your pieces means they are like no one else’s and just what YOU want, whether perfectly matching or simply coordinating. Either way, they are a reflection of your style and set the tone for your day.
*Please tell us about yourself...
I started in the invitation industry more than ten years ago in the Philadelphia area. My two partners and I began with a basement-run operation and grew to a retail store making everything from kids birthday invites to wedding invitations. We eventually traded retail for wholesale and were part of the National Stationery Show in New York City. When my husband’s job contract was finished, he and I decided to return to the Cleveland area where we still have family. We both grew up in West Park and continue to have strong roots to the community. Upon returning, I decided to open my own business with the core focus being weddings. And so, Cotton Ink was born.
Although I am a one woman show as far as design goes, I rely on family for a lot of help. For instance, my brother Bob and my dad are always stepping in to assist. They build and transport my booths for shows. My husband does the same and has the added task of managing “the books” for my business. I rely on my adult children for their brutally honest opinions on designs. They are my barometer for knowing if a design will fly or if I need to get back to the drawing board. And, they have all kinds of technical skills that I need to tap into every now and then. They also have been seen cutting ribbon and lining envelopes. Cotton Ink would not be the success it is without the help of my crew.
* What do you love about your job and the wedding industry?
My favorite part of the job is when a bride takes the time to write me a thank you note expressing her gratitude for “Capturing our vision perfectly.” And, it is equally gratifying when the mother of the bride says she “Really could not envision how the bride’s ideas could become such a beautiful wedding invitation suite, so thank you!” This job allows me to get to know really great, creative and fun people. Often, we meet numerous times as we work through the wedding pieces and have the opportunity to build a wonderful rapport. Brides and their moms trust my judgment, advice and expertise whether that is for invitation wording, alternate ideas or recommendations for some of my favorite vendors. The down side of the job is that it ends. You miss the individuals...but many times I see them again for other invitations such as baby shower invites!
Thank you so much Sharon for introducing yourself and your business! We're so excited to see Cotton Ink Invites at the 2016 Boutique Bridal Bazaar on January 17!
Check out Cotton Ink Invites at www.cottoninkinvites.com!