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.
