Features Industry Profiles

Debi Zeinert
The Blooming Quill
Port Washington, Wis.

1. When did you start working in this business?
I’ve been doing calligraphy professionally for more than 25 years, and The Blooming Quill was formed when I quit my full-time job in corporate retail in 2001.

2. What is your signature style?
I do all types of hand calligraphy — from the very formal to the fun and whimsical. These days brides want something that sets their wedding apart from others, so I create a style that works with the feeling of their whole day.

3. What are your most popular stationery offerings?
I do everything from designing an entire wedding suite to the place cards. Right now just having the couple’s names done in calligraphy is very popular — they use this as artwork and have the rest of the invite typeset. Then they have me address the envelopes to tie it all together

4. Please share the direction your line will be taking.
I will be incorporating lettering, flourishing and ornamentation into creating ornate borders and stationery. I am also working on a line of initial pendants.

5. What are your top three tips for success? 

The customer is king. Though a bride is one of many, they should still be made to feel like they are the most important bride you have. Second, constantly strive to add new things. Though classic sells the best in my business, tweaking it slightly keeps it interesting. Finally, write things down and keep to a schedule. It’s the key to sanity during the busy times!