Bella Ink Blog

Shop Girl Focus: Katie of Katie & Co.

Bella Ink Designs' Shop Girl Focus feature is back, and this month we're happy to feature Katie of Katie & Co. in Houston, Texas.  We have been working with this fabulous stationery and gift retailer since 2008.  From the praise on her Facebook wall, we're sure this shop will be around for many years to come.

So Katie...

Q. When did you start your business and why?

A. Almost three years ago.  I always wanted to have my own shop and it was just time!

Q. From where or whom have you received the best advice about running a small business?

A. Honestly, from some of my customers that have experience running their own businesses.  People are always very interested in the business and willing to offer advice!

Q. Do you plan on attending the National Stationery Show this year?

A. We are... I enjoy the show and it's a good excuse to get to go to New York.

Q. Favorite place to scout out new designers outside of industry shows?

A. I like to go in shops when I am in other cities.  It's fun to see what other buyers have found that we haven't seen.

Q. What factors into the buying process when deciding which brands to sell?

A. What other stores carry the line, the unique look of the brand, and the quality of the product.

Q. When, if ever, is an email address appropriate for an RSVP?

A. I would say yes for a casual event.  If it helps people to respond then you can't rule it out!

Q. If it's potluck, what's your go-to dish?

A. Chicken spaghetti.

Q. Morning person or night owl?

A. Night owl, for sure.

Q. What is your favorite method of communication?

A. I am pretty good about sending a quick note or a card, just to make someone smile.

Q. Heels or flats in the shop?

A. I am definitely a flats girl.

Q. In what timeframe should a thank you note be mailed?

A. I try to do it immediately, but am not always organized.  For sure within two weeks.

Q. What is on your favorite in-store playlist?

A. We listen to Keith Urban (what can I say, it's Texas), some Beyonce (a hometown favorite), and lots of Glee.

Q. When you were 9, what did you think you'd be when you grew up?

A. I think I wanted to be a pediatrician.

Q. You are happiest when ...

A. I am floating in the Guadalupe River.

Q. What is your personal motto?

A. Hmmm... I'll get back to you on that one!

Thank you for your participation, Katie!

You can find Katie & Co. at: 4500 Washington Ave., Suite 400, Houston, TX 77007 (P: 713-906-5711) and on Facebook.

Bella Ink Sneak Peek: Winter 2011

Here's a sneak peek at Bella Ink Designs' Winter 2011 line of Bridal Invitations, available through sales reps and retailers May 2011!

{Pictured from top left: PH-85 Room By Room, WH-24 Beautiful Bride, WH-30, PH-108}

Invites for Princess Parties & Boy Bashes

Whether you're hosting a good old fashioned party with cake and ice cream, blowing up a moon jump, or going all out with a Sweet & Sassy limo, Bella Ink Designs' assortment of pink party invitations will elevate any little girl's birthday to the next level.  

{Pictured: PH-63 Make a Wish, PH-74 Princess Party, PT-120 Uptown Girl, PT-133 Wildberry Cupcake, PT-127 Pink Party}

Little boys are a bit more rough and tumble and their birthday parties may reflect their active nature in the form of a pool party, boxcar derby or carnival-theme event.  Younger children will be enchanted by a jungle-theme birthday.  Bella Ink invitations will set the mood and get guests ready to celebrate.

{Pictured: PT-124 Under the Sea, PH-71, Vroom, PT-130, Zoo Balloons, PH-47, Ticket to Ride}

Bridal Shower Invites by Bella Ink Designs

Spring and summer bridal shower invitations by Bella Ink Designs are full of cool bridal blues and warm weather pinks.  To view additional bridal shower invitations, please view our "Let Them Eat Cake" feature here.

Shower hostesses who want to help the bride get a jump on her thank you notes should consider purchasing boxed notes that coordinate with the event's invitations.  Go the extra mile and have the envelopes pre-addressed.

To find a nearby or online retailer, please visit Bella Ink's Find a Store page.  Retailers, please contact Bella Ink Designs, directly.

{Pictured, Top: WH-22 Something Blue, WH-18 Blushing Bride, WH-20 Head Table, WCH-22 Rosy Bouquet}

{Pictured, Bottom: W-30 Something Blue, EF-105A Jardin Rose Merci, 300-T, WCF-22A Rosy Bouquet}

Hello, Mother! Hello, Father!

This Mother's Day and Father's Day you'll be able to give thanks to the duo that raised you with a fabulous greeting from Bella Ink Designs.  From the traditional "Happy mother's Day" and "Happy Father's Day" sentiments to the not so traditional, but equally gracious "You're My She-Ro" and "You Rock," there's a greeting to suit most any relationship.

To find a nearby or online Bella Ink retailer, please visit our Find a Store page.  Retailers, please contact Bella Ink Designs directly.

{Pictured: CC-14 Happy Mother's Day, CC-35 She-Ro, CC-12 Happy Father's Day, GC-11 Mom Gift Card Mailer, CC-36 World of Thanks, GC-8 Dad Gift Card Mailer, CC-33 Many Thanks, CC-6 You're the Best, CC-22 You Rock}

Bella Ink Offers their ConGRADulations

Whether you're hosting a graduation party or you simply need to write a note of congratulations to a graduate for a job well done, Bella Ink Designs has an invitation or greeting that will get your message across with style.

To find a nearby or online Bella Ink retailer please visit our Find a Store page.  Retailers, please contact Bella Ink Designs Directly.

{Invitations (Top): PH-46 Rosy Future, PH-70 Hat's Off, WCH-30 Congratulations, PH-64 Alexa 2011}

{Greetings (Bottom): CC-39 WooHoo, GC-5 Grad Gift Card Mailer, CC-23 So Very Proud, CC-32 Congrats}

Bella Ink's Cinco de Mayo Ready Invitations

Beer or tequila?  On the rocks or frozen?  Salt or no salt? These are the important questions many Cinco de Mayo revelers will be answering in a few short weeks.  Be sure to secure their "yes" to your party, now.  Whether you'll be hosting an event at home or out on the town, Bella Ink has an invitation to get guests ready to don their sombreros.

To find a nearby or online Bella Ink retailer please visit our Find a Store page.  Retailers, please contact Bella Ink Designs directly.

Bella Ink's Best Dressed & Easter Dresses

Remember when we were young enough to not look silly sitting on the Easter Bunny's lap, and Easter Sunday was all about the Easter dress.  (And going to church in that dress, of course!)  While we may get a raised eyebrow sitting on the Easter Bunny's lap these days, we can still look forward to buying and wearing a fabulous new Spring dress.  As long as you cover up any bare shoulders with a cardigan in church, you should be able to avoid any glares.

In honor of dressing for the occasion, we've selected some of our best dressed invitations to showcase alongside some of our favorite Spring dresses over at Anthropologie.  

To find a Bella Ink retailer near you, or an online retailer, please visit our Find a Store page.  Retailers, please contact Bella Ink directly.

Pictured: Bella Ink's PH-30 Frieda's Shower, Bella Ink's PH-69 Upper East Side, Bella Ink's WH-1 Grace, Bella Ink's BH-11 New Arrival.  All dresses sold at Anthropologie.