Their are 2 things Pascale Pace and Alicia Johnson have in common. One is that they’re both moms. The other? They’re partners in business. Each woman brings their own special talent to the business which gives it the advantage it needs to continue it’s growth.
Pascale and Alicia both believe that it’s important to give their customers what they are looking for in their announcements and they do that. At Marmalade Ink their are no “white backs” to these cards.
What was the inspiration behind Marmalade Ink?
We based this business on providing personalized announcements consumers were asking for. Pascale Pace, who ran a Chicago-based graphic design firm, turned stay-at-home mom was continuously being asked to design birth announcements and invitations for friends and family and looking for a way to combine her artistic abilities and desire to work from home. Alicia Johnson, Professional Photographer and Graphic Designer has owned her own professional photography studio for over 12 years now and during that time has been designing announcements and invitations for her clients for the past 5 years. The growing demand for unique and exciting greetings was enough for Alicia to approach Pascale with the idea of an online photo announcement business.
How long has it been since the two of you founded your business?
We started the process of registering our business with the government and getting the logistics of the business straightened out approx. 1.6 years ago. We finally launched the business in November of 2007. We just recently started offering wholesale prices to online stationery retailers and the response has been overwhelming.
What have you learned since starting Marmalade Ink that you wish you’d known before hand?
Alicia
I say this about both of my businesses. I wish that I had taken more business and marketing classes. No matter what your business is these classes would be invaluable. I feel like I had to run a business and learn the business and marketing skills at the same time. Tough to do!
Pascale
The thought of starting a business was always a bit scary to me. If I knew then, how rewarding and exciting it is, I would have started a business along time ago.
What past experiences did you already have that you were able to put towards starting your business?
Alicia
I have owned and operated my own photography business for the past 12 years. The business skills and Graphic Design skills that were learned through Alicia’s Portraiture have made the transition of owning and operating Marmalade Ink that much easier.
Pascale
I held various positions in the graphic design industry. My career started at CSC Index as a production designer. Two Companies and nine years later, I decided to become a stay at home mom. Alicia Johnson my business partner, came to me seven years later with the idea of Marmalade Ink. I’m so happy to be able to put my experiences back to work.
Do you have any advice for other moms who might be interested in starting their own business?
Alicia
Follow your heart! If you have a business idea or a passion that you would like to turn into a business, get organized, do your research and work, work, work. Don’t let anybody tell you it can’t be done!
Pascale
Just do it.
It’s wonderful to be able to use your skills and still have the time to be with your family.