Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Simpson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Celeste. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my business 17 years ago when we decided to start a family. I wanted to create a business where I could work from home and care for my son without the placing him in daycare. My background prior to going on my own is in graphic design and finance. I spent about 12 years in banking holding various positions from bank teller (my very first job and I was the youngest employee they ever hired at the age of 15), manager of retired services to heading up platform automation, integration and procedure. After leaving banking, I went to work for a database management software company and was responsible for client development and project management of financial services clients. After 6 years in this industry, we started a family and the rest as they say….is history.
When people ask me about my background or education, I tell them that I took the scenic route and landed exactly where I wanted to be. Running my own company and doing what I love to do everyday. Being creative, all the while being business savvy. I feel that every position I have held in my career has lead me up to this point. Its one thing to be creatively talented, but you also need to know how to run a business and be profitable, otherwise it’s just a hobby. And it just plain makes me happy to be chosen to be part of such significant events and special occasions in people’s lives.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The paper world is a rapidly changing industry. So much of print has gone to electronic or online solutions so when the market dips and consumers are spending less, I’ve had to change my design process and be more efficient as well as change designs to meet the needs of various wedding budgets.
I’ve had to move my office twice due to flooding – that was no fun!!! For almost 6 months, I ran production out of my dining room. Orders still managed to come in and go out on schedule. I’m a stickler for keeping to a timeline and do what it takes to get the job complete.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Impress Me Designs – what should we know?
I’m most known for my customized wedding invitations. I like to brand each wedding or event but designing something that is unique to each client. I think we all are unique in some way and I like to somehow convey that in the couples wedding stationery. It could be the colors, the packaging or a monogram.
What sets me apart from others, is my customer service. I like to take the time to get to know my clients and make myself available to them whenever they need to reach out. I response quickly and I think people appreciate being able to reach a “live” person.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Quality of materials/product and time management.
Pricing:
- I specialize in letterpress and foil print and those designs start at $2,000 per 100 invitations
- Flat print designs start at $1,200 per 100 invitations
Contact Info:
- Address: Impress Me Designs
4 Mitchell Pond Road
Windham, NH 03087 - Website: www.impressmedesigns.com
- Phone: 603-490-6148
- Email: info@impressmedesigns.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/impressmedesigns
Image Credit:
Lindsay Hackney, Kate Preftakes, Grazier Photography
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