We recently connected with Heidi Hess and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Heidi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Without really knowing it, I began the idea of The Hess Press as I was shopping for my own wedding invitations as a 2023 bride. I loved the designs I came across but found myself finding aspects I would tweak or change. I knew I wanted the invitation suite that would wow my guests and serve as an art piece of remembrance of one of the best days of my life. As my own first client, I used this time to really learn the process and experiment with techniques. This was an extremely time consuming process but I learned so much. It was a long period of trial and error, and eventually getting to the final product.

After completing my wedding invitation suites, day-of paper goods, and custom thank you notes, I knew I wanted to continue designs and serve as a one stop shop for brides and their paper goods. Time went on and this desire sat on the back burner as I feared what all could come about. I had a ton of support from family and friends but my own head got in the way. Plus I was really struggling with a name that felt like me.

In October 2023, a dear friend of mine in wedding photography asked if I would create some wedding invitation suites for two destination elopement styled shoots that she was conducting. She gave me full design reign. I was incredibly honored to have been chosen for this project, as my photographer friend is extremely talented and has seen the best of the best in the industry. Her confidence in me gave me the fuel to take the leap and share my passion with others. About fifteen minutes after she reached out, I was doing laundry and as I was pulling my clothes into the basket from the dryer the lightbulb in my head went off and the most perfect name to call my new business came to me, The Hess Press. “Hess” is my new married last name, and it rhymes perfectly with “Press” which defines what I am as a business. If I hadn’t become a Hess none of this would have probably ever come to fruition. It just totally made sense.

I knew this was something I could succeed in because I have a true passion for design, paper goods, and the wedding industry. Having so many supportive cheerleaders in my corner definitely helped me kickstart this journey. To keep it going and make it worthwhile comes down to being able to do something you love and help people along the way. Being able to take the weight off of my overwhelmed brides’ shoulders drives me to make it last. I have connected with some amazing individuals in the stationery community where everyone is so inclusive and supportive — there really is a seat for everyone.

The Hess Press was founded in October 2023 but it began building in March 2023. I’m so thankful that I was able to be my own first client.

Heidi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got my start in the stationery industry by needing these very services myself. As a 2023 bride, I was looking for bespoke wedding invitations and paper goods for the day of our wedding. I found myself saying, “I could do this,” and this would allow me to be even more involved in my wedding planning. I dove in head first and learned along the way. I had some very helpful resources pointing me in the right direction but ultimately I learned the most by just doing it. Playing around in InDesign and Illustrator for hours on end. Templating envelope printing and printing a hundred times before I got it right. Stamping wax seals until I got the right technique. Ordering prints from various printers until I found ones that I can trust. I think this goes with any industry and many aspects of life — you don’t really know how things will work for you unless you try it.

Through all of the learning curves, I provide a boutique experience of bespoke stationery design from start to finish. I strive to deliver the dreamiest wedding invitation suites for my brides and grooms and bringing their vision to life. The experience is what sets me apart from others. My design process is fully customizable and through our design proof stage anything and everything can be changed. My goal is to take the weight off of their shoulders during what can be a very stressful time and make it as seamless and as exciting as possible.

Aside from weddings, I absolutely love to create custom stationery sets for my clients. I offer semi-customizable and fully custom stationery sets so these can get really fun to create for the person I am designing for. I personally get so excited to receive written notes in the mail so I want to do all that I can to keep snail mail alive and well!

I am most proud of my unique envelope liner designs. I haven’t seen any other designer create anything like them. They are fun to source for and see the finished piece come together in a photographer’s details shots. I’m all about the small details that can set your wedding suite apart from others, so having a custom envelope liner really does elevate your suite.

The main thing I want potential clients to know about me and my work is that my heart and soul goes into each detail. You will not simply receive your event details printed on paper to send out to your guests. Every order comes with a friend who is there every step of the way from inquiry to delivery day. I want to wow your guests just as much as you do. The wedding invitation is the first impression your guests will have for your wedding day and they truly set the tone for the entire day. After all, invitations last well after the wedding is over.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a stationery designer is that I get to be a part of my clients most treasured events. Whether it’s their wedding, baby’s first birthday, or a shower, I get to help them define their day that they are so excited for. It is also such a creative outlet for me. When I am deep into a design, I am imagining myself among the guests. Imagining what the event is going to be like, and how all of the details will all come together. If you ask anyone in my circle they will tell you that I love to host and throw parties. I love to celebrate life’s biggest moments and making people feel special. Designing invitations has helped me be a part of celebrating so many new beginnings.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth has been amazing for me. I have been able to work with great people for their events and custom stationery who heard about my business through their family or friends.

Instagram has landed me a huge client for my biggest event yet. It has been fun to connect with clients and industry friends alike on there.

Having friends in the industry is also such a blessing. I have been lucky enough to be added to vendor lists that venues and photographers pass down to their clients to help with their wedding planning. Gaining the trust of others in the industry has helped immensely.

Contact Info:

• Website: thehesspress.com
• Instagram: @thehesspress
• Facebook: facebook.com/thehesspress
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/heidibeckhess/

Image Credits
Heidi + Charles wedding invitation suite: Oh Miss Meghan Photography @ohmissphotography Kassandra + DJ wedding invitation suite: Sydney Darwin Photography @sydneydarwinphotography Cherr + Mickey wedding invitation suite: Brittney Renee Photography @brittneyreneephotography.ut Self Portraits: Heidi Hess @thehesspress