We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Roberts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

It’s always been a passion of mine to design wedding invitations as a side hustle, but I was constantly working as a full-time graphic designer until 2024. I am truly grateful for the experience those jobs have given me, but I definitely wish I had officially launched my stationery business much sooner than I did. The turning point came last March when I lost my full-time job. It was tough at first, but it allowed me to reflect on the type of design work that truly makes me happy. Now, I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to focus on crafting custom wedding invitations, paper goods & signage in the Portland, Oregon area.

Michelle, 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?

My love for brand design began when I earned my graphic design degree back in 2015, but my passion for wedding stationery really took off in 2018 when I designed my own watercolor wedding invitations and signage. I had such a fun time crafting an elegant look with a subtle Harry Potter twist, and I wanted to continue giving that same customized experience to other people.

Working with couples to make their weddings feel unique and special is such an incredible feeling. I have 10 years of design experience, but am also an artist. I love to paint with watercolor whenever I can. It gives each couple’s paper goods that special hand-crafted touch you just can’t get from an online order. My hand-painted watercolor paired with carefully curated fonts and pixel-perfect layouts makes every wedding invitation stand out from the rest.

In addition to invitations, I also create unique pieces like program fans, name cards attached to pumpkins, or even menus and table numbers made out of marble. The best part is, when I have the opportunity to design every piece from start to finish, all of the printed goods & signage coordinates SO beautifully. Each wedding is truly one of a kind and it brings me so much joy to make every couple’s big day that much more special!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part for me is when I can see the surprise and delight on people’s faces as they experience my work. It makes me feel that the time and effort I put into every detail is completely worth it.

Additionally, it’s hard to describe the level of satisfaction I feel from creating something brand new for each individual event. I am the type of person who needs to constantly brainstorm new project ideas, so always working with new clients and their events is the PERFECT job for me.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have a big vision for my studio: to grow large enough to have my own dedicated space someday, build a team, and sustain my family long-term. I would also love to collaborate with other industry professionals such as: event planners, calligraphers, event rental agencies, bakers, florists, writers, artists, designers, and more. My intention is to create a thriving community where we all lift each other up and work closely together on every event we are hired for.

My ultimate dream is for engaged couples to know exactly where they need to go when they want a truly unique experience for their big day—Fior Design Studio.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fiordesignstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiordesignstudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellerobertsdesign/
• Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fiordesignstudio

Image Credits

Nicole Seaverson Photography
Peterson Design + Photography