We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tasha Howard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tasha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I have been a calligraphy lover since I was very young – any millennials out there who remember American Girl’s “Letter Art” book? I was completely obsessed with it in elementary school, and never missed an opportunity to doodle in the margins of my notebooks. In my 20s, I often created calligraphy place cards for my friends’ weddings as a gift. But I never saw this “hobby” as a business venture, and equally never saw myself as a creative entrepreneur.

However, this changed when I decided to design my own wedding stationery – starting with my save the dates and invitations. I took a stationery crash course through Elisabeth Stuckey (@learnwithelisabeth) and it taught me so much – particularly about finding the right paper and printing partners that would deliver high quality materials. From there, I started posting my creations on social as “Draw Bridge Design.” I was also fortunate enough to have friends working at Meta who provided me with Instagram ad credits, which were truly transformative in connecting me with my first clients. Social media marketing is a lot of work, but it has been a key driver in Draw Bridge’s evolution.

I also owe a lot of my business growth to connecting with other professionals in the weddings/events space. Some of this happened organically through my own wedding, as well as through cold outreach to people I respected. These businesses, often run by fellow female entrepreneurs, have inspired me to stay hungry, be rigorous about process, and above all else create a luxe and seamless experience for my clients. In an industry where referrals are everything, building a network has been super important.

Today I am so proud of how my business has matured, and look forward to what is in store this year. My studio is filled with project plans covering the walls, as well as envelopes, vintage stamps, and calligraphy pens all over the various tables – and that is exactly how I like it! Whether connecting with couples over coffee at the studio, or via Google Meet, I am continually inspired by telling my clients’ love stories through paper and other premium materials.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I am a stationery designer with a studio in Dumbo, Brooklyn. My business name, Draw Bridge Design, was inspired by watching a young boy on the subway draw the Manhattan Bridge shortly after signing my studio lease. It was one of those “New York moments” that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Today, I am lucky enough to design stationery for clients’ weddings ranging from New York, to California, to Portugal. I believe stationery sets the tone for any big event, and that it should be tailored to a couple’s love story. In a world where so much of our communication is digital, paper goods give your special day the spotlight it deserves.

My background in qualitative research means I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients and what makes their relationship unique. I love finding ways to incorporate elements that “feel like you.” This translates not only to invitations, but also to day-of paper in the form of seating charts, menus, programs, place cards, and anything else couples might need!

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

I feel the most joy when my clients receive their stationery and have that “wow, this feels like us” moment. It feels like the conclusion of a creative journey where I was able to serve as their guide through the many stages (concepting, design, printing, assembly, mailing, etc).

Wedding planning can be stressful, and I truly want my couples to view the stationery design process as an outlet – a memorable time where they can reflect and relish in their love story. Ensuring all the tidbits – whether your first date spot or your beloved pet – shine through at the end is the cherry on top!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I have always been someone who cares a lot about what other people think and feel. Sometimes this is a strength – it means I strive to be a good listener, and care deeply about my clients being satisfied with their stationery.

However, valuing others’ opinions too much is fundamentally at odds with being a creative entrepreneur. Your style won’t be for everyone, and that is totally okay! After all, in any industry, consumers naturally gravitate towards certain brands and away from others. It has been a lesson for me to stay true to my design style, and resilient in my pursuit of creating a business that is reflective of my personal values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drawbridgedesignstudio.com
• Instagram: drawbridgedesignstudio
• Other: TikTok: drawbridgedesignstudio

Image Credits

Headshot: 98 Wedding Co
Flat Lays: Anna Pauline Photography