Spring 2020 - 46

RETAILER PROFILE
Shoppers can see
the presses from
inside the shop.
A workshop in
progress.
Photograph courtesy of
Laura Alexandra Photo
Photograph courtesy of
Belle & Union
A detail from a
window display.
No spot of selling
space goes
unused.
Vignettes cross categories with great effect.
Photograph courtesy of Verb House Creative
time. We are a small shop, but there is still a lot
to see! "
Prices run from $1 for a blank pencil to $150
for sets of custom letterpressed stationery.
" (Whether) a customer needs a simple $20 gift,
or something more special, we have something
for both, " Sutton underscored.
PIECES AND PARTS
Sutton finds that the shop has shaped Belle
& Union's wholesale evolution. " The shop has
changed me as a designer, and even how I
approach wholesale. I've tried to shift to a 'retailerfocused
mindset,' thinking about specifics that will
make it easier for our shops to be able to sell our
products and sell them well. I just released our
first collection that I think really defines this new
transition, getting back to the heart of making and
why I really love what I do: creating pieces that
46 Spring 2020 | STATIONERY TRENDS
Photograph courtesy of
Belle & Union
Photograph courtesy of
Verb House Creative
people can truly connect with and want to give
and share. It's a different direction than anything
we've done in the past, shedding that Southern
and foodie persona we had become known for,
but I couldn't be more proud. "
Just as a wholesale collection is often themed,
so too is the shop monthly. Once a theme is
found, specific items to complement Belle &
Union offerings are brainstormed. " Then we
really dive in to find it! " Sutton laughed. " I travel
down the Instagram rabbit hole often, and have
made some great finds that way. Other shopkeep
friends around the country and I often share
up and coming makers. It's a constant process
that is ever evolving, but having that variety is
what makes our store so interesting and unique.
People regularly comment about how they have
never seen anything like it, and that's exactly
what we are hoping for. "
Workshops are a huge draw, having
garnered a Best of the City award for two years.
" Typically we host workshops every Saturday
morning, from calligraphy to cookie decorating
and everything in between, " Sutton detailed.
" It allows us to partner with local artists
and makers to share their crafts, and bring
people to the shop that might not have found
us otherwise. "
Someday, Sutton wants to own her own space
with dedicated areas for retail and wholesale -
as well as space for other artisans to work. But
for now, she is content to create work that's
meaningful to her and her clientele. Her latest
collection emphasizes the beauty found in
imperfections, and all of us. That reminder
will serve her well as Sutton continues to find
creative ways to stay on top of any challenges
she encounters. S T
Spring 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2020
