Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Wolf.
Liz, please share your story with us.
We are Wolf & Wren Press a.k.a. best friend duo Liz Wolf (Chicago, IL) and Lauren Stapleton (Longmont, CO). We collaborate to produce clever and delightful letterpress goods.
Our cards incorporate printed handwriting and drawings making them ultra unique. The end result is a look and feels that complements the art of letterpress printing.
We met in childhood as budding artists in Rockford, IL. As adults, our backgrounds range from printmaking and paper-making to painting and bookbinding. Our sustaining mantra is combining good ideas with diligent planning, elbow grease, patience, and a lot of fun.
All cards are designed and manufactured by Wolf & Wren.
Has it been a smooth road?
The hardest part about growing a successful small business is sustainability (time, energy, money, vision, morale). As part of a duo, this is a lot easier. Together, Lauren and I are able to stay the course in terms of sticking with our vision for our products, managing time and growth, keeping up morale, and inspiring each other.
There is a tenuous balance of ‘going for it’ and being financially responsible. For the first 6 years of our business, we both worked our full-time jobs in addition to running our business. Chart a path that works for you.
My advice for young women starting this journey:
– Stick to your vision
– Keep up the hustle
– Surround yourself with positive, productive, kind women
– Ask for help when you need it
– Use accounting software
– Figure out a sustainable plan to make your business grow (time=money)
Keep adjusting ‘the great balancing act’. As a mom to a toddler, a lot of my work is done at night and during naps. Among other life responsibilities, I have to map out time to do creative work, design work, administrative work, and have some time to just draw and let loose. Figure out what works for you and when it isn’t working course correct.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Wolf & Wren Press story. Tell us more about the business.
I have a background in painting and book & book arts. I have been drawing since I was very young and continue to every day. Letterpress printing is a passion of mine – and a specialized old school way of printing.
As a brand, Wolf & Wren is known for being clever and heartfelt. We find that our best-selling cards come from conversations we have had with each other or direct life experiences. In a time when the world can feel so sad and divided, it feels good to put out a product that is meant to connect people.
We are very proud that all of our products are made by us.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
“In the Company of Women” is an amazing book to inspire all creative professionals. I’ve already read it cover to cover, but I keep it on my bedside table and flip through it regularly.
I’ve been participating in the NY TIMES/PBS NEWS HOUR book club. The book choices have represented a huge range in the human experience. It has been a great way to get outside of my own world, and I totally recommended reading for all. There is a huge Facebook group for the book club, but I mostly participate in the book discussions with my mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wolfandwren.com/
- Email: info@wolfandwren.com
- Instagram: @wolfwren
Image Credit:
Letterpress greeting card by Wolf & Wren Press. (C) 2018 Wolf & Wren Press
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