Meet Debi Zeinert of The Blooming Quill in Milwaukee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debi Zeinert.

Debi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a Wedding Calligrapher. I’ve done calligraphy my whole life, starting it as a business when my 2nd child was born 33 years ago. In 2001, I quit my full-time job to become a full-time Wedding Calligrapher. I work with brides, wedding planners, designers, and stationers. Recently, I added letterpress to my list of offerings as the proud owner of a 125-year-old Golding Jobber letterpress. I was the first calligrapher for Bella Figura, the letterpress invitation leader located in Syracuse, NY. My clients, located all over the world, include celebrities and dignitaries.

Though I do many traditional styles, I have created signature styles of my own, which are my most popular. Servicing around 200 clients each year keeps me very busy!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth, no, but fun! In the beginning, my struggle was building my clientele. Now it seems to be convincing them that hand calligraphy is still better than printing something off their computer. The business has changed due to technology, but in the end, handwork still wins out in social situations.

Internally, my biggest struggle is to get clients to respect my time. Everyone seems to think that they are your only client!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Blooming Quill story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in hand calligraphy for weddings. I am a self-taught, left-handed calligrapher. I used vintage pens and ink that is made just for me. My work is spread throughout the world and is easily recognized by clients and fellow calligraphers alike. I work fast and hard, thus making my business appealing to anyone in the wedding industry. Most things are so last minute, thus the importance of being able to take on work at the last minute and complete it quickly.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has played a HUGE role in my business. Hooking up with Bella Figura not only tripled my actual business in a few short years, but it has landed me press coverage in leading magazines. I am well known in the industry and I have them to thank.

Contact Info:

• Address: N168W20333 Main Street
  Jackson, Wisconsin 53037
• Website: www.bloomingquill.com
• Phone: 414-520-1100
• Email: debi
• Instagram: @bloomingquill
• Facebook: bloominqquill

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.