Today we’d like to introduce you to Mollie Green.
Mollie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I went to school for painting and printmaking at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After graduating, I worked at Paper Boy – a now-closed card shop next to Schubas on Belmont. I was really inspired by the burgeoning small press greeting card scene. So I started making and selling my own cards. I loved the scale and intimacy of the medium. I loved that it had such a wide audience and was accessible and engaging.
I was able to combine my drawing skills, sense of humor and business sense. As communication evolves, it has become even more special to send and receive cards. It’s nice to be part of that community. Now I have a dog-friendly studio in Rogers Park. My assistant packs up orders to send to hundreds of small and large stores around the world. I spend most days working on new and custom designs and maintaining our online presence.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I worked from home for a few years – and almost went crazy! For me, it was too hard to sleep next to my work. Taking the leap and renting a studio and hiring an employee made a huge difference. I also worked with a therapist to improve my work-life balance and get my insecurities about owning a business in check. I’m thankful that every risk I have taken has been worth it!
Please tell us about La Familia Green.
My primary focus is greeting cards. I keep an ongoing list of ideas (about food, pets, culture) on my phone, and I refer to that when making new designs – which is four-five times a year. All of the cards feature my ideas and drawings. Each card begins as a drawing or collage. I use the computer as little as possible before sending the file to my printer.
I’m not interested in copying a trendy look – though I don’t mind commenting on them! I think it’s so important to do your own thing!
Stores and customers definitely get tired of seeing the same thing over and over again. I follow my gut when it comes to my subjects. Some designs are more successful than others – resonating with many people, instead of just a few that share that interest. But I love when someone tells me that we must love all the same things!
A few years ago, we started making scratch & sniff cards – just like the stickers of my youth. Those have been popular. And it’s fun to experiment with new scents. Every month, we donate 10% of our Etsy sales to a local pet charity. I have two rescue pit bull mixes, and they are very near and dear to my heart. I often feature pit bull type and mixed breed dogs in my work. I’m most proud of that.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I grew up in West Texas, and we spent a lot of time in New Mexico. I love that landscape and sky. My grandmother shared this love. It makes me think of her. She also loved sending and receiving cards.
Pricing:
- Greeting cards $5.00
Contact Info:
- Website: lafamiliagreen.com
- Email: mollie@lafamiliagreen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafamiliagreen (@lafamiliagreen)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lafamiliagreencards/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaFamiliaGreen (@lafamiliagreen)
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lafamiliagreen
Image Credit:
Frank Ishman
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