Vendor Spotlight : Tinlizzy Design Co.
Personalised invitations, hand crafted artwork, and the highest quality printing paper is what Tinlizzy Design Co. is all about. I had the pleasure of sitting down with her and learning all about this stunning business she has created. Check out my interview with owner Beth Compton and discover wedding stationary that is worthy of being pinned to the fridge long after the “I do’s” have been said!
How did you get started as an invitation designer?
Over the years I had helped different friends and family with invitations, but my sister-in-law, Heather, has really championed me. She got married in Charleston in 2018, and I created most of her design and print needs. She gave me my first referral for wedding invitations, and encouraged me to channel my abilities into a business.
Where does the name “Tinlizzy” come from?
With a name like Elizabeth, I have had so many different nicknames over the years. Beth (what I go by), Bethany, Liz, Lizzy… some too ridiculous to commit to the internet. Seriously, any derivative of my name would cause me to turn my head. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandmothers and their friends. One of those friends, Jan, would call me Tinlizzy. I used @tinlizzy as my personal Instagram account years ago before Instagram was really popular (and yes, I do get tagged in some lovely people’s margarita pics while they’re out eating tacos), so it was a natural name to use when designing.
What’s even more important to me is the paper airplane that’s part of my logo. My mom taught me how to fold my first paper airplane, and I truly believe any ounce of creativity I have is from her. Her natural artistic talent is inspiring, and even more, when she is tasked with a new, unfamiliar project, she always teaches herself how to do it and do it well.
What can a client expect once they’ve booked with you?
My goal is to provide a personal experience that will culminate in an invitation suite that is exactly what’s wanted. After we nail down what the couple is interested in - style, colors, graphic elements, finishing, etc. - I like to work up different layout options so that they can really see the different looks, mix-and-match what parts they love from each concept. The greatest compliment I can receive is how the final product is exactly what they’d hoped for and that I made the process easier for them.
What is your favourite style to design?
I love, LOVE line art. To me, it’s just so classy and timeless. I am nuts over clean lines and simplicity. Marie Kondo and Emily Ley are my organization favorites, and their lifestyle suggestions really lend to how I love to design graphically.
Tell me about the part of your business that brings you the most joy?
Oh, where do I start? Tinlizzy Design Co. began because I am a stay-at-home mom of two young boys, and I really wanted something that would be for me. I wanted to build something that I loved and would continue to stretch me. I love getting unique requests because it’s a new opportunity to learn and grow. I love vendor meetings because I get to chat with so many awesome people - couples, vendors, venue staff. So, honestly, I love all of it because I really feel like I’ve created something solid. It’s been two years since my website went live. To think of how far I have come in such a short amount of time has truly exceeded any expectations I had.
What have been your biggest challenges starting Tinlizzy Design Co.?
See the next question because we all have that “thing” we are working on!
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the beginning of launching your company?
I am going to amend that question even further! I am ALWAYS reminding myself to find balance. As I drop my head in shame, years ago, I worked on my honeymoon. I even worked in the hospital the night after my first son was born (the nurse literally told me I was crazy in the middle of the night). And I know I have worked on most vacations and a thousand other times I shouldn’t have. Coming into 2020, my goal was to create healthier boundaries for my mental health and to halt any burnout. I try to combat those urges by writing work schedules and weekly or daily goals and sticking to them. Plus, working when I am into it and prepared to be creative makes the work more fun and more efficient. I don’t want to put any bad mood vibes into anyone’s wedding invitation!
How do you foresee your business growing in the future?
Oh goodness. I feel like I still live one season to the next. However, one day, I would love to get to a point where I can focus on client relations and design, and have a friend or two on staff managing final production and assembly!
Are there any design projects or ideas you would absolutely love to work on?
Every couple that will ever choose me to help them with their wedding invitations is exactly what I want to work on! I truly cherish each new client I receive because I know there are a ton of other people and businesses they could have chosen. It’s an honor when a couple chooses me, and I know that’s a feeling that won’t ever change. I love the uniqueness every client brings me, and that alone keeps me on my toes and excited for what’s next!
Beth Compton
Not only is Beth incredible at what she does, she’s also the sweetest person you’ll ever meet. She has charmed my life and the lives of so many couples and it is a privilege to call her my friend. Check her out at TinLizzyDesignCo.com or on her Instagram.