My Story
Where it all began —
My journey with letterpress goes all the way back to 2012 — though, if I’m being honest, the puzzle pieces started falling into place long before that.
As a kid, I was always making something. My mom is incredibly creative, so our house was constantly filled with art supplies and half-finished projects. My favorite store was Hobby Lobby — specifically the kids’ craft aisle (still is, honestly).
I also loved books.
I’d get so absorbed that I’d literally rewrite the words inside the book itself — not out of defiance, but because I wanted to feel every word. Once my mom put a stop to that, I started filling journals instead, unknowingly beginning my lifelong love for paper and print.
Discovering design & handmade art
By high school, my crafting had evolved into bookbinding. I spent hours watching YouTube tutorials and making my own journals and coptic-stitched planners for friends.
When I went to college to study graphic design, it felt like the practical choice — a way to blend art and a career.
But no matter the project, I always found ways to add something handmade. Sitting at a computer all day just didn’t scratch that creative itch.
Then, sophomore year, I spotted a “Book Arts” class and signed up, thinking it was bookbinding. Turns out, it was actually letterpress. I almost dropped it — until we started printing. From that first pull of the press, I was hooked.
Falling in love with letterpress
I became the teaching assistant for the letterpress studio and spent the rest of college there. After graduation, unsure how to turn letterpress into a career, I took a job in advertising. A few months of photoshopping burgers into digital banners was enough to make me realize: I needed something more hands-on.
So, I quit. With basically no savings, I moved to Nashville for an unpaid internship at Hatch Show Print — one of the most iconic letterpress print shops in the world. My plan was simple: find out if I loved it enough to make a career of it.
Spoiler: I did.
Building Sal Studios
When I came home, I started Sal Studios. At first, I made greeting cards and art prints, selling at craft fairs and online. It was fun, but not exactly sustainable, so I juggled side jobs while building my little business.
Eventually, I landed a freelance role at Hallmark that turned into a full-time job. Around that same time, a friend asked me to design their wedding invitations. I was hesitant (I’d heard the bridezilla horror stories), but I ended up loving it — the custom work, the storytelling, the beauty of creating something entirely new for each couple. Plus, the pay wasn’t bad either.
That’s when things clicked. The combination of a steady income from Hallmark and a growing invitation business gave me the stability I needed to thrive. I bought my first press, built a loyal client base, and eventually took Sal Studios full time in 2020.
Where I am now
It hasn’t been without challenges — there have been plenty of late nights, self-doubt, and trial and error — but building my business slowly and intentionally made all the difference.
Five years later, I’m still here, printing, growing, and grateful every day.
More recently, I’ve started teaching online courses, bringing things full circle from my college TA days. Sharing this craft with other creatives — and helping them build businesses of their own — has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
The story continues
This story is far from over, but I’m endlessly thankful for how it’s unfolded so far. Here’s to many more years of printing, teaching, and connecting with fellow artists.