We had the good fortune of connecting with Caitlin Baumberger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caitlin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Shortly after college, I was working as a graphic designer in the corporate world and I needed a creative outlet, so I signed myself up for a traditional in-person calligraphy class. I was instantly hooked and found myself practicing every night so that I could have the skills to address my own wedding envelopes. After designing wedding invitations for my own wedding and for a few close friends, I fell in love with the creative process and I launched Happy Tines in 2017.

Starting out, I offered primarily custom wedding stationery and custom calligraphy artwork. Since then, my business has evolved into designing my own stationery product line that I sell both retail and wholesale, and collaborating with other brands to license my artwork. It has been such a joy seeing my artwork on products such as baby pajamas, sugar cookies, jigsaw puzzles, and serving platters!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Happy Tines is a design studio specializing in creating colorful illustrated stationery products such as art prints, greeting cards, stickers, and more. My mission is for you to smile and feel happy through my bright color palettes, whimsical illustrations and hand-lettering details.

You can find my products available in my online shop. I also sell wholesale to brick and mortar boutique gift shops, both locally and across the US. It’s so fulfilling to see my products on the shelves of brick and mortar stores and I love that I can support other small businesses this way. I design and package my products in my home studio in Apex. I also teach seasonal online and in-person calligraphy and lettering classes.

One of my favorite things about being an artist is partnering and collaborating with other small businesses and brands to bring my illustrations to life on their products. I’m so proud of my collaboration with Mary Square and our state collection – a home and gift line that features my illustrations of major city landmarks for 11 states (and counting!). You can find the state landmark artwork on products such as wine glasses, puzzles, tea towels and more. I also partner with Kiki + Lulu, a bamboo baby/child pajama company, to design patterns for their super soft pajama line. I’ve gotten to design patterns for themes such as farm animals, the Nutcracker characters, dogs wearing sunglasses, Christmas elves and more. This kind of work is so fulfilling to me and I hope to do more collaborations like this in the future!

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to bring a friend to the area, I’d definitely bring them to Downtown Apex! It’s been my home since 2016 and it’s where my husband and I have planted our roots to raise our two young sons. We love it here! I’d be happy to recommend a few of my favorite local spots in Downtown Apex. One of my favorite boutiques to visit in Downtown Apex is Stylish Living for the cutest gifts & home decor items (bonus – you can find Happy Tines’ greeting cards and Apex-themed gifts at this shop). I recommend Scratch for a yummy dinner and then Neat and Sweet right next-door for craft cocktails and dessert. Fresh Local is always a good idea for the best ice cream in town. Our historic downtown is especially charming during the holiday season and it gives Hallmark Christmas movie vibes. It’s definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!

 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is hands-down dedicated to my amazing husband, Ben! He has been by my side since the beginning of Happy Tines when it was just an idea and I was learning how to write in calligraphy. He has always believed in me, encouraged me to dream big, and supported me on this creative journey. I am so thankful to have his support!

 

Website: https://www.happytines.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happytines/

Image Credits
Madalyn Yates Creative Anna Teem Photography

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