///This giveaway is closed.\\\
You know those people that you meet who have a heart of gold? That is Alexa. She is one talented lady who not only designs and creates wedding invitations plus pretty stamps but she is also fun! She uses exclamation marks as much as I do. Yes, I find that important. Ha! I am very thrilled to introduce you to Alexa Sonken.
Alexa works to create gorgeous, fresh and colorful wedding invitations. From the RSVP card to your save the date, she works to make your perfect paper product. When I first met Alexa, the biggest thing I noticed about her was not just her kindness but her confidence in what she does. Brides, you should always work with confident vendors. I cannot stress that enough. Alexa knows that her work is top knotch while being humble. It is so encouraging. Her Etsy shop is full of modern goodies while her Pinterest boards are a perfect reflection of her creative mind and personality. Alexa took the time to answer a few questions about herself. You guys are going to love her!
{A little background about you.}
Hey!! My name is Alexa Faye Sonken and I'm a freelance graphic designer living in bright and sunny San Diego. I absolutely LOVE graphic design! I went to Westmont College in Santa Barbara and studied fine arts and graphic design. I had a blast there. As my friends from college started getting married I began to notice a common theme: the need for rad, creative and fun invitations. So I had the idea to create a wedding invitation shop filled with fun designs that can be customized to a bride's wedding colors and style. My shop is geared towards the unconventional, artistic, funky, quirky and creative bride. I also create custom rubber address stamps that are a really adorable addition to a wedding invitation suite or anything you can send in the mail! Stamps really set a fun tone for an event, since it's the first thing people see when the envelope arrives.
{What was your first job? How did you get started in your industry/doing what you do?}
My first job was at Panera! Haha! I was about to turn 16 and was so excited to finally be making money. But my first REAL graphic design job started in college. I designed lots of shirts and posters for different school events. This helped get my name out there and I had a lot of fun getting to be creative. Once I graduated, I did various freelance projects for small companies and got most of my business from word of mouth. I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer since I was in high school. I was very into artistic fashion magazines (Nylon and Frankie were my favorites) and I think that's what sparked my interest in design. Being creative for a living was what I dreamed about.
{What is your favorite part of your job?}
My favorite part of my job is seeing an idea come to LIFE. It's the most rewarding thing. Whether it's a client's project or my own, when a project is finished and a dream becomes a reality, it's very gratifying.
{What you hope to offer clients?}
Customer service is my passion and so is creativity. I believe I offer my clients a creative mix of the two. It's really important to me to treat my clients as people I truly care about. So when people come to me with ideas and visions, I believe it's so important to truly listen and come up with a creative solution that fits their idea and exceeds their expectations. When working with brides, I want them to feel pampered and excited about their wedding invitations. I believe wedding planning should be a lot of FUN!
{What is the hardest lesson you have learned while being in your industry and starting a successful business?}
I have learned to not be over sensitive! Some people will love what you do while some people will not understand it. But as long as I'm staying true myself and helping brides create fantastic wedding invitations, then I'm doing something right!
{What is your biggest accomplishment?}
My biggest accomplishment is owning my own business and truly loving what I do for a living. I am very thankful for that everyday.
{Where do you see yourself in 5 years?}
In five years I see myself still working hard running my business and designing wedding invitations. :) I try my best to live life a day at a time, but as long as I'm creative and near my family, I will be happy.
{What does a typical day look like for you?}
A typical day for me... well there is no typical day. Ha! Since I do freelance design and run my own business, my day is dependent on the projects at hand. Some days I am on the computer all day designing and answering emails. Other days I'm going back and forth to the printer and doing a trip to Michael's for craft supplies. I like how each day is different, it keeps things exciting!
{What is the best piece of advice you have to offer potential designers?}
The best piece of advice I have to offer potential designers is to try and not compare yourself to others. Theodore Roosevelt said that "comparison is the thief of joy" and I believe that to be so true. Instead of always looking at what others are doing and feeling insecure, I think it's super important to detox and go back to what truly inspires you.
{A few fun things about yourself!}
Five facts about me:
1. Shoe addict. Haha. I LOVE fun shoes!
2. I have two sisters. They are my best friends.
3. Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Need I say more? ;)
4. I was born in San Diego and am still not sick of it! I love this place.
5. I love God and He's the one who brings me true happiness.
{Favorite quote}
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." Maya Angelou
{Where can we find you?}
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/alexasonken
Website: www.alexasonken.com
Tumblr: www.alexasonken.tumblr.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/alexasonken
{More of Alexa's work}
{Giveaway}
And because Alexa is fabulous she is giving one lucky reader a chance to win this Made with Love Stamp. Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen? What I love about the stamp is you can use it for your wedding invitations, decor on your big day or a thank you note to help make a friend smile.
Want a chance to win?
1. Comment below with "My favorite invitation suite is.... plus I will use the stamp for...."
2. Follow Alexa on Pinterest.
3. Follow Lovebird Productions on Facebook.
This giveaway will end next Friday, March 8th. Come back to this post to see the giveaway winner! Now go say hello to Alexa and visit her Etsy shop.
And the winner of the Made with Love Stamp is Margaret! Margaret writes:
Thank you to everyone who entered!
Interested in being featured as a new vendor on Lovebird Productions? Email me @ hello@lovebirdproductions.com. Let's see if you are the right fit. I would love to introduce you and your talents to planning brides. I love creative minds. They excite me plus knowing that you can help a bride with invitations or cheer up a busy mom with a fun product is a must! The vendor feature experience has grown and showcases not just products but you. I would love to hear from you!
