Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Malland
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ashley Malland and I am the owner of Pen Pal Creations! Growing up I have always had a craving for anything I could be creative with, specifically calligraphy. It wasn’t until I joined a sorority in college that I realized how much I really loved being artsy whether it was through making video clips, using way too much mod podge to glitter everything and anything, or writing on friends graduation caps! Not only did I enjoy doing this but I also loved how much everyone appreciated it. I started working for two theme parks and that’s where I learned more about calligraphy, hand-lettering and “doodle” art work. I always had the mentality that work should never feel like “work”, if it makes you happy then continue and see what happens so with a ton of support from my family and friends I decided in 2022 to start Pen Pal Creations. The idea was to start with specialized, custom made Christmas ornaments then more ideas came to mind and now Pen Pal Creations is branching off into engraving services! I, personally, love the idea that you can take the simplest tangible item and make it something so special whether it is for yourself or a gift to a loved one. I love the fact that I can provide a service that is a long-lasting memorabilia for others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a wonderful rollercoaster! Some struggles include finding the right products year after year. Some products may be available one year and did amazing with sales and the following year those products cannot be found but that comes with any business. As the owner and service provider that is where my creativity is most important and to think of it as “okay, one door closes, how can another open?” Other struggles include the confidence! For example, Pen Pal Creations will be starting at local market vending shows, which is super exciting but also extremely intimidating.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Pen Pal Creations is all about adding that “special touch” to a variety of gifts! Pen Pal Creations is known for personalizing Christmas ornaments by adding handletting/calligraphy styled personalization. We can do something simple or add special touches such as small doodle artwork around the lettering or even take it a step further and provided glitter on top. The best thing is Pen Pal Creations welcomes all ideas to ensure our customers visions come to life. I am most proud of our newest service which is engraving! My personal favorite is engraving water bottles such as Owala, Stanley, YETI, Hydroflask, etc., something as simple as a first name really makes the world of a difference!
Pen Pal Creations differs from others because details matter! The smallest detail makes the world of a difference and we strive for perfection! We also care what the customer is paying for, if they are not happy then how can we change that? What can we change to ensure they LOVE their product. Customer service is a huge factor to any business and we strive to go above and beyond for our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The littlest things make me happy! Spending time with my family, seeing my daughter learn and experience new things, baking, the beach, making others happy. I love making others feel loved and appreciated so any chance I can make that happen, I will! The love and support I have received since starting Pen Pal Creations makes me so happy as well! I am truly blessed.
Pricing:
- Small round glass ornaments, personalization included $12
- Round flat ceramic ornaments, personalization included $12
- Big round glass ornaments, personalization included $20
- Engraving service pricing varies
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @penpalcreations_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088009661717&mibextid=LQQJ4d
