Q & A with Trish

As a little girl, I enjoyed helping my mother in the garden and through that process, she taught me about flowers and nurtured my ability to appreciate them. I also became interested in photography at an early age, so, it seemed a natural combination. It is a great way to promote my photography. Starting a greeting card business helped me get my images in front of many more people than using other means of promotion.


What year was the company founded?

1997


You started out in Oregon and are now based in Nevada. How has that transition impacted your business?

Tremendously. As any business grows, it changes. I still offer the majority of my original floral designs, which are mostly garden perennials. I then went on to include wildflowers, which started in Oregon and am now pursuing them in Nevada, as well as Great Basin landscapes and points of interest. Our move to Nevada has been a wonderful experience, meeting like-minded artists and having a sense of community that I didn’t seem to find so readily in the Northwest. While I still sell greeting cards, more of my business is now coming from selling prints, both framed and unframed, to corporations and for private collections. As opportunities blossomed, we’ve opened a gallery, which is open seasonally.


Describe some of the best ways you use to promote your business.

Early on, I found press releases were a great way to get published by magazines and newspapers. Most traditional forms of advertising are expensive and it’s always great to have editorial content to promote what you do. I’ve had independent repping companies that started out great, but after awhile became stale. Networking with other independent card makers has been inspirational. I have a group of greeting card friends all over that country that I can talk or email to about things. Plus, we do referrals for each other. If I don’t have the right product for a client, I don’t’ hesitate to make an appropriate referral to a fellow card maker. I do have a website (www.perennialpress.com) and being sure to get high rankings on the search engines is key. I’ve also done both wholesale and retail shows. It’s a great way to meet people and get reactions to what you do. It helps me figure out what’s next. As with anything, keeping things fresh and having an open mind to change is vital. I am now exploring blogs and online storefronts….


How difficult was it initially to get your business launched?

I was most fortunate that my business partner/best friend, Samantha Van Handel, was a business and accounting major. She plays a huge role in Perennial Press and did most of the navigating through the business set up. I do handle many of the day-to-day details, but she takes care of the big picture and prepares all of our tax documents.

In addition to your collection of greeting cards, do you still exhibit as a photographer?

More so than ever. I recently had a two month juried show at the Metro Gallery in Reno’s City Hall and now that show is being circulated through Sierra Arts External Exhibitions program. In addition to exhibiting, my husband and I also offer workshops on photography as well as turning your art into a greeting card business. This fall, we will be the first ever Artists In Residence at Great Basin National Park. We are really looking forward to our time there and working with park employees to capture this remote treasure of a national park.

Describe a typical workday.

Well, there doesn’t seem to be a typical day for me. I have learned that while having routines can help you get things done, as a photographer, I need to be able to respond to light and opportunity. Mother Nature doesn’t wait for you to finish up on the computer or get your laundry done! I do keep lists that constantly need prioritizing…the phone will ring and potentially change my entire day. Flexibility is most important!


What advice would you offer to ladies who want to own their own businesses?

A) Find a partner that likes doing things that perhaps you don’t like to do or don’t excel at. That person will be a great sounding board and brainstorming partner.

B) Do lots of research on your type of product and who your potential market is.

C) Plan on needing more money than what you think it will take to get you started.

D) Don't be afraid to try new things and don’t give up. Just because a person or company doesn’t fit with yours doesn’t mean your product isn’t viable.

E) Probably most important for me, is to make sure to take time for yourself on a regular basis to recharge. 

Share with us a business tip that helps you in your everyday work.

Perhaps this is more of a personal philosophy, but I try to enjoy life despite all of the trials and tribulations presented daily. I know if I have a down day, tomorrow will most likely be much better. I look to the future and welcome opportunities from a variety of sources!

Photos courtesy of Perennial Press:
Trish on summit of Mt. St. Helens ã Aaron Johanson 
Sample of greeting card collection ã Trish Reynolds

To view Trish's work, visit her website at www.perennialpress.com

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