exit343design
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Stephanie: exit343design
My name is Stephanie and I'm the artist & bosslady behind the brand exit343design. What started as a fun way to offload extra screenprints from college has slowly and steadily turned into a full-time career designing and printing all kinds of giftable goodies! I sell my work online through my website, wholesale to stores around the country, and when there isn't a pandemic happening, in person at events.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
I went to undergrad in southern New Jersey. While there, I met many NJ residents who referred to their hometowns by what exit they were on either the NJ Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway. It turns out my hometown ALSO has its own exit, but off of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Also, the "exit343" is a tribute to both my hometown and where I learned to screenprint.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
Fun, funny, flat, and colorful- is that a style? Even though I've been at this for over a decade, I still feel some imposter syndrome about having a discernible style.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
I believe the element of hand in a lot of things I make is fairly unique to the paper goods industry. In a sea full of digitally printed greeting cards, you can feel the texture of the ink and paper quality with mine.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
It's hard to name one roadblock, it's the nature of business to hit them all the time! One I'm currently struggling with is getting out of the weeds of my business; I came into 2020 ready to have one of my best years in sales yet, firing on all cylinders to make my first hire! I seriously couldn't wait to start delegating some responsibility. Then February hit . . . and we all know how that went.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
The biggest thing I'm missing is vending at live events; even though there are some events happening still, I made the decision in May to forgo them all no matter what and go all-in on my internet presence. I spent most of spring and much of the summer creating new work and planning ahead for the holiday. It's honestly been the most prepared I've even been- I really tried to look at the downturn as a gift of time.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Flexibility! My business fills me up in a lot of ways and if I'm ever tired of doing one thing, I can switch to another. For example, I have an active blog on my website that I enjoy writing and brainstorming for when I'm not feeling visually creative.
What is your *must do* local activity?
Even though I live in the suburbs, I identify as a Philadelphian. When in Philly: eat at Reading Terminal Market. For unique art, visit The Fabric Workshop & Museum. To stroll amongst history, walk over to Old City. Grab a beer at Dock Street Brewing, one of the oldest craft brewers in the country.
Where to find exit343design:
Website: www.exit343design.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/exit343