Photo by John Mansfield, All Heart Photography
Olive + Cedar Designs is a new small business in the Brazos Valley focused on creating custom signs, addressing invitation suites, and performing any other calligraphy services a wedding or event may need.
The woman behind the brand is Jenny Blaschke, a wife, mom to four kids, and a member of the Aggie class of ’08. She taught herself calligraphy as a hobby and creative outlet 12 years ago but didn’t transition to a business focus until last fall when she sold wooden ornaments at Santa’s Wonderland and The Gift Box.
“It was just a hobby for myself,” says Blaschke. “I wasn’t wanting to sell, but when you realize you have something to offer, it gives you confidence. You keep building a little at a time. I was encouraged when I realized people wanted to buy stuff from me. I wasn’t perfect, but people liked it.”
In January, she officially registered her business, debuted a new name, and started dedicating serious time to her craft. Her faith is at the center of her brand, inspired by trees with biblical ties: cedar trees are known for their beauty and strength, while olive trees are known for their longevity and ability to produce fruit even in difficult seasons. Olives themselves are crushed and pressed for their valuable oil.
Photo by Rachel Driskell Photography
“I wanted something with meaning because names are really important to me,” says Blaschke. “My faith in Jesus is a really big part of me, and I wanted something strong and beautiful to remind me of my savior.”
Olive + Cedar’s main focus is acrylic and wooden wedding signs, but chances are, if you need something with calligraphy or hand lettering, Blaschke can do it.
“When you think of calligraphy, think of an added detail that brings life to your event,” says Blaschke. “It’s so simple but brings elegance to even a basic event. Anything on a chalkboard or a sign, if done well, draws people in. It’s pleasant to look at. It’s art with a purpose.”
Blaschke loves working on weddings because of how special marriage is. She thinks little details like place cards, a menu sign, or hand-addressed envelopes go a long way on such a big day. She even offers on-site calligraphy services for signs the venue may have.
“For a wedding, have a welcome sign at minimum,” says Blaschke. “It makes your guests excited about your wedding. They’re easy to photograph, and it’s not something you just chunk after; you can use it in your house. You can do it yourself, but when you have a professional do it, it pops and really stands out.”
While Blaschke loves what she does, it doesn’t come without challenges. Her kids — including 2-year-old twin boys — claim most of her time, and family is her No. 1 priority.
Photo by Rachel Driskell Photography
“As a wife and mom, it’s a challenge working from home and finding time,” Blaschke says. “All my kids are under 7 and we’re homeschooling them this fall, so I just have to find little bits of the day to devote to it. I don’t have Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 to work. It’s an hour and a half during the afternoon nap or a couple hours after the kids go to bed — that’s when I get most of my work done. Thankfully I’m a night person.”
As she grows her business, Blaschke hopes to give back to her audience with a blog featuring tips and DIY tricks.
Right now, you can find a wedding signage checklist and more information about Olive + Cedar Designs at www.olive-cedar.com. You can see Blaschke’s work and progress on Instagram at @olive_cedar_designs.
“If you don’t put in effort, you won’t see results,” says Blaschke. “Taking the first step is so scary, especially for a creative, because you’re putting yourself out there. But opinions are subjective; it’s not one size fits all. If you’re proud of it, go for it! Build on it.”
