Wedding Wins | Signed, sealed, delivered
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Nicky Mullen started up her Starca Designs stationery business after a long period of ill health.
“As a distraction I would lose myself in designing cards and gifts,” she explains.
“I taught myself so many techniques and I just became obsessed.
“People started to see the things I was making and I had requests coming in thick and fast.
“When I started on weddings, I knew this was where my heart truly lay.”
And Nicky has certainly found her true vocation as she’s also picked up awards for her designs – including the 2023 Your Scottish Wedding Award for stationery.
ALL PHOTOS | Laura A Tiliman Photography
She can create stationery for weddings as well as other special events such as christenings, graduations, engagements – you name it!
“I am overwhelmed by the success of Starca Designs, it is just a dream come true.
“I am so appreciative to everyone who helps me do what I love,” Nicky goes on.
Clients are at the heart of Nicky’s business and her main priority is making them happy.
She also believes that trust and loyalty are the foundation of any successful relationship with clients and fellow suppliers.
“I always aim to give excellent customer service – calming wedding nerves and worries along the way.
“Due to this I have formed friendships with clients long after their weddings have passed.”
Nicky gives her all in order to achieve outstanding results for her clients: “To see their reactions to products really makes my day.”
She also loves the opportunity to collaborate with her fellow wedding suppliers, which can be really inspiring: “I believe in the saying ‘teamwork makes the dream work!’”
One-stop shop
Starca Designs can provide all aspects of luxury wedding stationery, from save the dates, invitations, table plans, welcome signs, table names, place names and
orders of service, to all of the little things like gift boxes, robes and cards.
“I am like a one-stop wedding shop, and always adding to my portfolio,” Nicky smiles.
Nicky will also guide couples through the process from start to finish.
Generally, after initial contact has been made, she will arrange a chat to discuss design requirements, explain the process and timescales, then send quotes for all of the products.
Clients will go on to receive locked files showing the design/layout/wording and fonts for their stationery.
Any changes can be made within two rounds of free changes.
After final approval and payment, the standard turnaround is between 14 and 21 days!
“In our industry, trends and products change regularly so I am committed to constant growth and learning.
“I believe in challenging myself, seeking feedback, and constantly looking to improve both personally and professionally,” Nicky explains.
“I thrive on innovation and creative thinking.
“I approach challenges with an open mind, always looking for new and inventive ideas.
“I am completely self-taught in everything I do, and I am always looking for the next thing to get my head stuck into.”
Best sellers
1. Acrylics
“My top selling products of the moment focus hugely on the acrylic trend. Acrylic invitations come in various colours and I can print any design on them. I love
to make these personal to my clients’ vibe for their day.”
2. Dimensions
Nicky has also seen a rise in the popularity of 3D acrylic for signs, which really stand out and definitely have the wow factor!
3. Traditional
“I am also seeing card pocketfolds creeping back in, decorated with wax seals and dried flowers,” Nicky says. “I do love a variation of styles. It’s like Christmas Day to me when I get all of the new stock in to create for my couples!”
