In Good Co. | Beth Lehman

We have the privilege of getting to walk alongside some inspiring, growing, and dynamic creatives as we navigate the small biz world as creators ourselves. In our blog column, In Good Co., we want to feature some of these artists and share a little of the story behind their craft, how they create their work, and what makes them tick as artists.

For this In Good Co., we get to feature not only one my favorite small businesses but one my favorite people of all time, Beth Lehman (or as she was introduced at a wedding by the DJ, “give it up for the bridesmaid, Bethleham!”) HA! But in all seriousness, as I began to look through the curtains into the paper business I wanted to explore, Beth was there with me. We had our faces pressed against the window, and we wanted to step into this beautiful but crazy, detail-oriented, and deadline driven business. I can honestly say that I still might have my face pressed against the glass if not for Beth– her keen eye, incessant encouragement, and tireless work ethic has pushed me and kept me going. And talent– this girl amazes me with her skills! She’s taught me how to be brave and keep my heart light. She’s a true craftswoman, she’s my neighbor (seriously, she lives right down the street!), and she’s a fiercely loyal friend. This business might still be a side hobby if not for Beth helping me step past my scheming and into reality of EOH’s creation. In all my insane days, she is sane – in all my stress, she is calm – in all my brainstorming, she is smart & steady. Thank you, Beth, for being a dear friend and an amazing artist in Nashville. Those who get to work with you are lucky, lucky folks. Read on to hear more about Beth’s story and check out her amazing work!!

What’s your story?

I’ve known since I was a teenager I wanted to own and run a business, so my story has been a search for the best use of my gifts. I’m naturally efficient, can hyper focus on a project for the duration of it, a strong problem solver, and enjoy refining the work of others to make them look even better. 

I worked in an administrative role at a small company when I hit my limit— totally burned out and really bored. Emily, at that time, was launching her own paper design business (EOH), and I was very drawn to helping her with production of her bigger orders. Production is ultimately what I do in being a letterpress printer, and it is what I have found I’m best at. A paper store in town was working with her to design a line for them when their production manager left, and they offered me the job. I took it, but was still working with Emily on the side. Here is where I was the most exposed to letterpress work and started learning about it. I fell in love with the feel, look, and process of this niche, specialty print method, and started to imagine what it would be like to do this all the time. After working at the paper shop for a year and a half and realizing I have no love for working in conventional retail environment, I left to care for my mom post-knee replacement surgery. Wanting to stay in the paper production world, I started to research letterpress printing while taking my mom to appointments. I bought my press off eBay, started watching tutorials online, downloaded manuals for my vintage press, and began to practice in the evenings. I launched my press biz shortly after and am so shocked at my small success.

What’s your craft?

I am a letterpress printer, which basically means, I use an old manual press to make an inked impression into paper. My press is a table-top platen called a Craftsman 5×8. All this just means there is a disc for the ink and a lever to pull after hand setting each piece of paper. 

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from the working women in my life. Seeing how they juggle work and family while navigating different business scenarios with grace has strongly influenced how I approach every workday. I’m so lucky to have gotten to work beside Emily as well as other professional women.

A quick story: when I was just building momentum in the early stages of my business, I was buying paper and the salesman asked me what I did, and I told him I was a letterpress printer. He paused then said, “Little girl, you don’t look like a printer.” I am somewhat competitive, so this interaction struck a chord with me, making me both furious and at the same time pushed me to be the best I can be. 

What’s your favorite EOH paper?

I adore anything Emily water colors and draws. Emily is so so so talented. Her work is the definition of lovely. Her watercolors are complex yet graceful, and her drawings are sweet and interesting. I also love how she lays out text, mixes fonts, and captures the vision of her clients. Bottom line is that I’m a BIG fan of EOH. Lucky for me, Emily is one of my dearest friends and has been overwhelmingly supportive of my little biz. She has helped it to become what it is today, and I’m forever so very grateful!

photos: Davis Camp

words/edits: Paige Woods & Holly Patton

In Good Co. | Clark and Caroline Brewer

We have the privilege of getting to walk alongside some inspiring, growing, and dynamic creatives as we navigate the small biz world as creators ourselves. In our blog column, In Good Co., we want to feature some of these artists and share a little of the story behind their craft, how they create their work, and what makes them tick as a artist.

We recently had the opportunity to partner with an amazingly talented stylist and photographer couple from Nashville, TN—Clark and Caroline Brewer. You may recognize this tag team as being individually talented as well as complimentary in their artistry. In preparation for our new line of paper products, we were thrilled to spend the afternoon over at Caroline and Clark’s amazing home (featured on Southern Weddings and Design Sponge). We marveled at their aesthetic as well as listened closely to their inspiring past and future endeavors. The EOH team adored the afternoon with the photographer and stylist, and we cannot wait to share their work. Here is a little more on the gifted duo…

What is your story?

At EOH, we are allowed to be hopeless romantics, and Clark and Caroline Brewer’s love story is no exception. These high school sweethearts, Caroline and Clark, have pursued one another since they first met at a soccer game when he was 18, and she was 15. How adorable is that!  Since then, C & C have continued to work hand-in-hand in all that they do. Individually, they have accomplished so much and only intend to refine their craft and love for one another in the future.

What is your craft?

Caroline Brewer, stylist extraordinaire, began her career working as a personal stylist and merchandiser for Anthropologie right here in Nashville. As an aspiring employee and lover of all things Anthro, Caroline decided to move up to New York to work for the company and study the fashion industry. With opportunities to travel abroad to Florence and beyond, Caroline returned to Nashville with a head full of knowledge both about herself and the desire to make all things beautiful.

Clark Brewer began his photography like any other hobby in high school. However, as he began to dive deeper into the creative world, he started to pursue photography by stewarding his gift with the help of a mentor photographer. In his apprenticeship, Clark began to find his own lens and allow his voice to take shape. Today, Clark continues to work on finding his own voice in the photography world as well as working with his wife to create beautiful images.

Where do you find inspiration?

For Caroline, there seems to be a consistent desire to make things beautiful. Although there may be something gloriously gorgeous in a mess, Caroline finds inspiration in commandeering that mess. She is an expert in refining and making all things look shiny and new. Caroline makes her art obtainable, inviting her audience to embrace the mess while also fixing their eyes towards a more put-together product. Caroline’s simple, efficient, and charming styling allow for her to work systematically and messily all at the same time, creating a perfect and obtainable harmony for her client.

For Clark, he continues to investigate past photographers’ work, such as Richard Avedon and Vivian Maier, in order to establish and capture his own voice. His style is currently influenced by his Roloflex film camera, much like these past photographers. In each photo, Clark strives to be vulnerable and convey meaning and truth. He truly believes that each photo contains a story that needs to be told. As he carries his love of people into photography, Clark works mainly in capturing weddings, engagements, his travels, and product around Nashville. He says that these are the stories that continue to inspire him today. Here are some past weddings that Clark has done:

What is your very favorite piece from the EOH paper line?

For both Clark and Caroline, they have worked very hard on styling and photographing some upcoming paper product that we are very excited to premiere in the upcoming weeks. Each of them has expressed their love of this shoot, and we are giddy at the thought of it’s arrival.

Thank you so much Clark and Caroline for having us over to your home for such a lovely day of shooting and chatting. We are so privileged to work with such talented individuals that work to convey beauty and grace through every shot. We HIGHLY recommend them for any event, wedding, party or styled shoot! For more information on Clark Brewer Photography or Caroline Brewer Styling, please feel free to click on their links. 

All photos courtesy of Madding McFadden & the EOH Team 

In Good Co. | Venue Owner Leigh Watson

We have the privilege of getting to walk alongside some inspiring, growing, and dynamic creatives as we navigate the small biz world as creators ourselves. In our new blog column, In Good Co., we want to feature some of these artists and share a little of the story behind their craft, how they create their work, and what makes them tick as artists.

Today we are showing you a little behind the scenes look with Leigh Watson – the creative lady who (along with 2 best friends) renovated, redesigned, and opened an event space in Nashville called The Cordelle. You may recognize this venue as the gorgeous backdrop of a past EOH post on our Night of Fun + Fashion or from the many beautiful weddings hosted and seen on blogs and Insta everywhere! We can’t say enough about the talented trio that dreamed up (& now runs!) The Cordelle, but we will let Leigh speak for their team…What’s your story?

The owners of The Cordelle are 3 long-time friends who shared a vision of returning to the south (after years of travel and exploration) to be closer to their families and their roots. We are all creatives, two musicians and a filmmaker, who chose to refocus our inspirations and create our idea of the perfect event venue.What’s your craft?

The idea sprang from one of the partners looking for a wedding venue in downtown Nashville, with little to no availability and bookings at most venues over a year out we saw a true need for more event spaces in town. We are inspired everyday when sharing our story with clients who appreciate our style and design choices, but The Cordelle is really meant to be a stage for our clients own personalized creativity.Where do you find inspiration?

Travel and the arts! We are all seasoned travelers and trips at home and abroad always create a major rush of inspiration and new ideas. It is truly rewarding bringing art, fashion, and music back home to share with friends and family. Since our opening in Nashville, we have been inspired by our creative peers and craftsman here in the south. Holler Design and Good Wood Nashville are a few of the talented folks who helped us make The Cordelle a truly unique event space. They have really inspired us with their creativity and passion for their craft!!What’s your very favorite piece from the EOH paper line?

EOH has worked with us on several projects to date, but personally I love the “VARIETY PACK”! I’m always in need of a perfect “Thank You” or “Birthday” card and having a variety pack on hand means I’m always prepared! P.S. Fun Fact- Leigh had her very own wedding at The Cordelle…See photos from her big day on the Green Wedding Shoes blog!Thank you for sharing the story behind your dream, Leigh! We’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with The Cordelle team for multiple events & they come highly recommended by EOH!! To learn more & see additional photos of their stunning venue, visit their site here!

(All photos courtesy of The Cordelle)