We recently connected with Eric Strenger and have shared our conversation below.
Eric, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from the deep belief that we are all capable of more than we think. When Claudia, my wife and I opened Strenger Studio, we didn’t have a clear blueprint or guaranteed success ahead of us. What we did have was a shared passion for creativity and the desire to build something meaningful that would bring people together. That belief—faith in ourselves and in the process—has carried us through every challenge.
Running a small business means constantly confronting the unknown, but it’s in these moments of uncertainty that the most growth happens. The people who walk through our doors, the students who discover new passions, the customers who experience our work—it’s all a reminder that the path we’re on is worth every risk, every setback. Optimism is not just about feeling hopeful; it’s about trusting the journey, no matter how unpredictable it may be.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Strenger Studio, my wife and I get to combine our passions for graphic design, calligraphy, art, and stationery into a space where we help people express themselves through custom design and hands-on workshops. We both come from graphic design backgrounds, but we really wanted to create something more personal—something that blends our love for creativity with a sense of community.
What excites me most about what we do is the chance to connect with people on a deeper level. We truly believe that creativity isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the journey and the connections we make along the way. We take a lot of pride in making Strenger Studio a welcoming space for others to explore their creativity, whether through our workshops or by collaborating with local artists and creatives.
As for new things, we’re really excited about expanding this year. We’re working on a new line of greeting cards and gifts, we’re also expanding our workshops to ceramics and floral arrangement design, always looking for new ways to make creativity fun and accessible for everyone.
Our mission is about building a space where people can connect, grow, and share their passions. That’s what makes our journey so exciting, and it’s what keeps us inspired every day.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities that helped shape our journey are creativity, adaptability, and persistence.
Creativity is the heart of everything we do at Strenger Studio. From our design services, to calligraphy workshops, creativity is the foundation of our business. Creativity is about thinking outside the box, finding solutions to problems, and constantly evolving. My advice for those starting out is to embrace your creative process and let it guide you. Don’t be afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and learn along the way.
Adaptability has been key, especially as small business owners. There were many times when things didn’t go as planned, whether it was during the early days of Strenger Studio or when we launched new services. The ability to pivot and adjust our approach has been essential. My advice here would be to stay flexible—don’t get too attached to any one idea or plan. Listen to your customers, pay attention to trends, and be open to change.
Lastly, persistence is something that’s really stood out to me. The road to building a business isn’t a straight line—it’s filled with ups and downs. Staying persistent, even when things get tough, is what ultimately helps you push through challenges. My advice for anyone just starting out is to keep going, even when it feels hard. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, and the most successful people are the ones who don’t give up after the first hurdle.
To anyone just starting on their own journey, my biggest piece of advice is to be patient with yourself. Building something meaningful takes time, and you’ll grow as much from the challenges as you do from the successes. Stay curious, stay resilient, and trust that your hard work will pay off in the end.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! One of the things that makes our studio so special is the sense of community we’ve been able to build. We truly believe that collaboration is where the magic happens, and we’re always looking for like-minded creatives and businesses to partner with. Whether it’s artists, local makers, event planners, or other small businesses, we love working with people who share our passion for creativity, quality, and connection.
We’re especially interested in collaborating with folks who are excited about bringing people together through creative experiences—whether that’s through workshops, pop-up events, or special projects. If you’re someone who values community and is looking to team up to create something unique, we’d love to hear from you.
The best way to connect with us is through our website or social media. You can send us a message, and let’s start the conversation. We’re always open to new ideas and fresh perspectives, and we’re excited to see what we can create together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.strengerstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strengerstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengerstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strenger-studio/
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