Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Burgio-Kline. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Maria with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I take my work ethic very seriously, as it is a crucial aspect of working in the wedding industry. In this line of work, meeting deadlines is of utmost importance, and I understand that missing them could lead to a complete disruption of one of the most significant days in someone’s life. When it comes to the aesthetics of a wedding, the stationery plays a vital role. Without proper planning and execution, dates could go unmentioned, and guests might not show up to the beautifully designed and meticulously planned event. As a result, the responsibility falls entirely on me if anything goes wrong. Reflecting on the roots of my strong work ethic, I credit my mother, Tammy, and my loving stepfather, Joe Rykert of Joe Rykert Photography, for instilling the importance of dedication and hard work in me.
Growing up in the central valley of California, my mom and Joe were known as the go-to wedding photographers. This was in the late 1980s through the early mid-2000s, when film photography was very prominent. Film photography, unlike digital photography today, required a different level of skill and involved several additional tasks. Equipped with the knowledge and skill of film photography, Joe and my mom dedicated every weekend to immortalizing love through their lens as they skillfully snapped away at weddings that overflowed with emotions and joy. They not only captured the magical moments of countless couples saying “I do,” but they also played a pivotal role in shaping the memories of hundreds of high school seniors, families, and children. With their cameras in hand, my mom and Joe became storytellers, capturing the essence and personality of each individual and freezing these fleeting moments in time. My mom and Joe understood that these portraits would serve as cherished moments and that they would carry sentimental value for years to come.
Growing up surrounded by their passion for photography and dedication to their clients, I witnessed the love they infused into their craft and their tireless work ethic. Throughout the week, they worked long hours in their photography studio. I remember walking into the studio to sometimes see my mom or Joe bent over the light box, looking through the artists magnifying glass and meticulously inspecting the negatives of the undeveloped portraits of their delightful and beautiful work they’d accomplished the weekends prior. It was fascinating to witness the dedication and attention to detail they poured into their craft.
One of the most influential sights was witnessing my mom’s grace and professionalism when she met with the clients in the office. She would carefully unveil their portraits, and I could hear the emotions flooding back as the teary-eyed newlyweds reminisced on their special day through the visual memories my mom and Joe had created for them. The work truly spoke for itself, capturing the essence of love and joy, but my mom went the extra mile to answer any questions and connect with the clients on a personal level. It was her ability to make these meaningful connections that made her not just an artist but also a successful saleswoman for their work.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the studio, some of my fondest memories were formed at the table with my mom and grandmother, where we would spend hours assembling wedding albums. It was a meticulous process, done entirely by hand. My grandmother and I would delicately slide a small pin needle under a strip of paper along each edge of the backside of an album page, carefully revealing an adhesive strip. Once the page was prepared, we would pass it to my mom, who would place each wedding portrait inside the frame with the utmost care and attention. It was a collaborative effort, with each of us playing a crucial role in bringing the memories to life. Even if she was unaware, my mom was already instilling a work ethic in me even at my young age in those moments.
And after each page had a portrait, my mom would patiently bind the album with thin metal rods, securing the story of the couple’s special day. Throughout the process, I never once heard my mom complain. Instead, she approached each album with unwavering dedication and a deep sense of love for her craft.
Those times spent around that table, hand-assembling wedding albums, are etched in my mind as treasured memories. It forged a deep understanding in me of the power of capturing and preserving precious moments through art.
There was one last step taken before delivering the chosen portrait to their clients to hang on their wall—signing it. Even today, years later, I can still vividly see it in my mind’s eye and hear the sound as Joe delicately used his gold pen to sign his name, ‘Joe Rykert’, in the bottom right-hand corner of the exquisite artwork that would soon grace his client’s living space. This act of signing, unbeknownst to many, held profound significance. As an artist myself, I understand the inherent pride one feels when appending their signature to a masterpiece they believe to be a true reflection of their artistic spirit. My mom and Joe possessed such pride. Their success as artists was not merely a result of their talent, though they undoubtedly possessed the creative prowess that set them apart. No, it was their tireless work ethic that became the cornerstone of their burgeoning business. Day after day, they delivered exceptional works of art that captured the hearts of numerous clients. It was this unwavering commitment to their craft—their work ethic—that earned them the trust of countless individuals throughout the years.
Their work ethic is truly unparalleled, and it has shaped my own work ethic. With their successful business sense and guidance, they have not only counseled me but have also imparted invaluable lessons on how to effectively run a business. Every success I have achieved thus far is a testament to the foundation they have laid for me. Their influence radiates through every aspect of my work, and I am forever grateful for their unwavering support. Without their presence, my business would not have blossomed into the success it is today. For that, I am grateful.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I own and operate Clover & Lamb, a high-end design, letterpress, and foil printing studio nestled in the picturesque town of Sunriver, Oregon. Within the walls of this vibrant hub of creativity, you’ll find an exquisite selection of inks, paper stocks, and the glimmer of foil.
Inside my studio, I specialize in the enchanting art of letterpress printing, crafting unique and elegant wedding stationery and paper goods. Every wedding invitation, details card, and RSVP that leaves my studio is meticulously pressed into handmade cotton paper, infusing each piece with a touch of artistry and distinction.
There is one particular aspect that sets my business apart: my unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. In an age where it seems increasingly difficult to reach a real person, I make it a point to let my clients know that their satisfaction and peace of mind are of utmost importance to me. When ordering their wedding invitations, I make sure clients know that I understand just how significant this decision is for them. That’s why I make myself readily available through email, text, or even a good old-fashioned phone call, ensuring that their questions and concerns are addressed promptly and professionally. I was once hired solely due to the fact that I offered a phone call!
It disheartens me to see that in today’s world, customer service has become a luxury rather than a standard. However, I firmly believe that it should always be an essential part of any business.
I have some exciting news to share at the beginning of the year! Please follow me at @cloverandlamb to stay up-to-date.
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?
There are three very important qualities that greatly impacted my letterpress journey, each playing a significant role in shaping my path. Firstly, my knowledge of vector-based programs proved to be crucial in my transition from being a graphic designer to diving into the world of letterpress. These programs are essential when it comes to designing high-end luxury stationery and creating intricate and precise letterpress printing plates.
Secondly, my introduction to letterpress was serendipitous, an encounter that sparked a deep desire within me to explore this captivating craft. I remember receiving a stunning letterpress thank-you note that instantly captured my attention. This exquisite piece of artistry served as the catalyst, igniting the passion to learn letterpress even before I had the opportunity to own a press of my own. Two years later, I purchased one from a printing shop in Berkeley, California.
Lastly, my upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping my letterpress journey. Having witnessed firsthand the inner workings of a successful business during my childhood, I acquired invaluable knowledge on how to connect with clients and build a flourishing business. This understanding gave me a solid foundation and the confidence needed to embark on this new adventure.
If I could give advice to someone early in their journey, that advice would be to research, research, research. Learn your craft meticulously, and gather as much knowledge and expertise as you can. There are countless valuable resources available, such as fantastic old printing books, that can teach you this art and prove invaluable in your growth. I firmly believe that if you lack the desire to dive deep into your field of interest, to continuously learn and study, then perhaps your true passion lies elsewhere—go out and find it!
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I have dedicated countless hours and poured my heart and soul into building my business from the ground up. Day in and day out, I have given my all to achieve the level of success that it enjoys today. However, as proud as I am of my accomplishments, I cannot deny that there is one formidable hurdle standing in my way: attaining a harmonious work-life balance. I am currently struggling with setting consistent hours in my work schedule. It’s true that I am very available to all clients, often finding myself still pressing on at 10pm or answering an email as late as 9:30pm. However, I realize that I need to learn to remind myself to prioritize rest and personal time, especially in the mornings. It’s important for me to set aside work and actively enjoy the other aspects of life as well. By finding the right balance, I can ensure that I not only meet the needs of my clients, but also take care of myself in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cloverandlamb.com
- Instagram: cloverandlamb
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-burgio-cloverandlamb/
- Other: https://www.minted.com/creative/cloverandlamb
Image Credits
Image of the stationery set on the silver platter is https://alesonanddevinphotography.com/ and @alesonanddevinphotography on instagram
