Meet Molly Shellenberg

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Molly Shellenberg. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Molly below.

Hi Molly, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is something I’ve definitely wrestled with as a creative business owner, especially in an industry as personal and detail-oriented as stationery design. Early on, I questioned whether my work was truly “good enough” and if I belonged in the same space as more established designers. But I realized that waiting until I felt like an expert would only hold me back from growing into one.

What helped me push past those doubts was focusing on why I started Olympic Place Stationery Design Studio in the first place: to create meaningful, beautifully crafted paper goods that reflect each couple’s unique story. Instead of comparing myself to others, I shifted my energy toward refining my craft, building genuine connections with wedding planners and clients, and trusting that my perspective and artistic voice have value. To any creatives out there looking to take that next step, I would highly recommend reading “Real Artists Don’t Starve” by Jeff Goins (it really helped me understand why I added value to the stationery world).

Another game-changer for me was embracing the fact that confidence isn’t a prerequisite for success—it’s something that builds through action. Every time I delivered a design that made a couple light up, every time a planner came back to work with me again, and every time I pushed myself outside my comfort zone, I proved to myself that I do belong in this space.

Living boldly, to me, means showing up even when doubts creep in, trusting that growth happens through experience, and reminding myself that my creativity and dedication are what make my business thrive.

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?

At Olympic Place Stationery Design Studio, I specialize in creating custom wedding stationery that feels deeply personal, artful, and timeless. From elegant letterpress invitations to intricate calligraphy details, my goal is to craft paper goods that couples cherish long after their wedding day.

What excites me most about this work is the emotional connection—stationery is often the first tangible piece of a couple’s celebration, setting the tone for the entire event. There’s something incredibly special about turning their love story into something they can hold in their hands, something that feels uniquely them. I love collaborating with wedding planners and couples to bring their vision to life in a way that is both refined and heartfelt.

Right now, I’m especially focused on growing meaningful partnerships with wedding planners who share my passion for elevated, intentional design. If you’re a planner looking for a stationery designer who values seamless collaboration and exquisite craftsmanship, I’d love to connect!

You can explore my work at olympicplacestationery.com and follow along on Instagram [@olympicplace] for behind-the-scenes looks at the creative process.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey with Olympic Place are artistic vision, relationship-building, and resilience.

Artistic Vision: Developing a strong design style and knowing what I want my work to represent has been key to attracting the right clients. Early on, I spent a lot of time refining my craft—experimenting with different printing techniques, studying typography, and practicing calligraphy—until I felt confident in the aesthetic and quality I wanted to be known for. My advice? Don’t rush to fit into trends. Take the time to explore what truly inspires you and let that guide your work.

Relationship-Building: The wedding industry is built on trust and collaboration. Forming genuine connections with planners, vendors, and clients has been just as important as the designs themselves. I’ve found that when you treat every project as a partnership rather than a transaction, it leads to long-term relationships and referrals. For those just starting out, I’d recommend investing time in networking—whether it’s reaching out to planners, attending industry events, or even just engaging on social media in a meaningful way.

Resilience: Like any business owner, I’ve faced moments of doubt, slow seasons, and challenges that made me question everything. But I’ve learned that success isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about adapting, learning, and continuing to show up. If I could give one piece of advice to someone starting their creative journey, it would be to embrace the process. There will be times when things don’t go as planned, but every challenge is an opportunity to refine your skills, grow your confidence, and build something truly lasting.

At the end of the day, growing a creative business isn’t just about talent—it’s about having a clear vision, building strong relationships, and staying the course even when things feel uncertain.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

As a stationery designer and business owner, there are definitely moments when I feel overwhelmed—whether it’s juggling multiple custom projects, managing the behind-the-scenes of running a business, or balancing work with life as a new mom. What I’ve learned is that overwhelm doesn’t mean I’m failing; it just means I need to pause and recalibrate.

One of the biggest things that helps me is breaking things down into manageable steps. When everything feels like too much, I focus on just one next action—whether it’s responding to an email, sketching one design, or organizing my to-do list. Progress, even in small steps, helps shift my mindset from chaos to clarity.

Another strategy that has been game-changing for me is setting boundaries. As a creative, it’s easy to feel like I need to be “on” all the time, but I’ve realized that I do my best work when I protect my time. That might mean stepping away from my desk to reset, scheduling focused work hours, or saying no to projects that don’t align with my vision.

Finally, I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place. When I feel overwhelmed, I try to reconnect with the joy of what I do—whether it’s flipping through past designs I’m proud of, reading a sweet message from a client, or simply giving myself space to create without pressure.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, my advice is this: slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and give yourself grace. Running a creative business is a long game, and taking care of yourself along the way is just as important as the work itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.olympicplacestationery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olympicplace/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olympicplacestationery/

Image Credits

Savannah Mayfield
Kerri Carlquist
Jodee Friday
Alexandrae Photo
Nelli Nguyen
Kandace Gonzalez
Scott and Dana Photographers