Meet Lauren Wilkinson of Wilkinson Creative Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Wilkinson.

Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up on a farm in Oxford – a small town with a big soul and home to N.C. Hot Sauce Contest & Festival. Yes, ma’am, I go every year. My parents saw beauty and promise here, and so did I. That’s why I opened Wilkinson Creative Co. in a historic storefront on Hillsboro St.

In 2013, I lost my dad. I was devastated, and I miss him every day. My experience has given me even more empathy and compassion for people. Thanks to the love and support I received from my friends, family, and fiancé, Everett Pendergrast, I achieved my childhood dreams of becoming a professional artist and designer. We’re getting married on Oct. 15, 2022, at HighRock Farms in Oxford, NC. In 2019, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in media and journalism, specializing in editing and graphic design.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our biggest challenge has been maintaining Coble Printing’s loyal customer base! Whether we work together in-person or virtually, we expect to receive the highest quality customer service and final product. We’re excited to offer Granville County more of the latest and greatest graphic design, digital marketing, and printing services.

As you know, we’re big fans of Wilkinson Creative Co. . For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
The history of Wilkinson Creative Co. is rooted in community and trust. Our storefront is nestled in the bones of the former Coble Printing building. Coble Printing was opened and established in Oxford in 1928 and was the second oldest continuously running a business in Oxford. This history is part of the reason we are so successful. We combine small-town values and customer services with 21st-century design, marketing, and media. Coble Printing’s legacy and clients are our foundation, and we are forever grateful.

After graduating from UNC, I worked for one of North Carolina’s leading media companies, Triangle Media Partners, for several years. This experience allowed me to serve various clients on unique small-scale and large-scale graphic design projects and marketing campaigns. My fiancé Everett Pendergrast and I opened Wilkinson Creative Co. in September of 2021.

Today, we work in tandem to provide small-town service with a big-city experience. Lauren leads the creative front while Everett manages business and production behind the scenes. Wilkinson Creative Co. clients enjoy access to state-of-the-art in-house printing equipment, digital and high-resolution graphics, and much more.

I dedicate myself to realizing my client’s visions and embracing all things art and design. Located a 30-minute drive away from Durham and less than an hour from Raleigh, we have the privilege of serving diverse people, businesses, and brands. Like Wilkinson Creative Co., I appreciate that everyone has a unique story, and I want to help you share it. Whether designing a stand-out logo or illustrating a rad poster for an upcoming event, I promise quality and care for any and every project you entrust us with. Also, we can print in-house! We can create graphics, small one-off projects, and long-term large-scale projects.

Clients come to me for a variety of graphic design services, which include:
-Branding
-Printing
-Invitations
-E-newsletter Design
-Logo Design
-Custom Lettering
-Event Signage
-Mural Painting
-Social Media Content

This list of design services barely scratches what we can accomplish together. I work with people at every stage of their life or business journey. Whether you’re a veteran business owner who wants a rebrand or a bride-to-be who needs wedding invites – Wilkinson Creative Co. is your one-stop shop. Located in the heart of my historic hometown, Oxford, we proudly support local businesses while serving clients in Raleigh-Durham, NC, and beyond.

As of April 2022, Wilkinson Creative Co. has been open for seven months. Our first day of business was at the 15th annual NC Hot Sauce Festival in historic downtown Oxford. That sparked an amazing roller coaster ride. The community has embraced us. Other downtown businesses have welcomed us. In a sense, the community and the county have rolled out the red carpet for us. We are happy to continue the legacy that Coble Printing has established here.

We currently offer customized stationery. However, we plan to expand the retail side of our business in the upcoming months. Our storefront in historic downtown Oxford will become a shopping oasis for high-quality paper products and gifts that locals and visitors alike can enjoy.

What makes you happy?
“I like to build relationships with clients. I love talking to people about anything. I love to know people’s stories, backgrounds, and what inspires them. I’m like their print therapist. As long as I have a creative outlet, I am fulfilled.” – Lauren

“I love seeing Lauren take someone’s thoughts, ideas, and passions, and turn them into something tangible and relatable for the entire community.” – Everett

You can find me traveling, petting puppies, and trying new local restaurants when I am not designing. I would love to connect if you need a graphic designer or are just trying to grow your creative community. Follow and message Wilkinson Creative Co. on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or TikTok and let’s grab a pastry at Strong Arm Bakery sometime.

Who are three local entrepreneurs, professionals, or creatives you know and admire? What do you love about them?
Gerri Anna Pendegrass (Photography by Gerri Anna): She and I met for my branding photo shoot this year, and we clicked instantly. She has an amazing personality and is just a warm, genuine human. I love her photo editing style, and she killed it with my branding shoot for the business, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.

Charlie Vaughn (the Executive Director for the Oxford Arts Center & owner of Rolula James Creative Studio): Charlie has become one of my closest friends and fellow creatives since opening the store. She and I had so many mutual connections but connected when we opened Wilkinson Creative Co., and she did our opening day balloon arch. She is one of the most creative people I know and a hard worker in our creative community. She never says no to a creative challenge and has just taken the leap to be in her creative roles full-time, and I’m so proud of her!

Pierre Gingue (owner of The Hub on Main, The Barn at Vino, partial owner in Tobacco Wood Brewing Co., and some other up-and-coming businesses in Oxford): Pierre has given Oxford a facelift and given Oxford a nightlife and buzz that we didn’t have before. The brewery is always full when they’re open and has become a great gathering space in town. Pierre is always up for a challenge. He has proven himself to have the expertise to create several thriving businesses downtown that has changed our town for the better and developed more economically each year. I’m excited to see his plans and keep working with him on out-of-the-box design ideas!

Pricing:

• Custom branding packages starting at $1,000
• Custom wedding invitation suite packages starting at $500
• Please inquire for specific printing on printing services and other design services

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wilkinsoncreativeco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilkinsoncreativeco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsoncreativeco
• Other: https://www.behance.net/laurenvwilkinson

Image Credits
Personal Photo [Lauren Wilkinson & fiancé Everett Pendergrast fall engagement photo] Arika Jordan Photography Additional Photos [Lauren Wilkinson & Wilkinson Creative Co. historic storefront, wedding invitation suite, Granville County Chamber of Commerce logo redesign etc.] Photography by Gerri Anna