Daily Inspiration: Meet Caitlin Baumberger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Baumberger.

Hi Caitlin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Shortly after college, I was working as a graphic designer in the corporate world. I needed a creative outlet, so I signed myself up for a calligraphy class. My upcoming wedding was the motivating factor for my calligraphy practice. After designing wedding invitations for my own wedding and for my friends’ weddings, I launched Happy Tines in 2017. I started out primarily designing custom wedding stationery and illustrated wedding maps. I also taught in-person calligraphy workshops around the Raleigh area.

Today, Happy Tines is a design studio specializing in creating colorful illustrated happy paper goods such as greeting cards, art prints, recipe cards, stickers, and more. My goal is for you to smile and feel happy through my bright color palettes, whimsical illustrations and hand-lettering. I design and package my products in my home studio in Apex, NC. I also offer online and in-person calligraphy and lettering classes. In my free time, you can find me hiking with my family, exploring our town, and chasing around my two boys, Wesley (4) and Wyatt (1).

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anyone who has started their own business can tell you that it is a journey filled with really high highs and really low lows. Growing a small, creative business while also balancing motherhood is one of the biggest struggles that I face. I’ve learned that it’s okay to grow slow (it’s not a race!), to not get caught in the comparison trap, to give myself grace as a mom and a business owner, and to embrace this wonderful season that I’m in with raising my two boys.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
With every design and illustration that I create, my goal is to make you smile and feel instant happiness. I’m constantly searching for inspiration from bits and pieces of my everyday life, whether its flowers that I see on a walk, the pretty color palette from an ice cream shop, or something funny that my kids say. I love to incorporate bright colors, unexpected and quirky details, and the look of hand-drawn lettering and illustrations.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
If there’s one thing I have learned from 2020, it’s to adapt to the times. Before 2020, I was teaching in-person calligraphy and hand-lettering classes. Once Covid hit, the in-person classes stopped. I shifted and started teaching virtually through Skillpop. Within five days, I taught three sold-out classes, all while I was 38 weeks pregnant! It was a whirlwind, but I knew I needed to take advantage of the opportunity to help others while they were stuck at home looking to learn something new. Adapting to the times keeps you relevant, fresh and helps move you forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.happytines.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/happytines
• Other: happytines.etsy.com

Image Credits
Madalyn Yates Photography