Small Business United Blog

Where Small Is Going

Scribble me this, Scribble me that

by Troy Marcyes - July 17, 2009

It is crazy to think how some businesses are formed. Apple was formed in a garage. Jamba Juice was built after a successful college project. Tapout clothing was formed by two mixed martial arts enthusiasts selling t-shirts out of the trunk of their cars.

To add to that list,  Scribble Press was created on five hour plane ride where two passionate entrepreneurs and mothers shared a similar memory. The concept was to build a store where kids could make their own books. Even though the plane landed, the small business wheels were turning. Scribble Press became a reality creating a product and service based on the desire that nothing of its kind currently exists. They were able to proactively develop their idea from scratch and turn it into a business. While both of them wear multiple hats, they have the ability to try new business approaches to make Scribble Press more successful.

darcyannaAnna Barber and Darcy Pollack (co-owners) ran into some early problems with having no previous knowledge in either retail or book production. However, through researching book production, developing a business plan, and raising capital to get the business started,

This is a great example of small business innovation – creating a product or service based on the desire for something that doesn’t currently exist. They were able to proactively develop their idea from scratch and turn it into a business. While both of them wear multiple hats, they have the ability to try new business approaches to make Scribble Press more successful.

As mothers, they were able to use their love for writing and producing books and turned it into a business where customers can construct their own memories.

Anna and Darcy opened the store in Los Angeles on May 10, 2008 and have not looked back since. The store is a fully equipped art studio that has on site printing and book binding. The store allows kids of all ages an opportunity to flex their creative muscles and leave with a book published by them.

Since opening the store they have added classes and workshops for kids of all ages. In addition, they also promote special events and parties that help draw traffic and increase awareness around town.

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Ultimately they have been successful in generating an atmosphere where children and families can use their self-expression while publishing a personalized book. While they have come across numerous challenges during the current economic downturn, they look at it as an opportunity as well. If they can succeed during these tough times, the business will continue to grow and prosper when times change for the better. 

Follow Scribble Press on their blog to find out the latest news and updates.

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Troy Marcyes works in customer relations at Intuit and is inspired by the small business owners he talks to every day. In his spare time he enjoys coaching baseball and training in mixed martial arts.

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