Interview: Bonnie Marcus

Bonnie Marcus founder of Bonnie's StylePress


Every great party starts with great stationery. There is nothing better than receiving an invitation in the mail that heightens curiosity, whets the appetite for fun and says this is an event not to be missed! There are so many wonderful stationers, but my very favorite is Bonnie's StylePress, fashionable images with a vintage feel, printed on heavy ecru stock, they’re so stylish and fun!

Now that I know more about Bonnie Marcus, the women behind the name, I adore Bonnie's StylePress even more.

Toward the end of her pregnancy, Bonnie set out to launch her own stationery company from her dining room table in Westport, Connecticut. Having worked for a number of years in the fashion industry for top designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Bonnie teamed up with a number of fashion illustrators who helped make her dream of chic, stylish stationery a reality.

What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
No “office politics” involved! If I think that we have a fabulous idea, I am able move on it without going through a rigorous approval process.

Luckily, my company has the support of many high-end retailers (Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s, etc.) who believe in our vision of chic, stylish stationery and trust us to supply them with merchandise that their customers will love!

It is also wonderful to get positive feedback from our customers. We receive numerous emails from brides and moms-to-be who have used our invitations for their special events, or worn our “fun, flirty flip flops” and gotten rave reviews!

It is a great feeling to be able to take part in the special times in a woman’s life.

In addition, I enjoy being able to “give back” by donating a percentage of our profits to organizations that support breast cancer research, such as The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Susan G. Komen (after having a scare myself).

What inspires your designs?
Everyone and everything around me! (fashion trends, home trends, nature, my friends, my children, etc.)

I think all of my friends & family members now have designs named after them . . . there is “Marathon Marla” for my friend who is a runner, “Raquel’s Racquet” for my friend who plays tennis, etc.

I have note cards & invitations named after all their children as well!

(I think some people just want to be friends with me now, because they know they will eventually have a design named after them! :-)

Who are your personal style icons?
Diane Von Furstenberg – My first job out of college was working for Diane in her private studio. How lucky I was! In addition to always looking fabulous, she exudes style in everything she says and does.

Audrey Hepburn – Always simple and sophisticated, Audrey Hepburn is truly the epitome of style. Many people say that my designs have an “Audrey Hepburn” feel, which is a wonderful compliment!

What is your favorite CD(s) at the moment?
With two little ones at home and a rigorous work schedule, I don’t have much time to read, so I often buy audio books to stay informed and ahead of the curve in my business.

I am currently listening to The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber, a fabulous book about being an entrepreneur and running your own business.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Definitely the Hamptons! It is so beautiful out on Long Island, and both my parents and my in-laws are out there, which means BABYSITTING for the children – definitely a big advantage!

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Whereas a “luxury” to me used to mean a hot handbag or dazzling diamonds, these days my favorite luxury is sleep!

Our kids like to wake up when the sun rises, so to sleep until 9 or 10 is a true luxury for me.

What is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession is my children.

It doesn’t matter if I have had a bad day or a good day at work, they are always waiting by the door to greet me with hugs & kisses when I come home. It definitely makes me realize what is “important” in life.

What is your greatest accomplishment(s)?
BALANCE! My greatest accomplishment is being able to truly “do it all” and “have it all”!

Some women don’t think it is possible to have their “dream job” because they need to be home with their children, but I have found a way to balance both my work and home life, which I am very proud of, and work hard at maintaining every day.

Interview by Ronda Carman