donovandesigns... how it all started...

Our story begins on the shores of Lake Temagami in Northern Canada. With no running water or power in our cabin we found ourselves passing the time playing with the kids’ art supplies. We were quite pleased with our creations and talked late into the night about how fun it might be to start a stationery business. Our backgrounds were in banking and human resources, so our little idea meant a MAJOR career change. With the help from a third friend, Julie Renner, we formed donovandesigns, named after the dormitory in which we all lived at the University of Kentucky. Our first open house was in November, 2000 and we’ve been building momentum ever since.

In 2007, donovandesigns acquired 2skirts, a well established stationery company out of Atlanta, Georgia. 2skirts is known for it whimsical designs along with its catchy phrases. With the addition of 2skirts we can now offer an even wider variety of products …something for everyone!
Today donovandesigns and 2skirts have over 1500 retailers in 48 states. Both companies are operated together from a 6500 square foot warehouse in Columbus, Ohio and are supported by 22 employees.

Our thanks go out to all of the people who have supported us through their continued business, their time and their ideas. Our note cards and papers reflect not only our ideas but those of our friends, employees and customers. We hope people enjoy writing their thoughts and sharing the news of their lives on donovandesigns!

Katie Blake Vincent and Sarah Jones Nusken