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Beth, a fine artist and graduate of Boston University, and her sister Amy, a graphic artist and Skidmore alum, decided to combine their talents while carrying the torch of the next generation of the family business. Amy provides design services and works with supplied designs, while Beth handles the retail division.

The objective of Greenwich Letterpress is to keep art alive in an industry that relies heavily on high-tech equipment. "My grandfather and great uncles had letterpresses and small studios," says Beth. "That's not something we wanted to do. The goal from the beginning was to sell handmade goods...to boost the handmade market."

The letterpress market is a small one, but one with a loyal following. "Most people we end up working with understand that letterpress is unique and that one person runs a single sheet through the press every time."

The shop has been featured in numerous publications including DailyCandy, Time Out NY, and The New York Times. Aside from custom social and business printing, Greenwich Letterpress is an outlet for similar small firms across the United States that may not have a place to display or sell their work. The shop is in the process of launching a book of printed samples for clients that choose not to go the custom route.

Two letterpresses are operated at the Wheal-Grace facility due to space limitations in the Greenwich Village store. The firm is in the process of qualifying as a Women Owned Enterprise.

Nancy Salvini provides creative inspiration and owns a small percentage of the company. Beth recalls that there was never a time when her parents were not in the basement creating something for her or her sister. If the girls saw a particular item at an art show or flea market that they wanted to buy, their mother would often whisper, "We can make it at home." It is that spirit that has instilled ambition and drive in Beth and Amy. "Creativity is just part of who we are," notes Beth. "It just comes naturally to us."

While operating a booming business, Beth laments that there is little time for her to sit down and make cards and other items. However, her mother and friends often help out. In the future, Greenwich Letterpress hopes to print and package their own line to sell in the store. "In terms of custom printing and letterpress, we're really trying to create a unique look so that a year or two down the line, people will see our cards and know that they are ours," Beth explains.

Their father who owns none of the company acts as their mentor in teaching them the trade. "It is not unlike the relationship I had with my dad for quite a few years," Mr. Salvini remembers with a smile. "We are doing what we can to keep the process alive."

Pamela Mortimer is a writer with 20 years of experience in the graphic arts.