March is the month to celebrate the rich history and contributions of the women in our lives and also in the print industry. Girls Who Print created Print Herstory Month, which is observed throughout March, to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women who have made significant strides in shaping the world of print. And, we are blessed to know a lot of them!
From graphic designers and bindery operators to groundbreaking print publishers and fierce entrepreneurs, women have played pivotal roles in revolutionizing the print landscape. Their creativity, determination, and vision have not only empowered them to excel in their respective fields but also inspired countless others to pursue their passions in the print industry.
As we commemorate Print Herstory Month, it’s essential to reflect on the diverse talents and accomplishments of women in print.
Let’s take a moment to honor and celebrate a few trailblazers who have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations of print professionals.
One such trailblazer is Charlotte Guillard, the first woman printer to note in the 1500s. Dinah Nuthead, the first licensed woman printer in North America in 1685. And, Mary Katherine Goddard of Baltimore, who published the first edition of the Declaration of Independence!
Another pioneering figure is Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper. As the leader of The Washington Post during a time of immense social and political upheaval, Graham’s unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and free speech left an indelible mark on the print industry. Learn more about Katharine here: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/cover-story-katharine-graham-ceo
Lydia Bailey, a widow in the industrial revolution, took over her late husband’s printing press. It became so successful, her print business was contracted as Philadelphia’s official city printer. It’s said she also instructed over 40 men in #typography.
In 1858, Mrs. A.M. Shultz and Mrs. Hermione Day published a new woman’s literary magazine in San Francisco. The magazine was one of the first to feature women’s labor issues, including inequality and lack of opportunity! In just two years, the business expanded into one of the first women-run printing companies. (Source: Printmuseum.org)
In addition to these iconic figures, Print Herstory Month also celebrates the countless unsung heroes who have made invaluable contributions to the print industry. From graphic designers and typesetters to print shop owners and bindery specialists, women have played integral roles in every aspect of print production and distribution.
Now, we would like to share four amazing women in print that inspire us every day at Solo Printing!
Our very first feature is Michele Santos. Michele is a Senior Account Executive here at Solo Printing.
Michele Santos: My story is a unique one. About 35 years ago, I worked part-time for a printer while in college. A decade after graduating, fate brought me back to the same printer who needed an “Executive Administrative Assistant to the President of Sales” and I accepted simply because I wanted more quality time with my kids. That decision ultimately changed my life.
Within a year I was promoted to Sales and Contracts Administrator and worked alongside some of the top print sales professionals in the business. In a short time, I realized I loved what they did and knew I would be great at it. Despite having a degree, I had to work a minimum of 2 years in Customer Service before I could even be considered for a proverbial seat at the table. Fast forward 2 years and 3 days my business card read “Sales Representative” and 6 years later their former secretary was their top salesperson! To this day I give credit to every Estimator and CSR that helped me succeed and I will always acknowledge them as my best teachers.
Once again fate did not disappoint because once that chapter closed unexpectedly, she brought me to Solo Printing almost 13 years ago. There are moments when I look back on my journey in disbelief. To succeed as a single mom career woman in an industry historically dominated by men, is one of the greatest and most rewarding accomplishments of my life.
Today the world is very different, and women are shattering those glass ceilings now more than ever in ways I never thought possible. For this reason, I highly encourage women of any age to consider a career in this fascinating industry that continues to teach and inspire me almost 25 years later.
My best advice to women interested in doing what I do? Remember the 6D’s: Desire, Drive, Dedication, Determination, Discipline and Delivery. And… “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm
Next, we have Deena Huffaker, Solo’s Customer Service Representative.
Here’s Deena’s story in her own words:
I began at 16 years old. I used to spend my summers babysitting for a family that owned a small print shop. Once the kids were a bit older, they hired me to do color proofing and just work all around the small shop. It’s where I got my first real feel for printing.
Then, I began working at a much larger commercial printer where I became a lithographer. There was only me and one other woman working there at the time, and another didn’t get hired until years later! This was 1978.
During this time, computers began taking over, which then created an opportunity for me to be moved to customer service. I’ve been in it ever since!
I remember at the time; they flat out told me when they hired me… “There aren’t women in the trade. But if you make it, we will think about hiring more.” And this company is still in business! The industry has come a long way. Having started when I did, I was given the opportunity to pave the way for other women in print.
Thankfully, in today’s world, there are more women involved throughout every step of the print process and as it’s become more clerical, we’ve had more opportunities.
I came to Solo in 2015 and have been here ever since. I love print and I truly enjoy what I do. Printing, it gets in your blood. It’s all you think about, and you see it in every paper product you pick up. It’s amazing to see a job run through the entire production process. From start to finish, you get to watch something being created.
If I can say one thing to other women looking to break out into the print industry, it is this:
Stay strong, stay vigilant – and wake up every day knowing you’re going to give it your all. It took a long time for women to make it in this industry because we had to prove ourselves.
Ivonne Lopez: A new addition to the Solo Printing family, help us give Ivonne Lopez a warm welcome!
Here’s how she got started in print:
I started off in a small print shop who only did Wide Format and small digital jobs. I was one person with many roles from accounting, customer service, exec assistant, etc. I started to grow more interest once I saw how much I enjoyed seeing a customer come for their first order as a small business and over time become clients and their business grew immensely with the help of our printing materials. Little did I know how big the printing industry was.
I then got the opportunity to join a large commercial print shop, Solo Printing, and expand my knowledge in the industry!
Ivonne, we’re so excited to have you on our team and looking forward to seeing you flourish. We hope we can help you do that!
And, finally, Viviana Besson, Account Executive at Solo Printing.
I’ve been in the print industry for 5 years now with a background in traditional print media.
I am passionate about bringing visions to life with or on something tangible. Something you can see, feel, smell. Paper marketing activates a certain part of the brain more than digital media which increases the chances of emotional reaction.
I love a challenge, so in a digital dominated age, it’s always funny to hear “print is dead” when we’ll show you it is VERY much alive, just check your mail and look into the statistics.
For a woman trying to break into the industry… I would say… Work hard and be yourself!
As we honor the past achievements of women in print, let’s also look to the future and continue to celebrate inclusion in the industry. These are just a few of the incredible women we have working at Solo Printing. Although we can’t share them all, we are so grateful for their hard work and determination that keeps Solo running smoothly.
Celebrate the women in your life today! By amplifying the voices of women and providing opportunities for mentorship and leadership development, we can ensure that the print industry will continue to be a vibrant and innovative space.
This March let’s celebrate Print Herstory Month with gratitude and appreciation for the extraordinary women who have left a mark on the print industry. They are leaving a legacy that will serve as a source of inspiration for all of us as we strive to make our own contributions to the ever-evolving world of print.
Together, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and empower the future of women in print.
Happy Print Herstory Month!
