Pattie Gowing writes a menu on a chalkboard sheet created by Charlie Chalk Designs, a company she owns with two of her daughters. The home-based business also sells wine charms, Mason jar labels and wedding chalkboard stands.
(Dawn Feldhaus/Post-Record)
This type of directional sign is popular for outdoor weddings, according to Gorman. It includes products produced by Charlie Chalk Designs, as well as JimboGee custom wood designs, created by her husband, Jim.
(Dawn Feldhaus/Post-Record)A local business has gained an international presence — thanks to online companies such as Zulily and Urban Outfitters’ BHLDN.com.
Charlie Chalk Designs, of Camas, is also among the vendors mentioned by The Knot, an online wedding planning resource.
The company sells wedding chalkboard stands and signs, wine charms, chalk labels, stickers and decals for home and office organization.
The home-based business is owned by Pattie Gowing and her daughters, Jamie Wood and Lisa Smith. The labels are designed and cut in the local studio.
Customers from as far away as Australia and Italy have ordered Charlie Chalk Designs products.
Gowing said they plan to sell their products on eBay.
“The online presence has been good for us,” she said.
Charlie Chalk, named after Jamie’s son, was created in 2011.
“I feel blessed to have a family business,” Gowing said. “Three women can be home with their children.”
Gowing’s daughter, Carli, is a photographer for Charlie Chalk.
The company’s shop is a former garage. Gowing’s husband, Jim, creates wood cake toppers and table numbers for his company, JimboGee, at the same location.
Products from both businesses are available to purchase on www.etsy.com.
Gowing, former owner of Priority Bookkeeping Services, a home-based business in Washougal, has written a children’s book “Mrs. Gowing’s Kindergarten.” She has also been a PartyLite representative and owned the Portland Preschool Directory.
“I’m a jack-of-all-trades,” she said. “My mind never stops.”
Gowing said the rewards of owning a business include having a vision and seeing it realized.
“Having a company like Zulily acknowledge it is a good thing,” Gowing said.
The challenges of owning a business including being able to shut off the urge to continue to work and instead spend time with her family.
For more information, call (503) 349-3195, email hello@charliechalk.com or visit www.CharlieChalk.com.
