What does Girls Who Print mean to me? Community | Inspiration | Learning | Connection
Blog post by Emily Simon, Print Specialist, DTG & DTF Sales at Millcraft Paper Company.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Print Science from Western Michigan University. Not knowing exactly where I would end up in my career, I have been able to explore vastly different roles over the last 10 years. One of the things that I learned about myself during my time at WMU is that industry events – trade shows – conferences totally filled my cup and made me excited to go to work. Total “joiner” here.
Enter: Girls Who Print – a natural fit.
I look forward to the events put on and affiliated with Girls Who Print, best part, the leaders of this group put most of these events on completely free. What is better than like-minded individuals giving of their time to connect, share experiences, learn from each other, and mutually “print-geek” out?
I got more active in the group when I found out about the Mentor-Mentee program and when I found myself without a job in the middle of a global pandemic. Feeling completely hopeless, connections I had made through GWP were vital rays of CMYK hope. Having the Mentor-Mentee relationship already established was crucial in my path forward. My mentor and I had previously been meeting sporadically, I called her up and told her what was going on and she was gracious enough to meet with me every week to coach me. Thank you, Helena Abbing!
I ended up taking a role in sales. Sales are not something I would have naturally gravitated towards, but with encouragement from my Girls Who Print connections, I decided to take a step outside of my comfort zone and give my print career some more time. I have now been in my role for two years. I find the insight into and interactions with the local print community very fulfilling.
In the last year, I was privileged with the opportunity to judge two print competitions: PICA -Print Industries of the Carolinas, and the Premier Print Awards through Printing United. When these opportunities presented themselves, I thought “What paper God died and made me a print judge?” The truth is it was my connections and activity in GWP that led to these opportunities. I believe it is important to be involved and active in organizations like this – if you want to get the most out of it. If I had not made it a priority to make connections in the group, attend events, and network virtually, I don’t believe I would have been presented with those opportunities.
Girls Who Print has been a place of community, inspiration, learning, and connection, without which, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am tremendously grateful to be named the 2022 Rising Star through Girls Who Print. I mean, what is better than print? It is the real OG in communication, it is tactile, elegant, ephemeral, sustainable, and exciting…how much time do you have?… I will go on. 😉
With Print in mind, PRESS ON!
Emily Simon is a Print Specialist and Sales Professional, currently focusing on substrate and digital equipment sales, at Millcraft Paper Company. Emily has a bachelor’s degree in Print Science from Western Michigan University. In her tenure in the industry, Emily has held diverse roles including, but not limited to flexographic manufacturing management, ink R&D, direct mail custom program coordination, customer service, and sales.
Emily brings her diverse experience to clients, looking for equipment solutions, and connecting them with the right technology and workflow to help their businesses grow. Emily has ink in her blood and believes in the power of print to communicate, educate, market, and excite end users. To connect with Emily, reach out on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemily/
