Hard Launch at the DC Pen Show

Last year, at the 2024 DC Fountain Pen Supershow, we decided to get a table at this year’s show. It was our third time attending the pen show so, even though it can be intimidatingly large, we felt comfortable debuting at a show we know so well. We made our pens and displays, created a website and social media accounts, ordered stickers and business cards, and did as much research as we could to be as prepared as we could be.

We arrived on Thursday, July 31st and went to the Marriott Fairview Park to pick up our lanyards, scope out our table, and walk around to see who was there. We were able to talk to a few makers who were setting up their tables before heading back to prep for the show.

What a wonderful experience! So many people, both pen show visitors and other makers, came by to say hi and check out our pens. Our pen testing station was a hit, both with people who wanted to try our pens and with fountain pen newbies who were happy to have the opportunity to try a variety of nibs and papers—exactly what we were hoping for! We gained new followers on our Instagram (we also have a Facebook page if you prefer that) and we got some exposure in Mike Matteson’s YouTube stream “LIVE from the DC Fountain Pen Supershow!”. A couple of people even said that, as they were watching the stream, they made a note to come see us! Someone else asked if we were the new vendors whose question had been answered on that week’s episode of The Pen Addict podcast!

It’s definitely been a nerve-wracking process, starting a business making pens we like that we think other people will like and want to buy. We received some great feedback about our designs and colorways, and we hope you’ll stay with us for the ride as we continue to do this thing. Now, back to the shop to make more pens!