Ladydale Letters' Allison Cape

I am really excited to be writing this post. I had the privilege to briefly chat with Allison Cape about her small Athens-based hand-lettering business, Ladydale Letters. And within the first few minutes I could already tell what an joy she would be to be around. 

When I first thought of asking Allison for an interview Ladydale Letters was then Notes for Nica. Originally starting out in August 2013 as a fundraiser for a mission trip to Nicaragua Allison mainly drew sweet notes of inspiration for friends and family memebers. Unfortunately the trip was cancelled, but Allison, a middle school Young Life Leader, still wanted to attempt to raise money to put young girls through camp.When I asked if she still thinks about using the funds from Ladydale to put towards other missions or sending kids through camp she said, "Maybe sometime in the future...we'll have to see what the future holds when we get there."

Now how did we go from Notes for Nica to Ladydale Letters? Back in the sweet neighborhoods off Milledge Ave and behind the dorms there is a house known as Springdale. Right off Springdale Street lives a group crazy male Young Life leaders. However, right across the street is a sweet little blue house that the girls of the group call Ladydale. Although she hasn't lived there long Allison states that it has been a special place all of college that has really captured her heart. She wrote on her Etsy page, "It’s where people spend slow mornings on the screened-in porch and stay up late into the night belly-laughing with friends. It’s where meals are made and feet are warmed by bulky gas heaters. Most importantly, it’s where Jesus is. He’s in the lime green walls, the old screen door, the tiny stove. He’s in the dust and cobwebs in the corners. Simply put, He is present there."

When I asked Allison what her brainstorming process was like and how she gained inspiration she had the coolest little story. In middle school she had an art teacher that wouldn't let her and her classmates throw anything away - no matter how big the mess up was or how ugly they thought their picture was. "I guess I kind of work off that basis," she laughed. Bright colors and words simply bring her inspiration, and it really is shown in her amazing work!

I was really curious to see what Allison's key to happiness was, and she credited it all to Jesus and the support of friends. She says, "I absolutely couldn't do [day to day] without Jesus and constantly being around those who are uplifting and really care." Allison says her favorite part about Ladydale Letters was sharing joy with people and the creative aspect. In a world so busy we both agreed we needed some creative outlet, and she definitely has nailed that outlet with Ladydale.

Above is Allison. PR gal and lover of lettering. Her ideal career? "I would absolutely love to work in a hospital or drawing for the rest of my life."

You should follow Ladydale Letters on Instagram and Facebook. Her Etsy shop is also open, and I highly encourage you check it out! Also, if you shop RIGHT NOW use the code "BACKTOATH" to save 15% off orders of $10 or more through 8/14 (Thursday!)!

Thanks for the chat, Allison! It was a pleasure.