#2,421 The Mannings.

After months of electronic collaboration on all things brand-related for the Mercantile, tonight Ben and I finally had the chance to catch up with Ethan and his wife Leanna for dinner.

I forgot to snap a photo, but no worries because I lifted this from Leanna’s Instagram, which is very professional of me, I know.


Ethan’s work has been on my radar for a few years because the first time I saw something he designed, I thought it was my own work for a split second. Something about our aesthetic and design style is so sympatico, like if one logo could have a brother and sister version of itself, that’s what our work would be. Like 2 sides of the same coin. He’s a pro at freelance work and for that reason, we’re trusting him to execute my vision for all the branding work and every detail I won’t have time to fully develop myself. It’s such a good feeling to be able to trust someone with what feels like my baby in this project. If Mallorie and Emily care about the products and purchasing, Josh and Jim care about the operations and financials, the branding and marketing of the store are where mine and Ben’s hearts belong. 

After tonight’s dinner with the Mannings, I can tell his does too. It’s going to be a fun journey with all these amazing people to walk alongside us.