About Spark

Spark Design Studio has provided graphic design solutions to clients in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana for more than ten years. We've always had a soft spot for fine paper and invitations. Our portfolio includes many wedding and corporate invitation custom design projects, calligraphy work, and event promotion, large and small. Providing several area vendors in the wedding industry with quality design has also helped Spark to form solid relationships, collaborating with them on weddings, corporate and non-profit events.

In response to a high level of interest among clients and colleagues, we opened Spark Fine Stationery in early 2007 to provide them with the same high quality in social stationery and invitations, handmade albums and much more. Our design and production background uniquely qualifies us to provide you with anything your event needs, including invitations, signage, calligraphy, placecards and mailing services.

Joya Helmuth, owner, has been a graphic designer for over thirteen years. Her not-so-secret passion has always been paper, calligraphy and writing, best expressed on a personal level through The Annual Helmuth Christmas Card Project. Nothing satisfies her more than finding the perfect design and message, whether it be for a bride and groom, party host or corporate client.

A passionate advocate for independent business and all that it brings to our community, Joya is co-founder and past president of the board of ShoLo Independent Business Alliance, Inc., Michiana's 'shop local' non-profit organization. She is a WVPE board member (local NPR station), and serves on the Advisory Board of the Center for a Sustainable Future (Indiana University South Bend). She is a past co-chair and treasurer of the Michiana Calligraphy Guild, and her design work has been recognized by the American Advertising Federation, Graphic Design USA and the United States Postal Museum. Her work has been published in Graphic Design USA and Letter Arts Review. She is also a contributing writer for Wedding Day magazine.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Joya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a double minor in design and music from Trinity Christian College, located just outside Chicago. She has studied in London, with further design training through the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Joya is also a violinist and avid reader. She feels fortunate to be married to an extremely supportive and patient husband, Lamar, with a son and daughter (ages 11 and 10) to keep her grounded.

Rebekah Trey, store manager, has been assisting customers with their stationery needs since September 2010. She enjoys helping customers find the perfect item and likes working with the stationery itself. “I really like stationery. It’s a really pretty thing. It drew me to the store.” While she appreciates the beauty of many of the shop’s offerings, her favorite items aren’t necessarily the most beautiful. “I like the Improper Etiquette. It might not be the prettiest, but it is the most fun.”

She has gained a true appreciation for what it takes to find the perfect card or invitation. “I’ve learned that any kind of custom order is a complicated process and you need someone experienced to walk you through it. There are so many types of papers and lettering to choose from.”

But in the end, it’s all worth it. “Having something that is tangible adds a personal touch. A long time ago, it might not have been anything special to receive a hand-written message, but now it is. It adds a new perspective to stationery because now it’s more special.”

Rebekeh enjoys spending her downtime traveling, whether it is traveling abroad or just taking a day trip. “I like seeing and experiencing new things.” One of her favorite locations is the Caribbean, especially during the winter.

Robin Fallon joined Spark in October 2009. She has spent her time working with customers to meet their stationery needs. She has especially enjoyed handling special orders. “I like helping people find what they need. With special orders, it’s always great to see how thrilled customers are with the outcome of their projects and pieces.”

Robin has an appreciation for all Spark has to offer, including the fine stationery, paper, pens and more. And she believes in the power of a written note. “Everyone loves to receive things in the mail, but few people send them. To see something in the mail with someone’s actual handwriting is something worth keeping, especially now when you don’t get many nice things in the mail anymore.”

With a BFA in art from Saint Mary’s College, Robin has a passion for drawing and printmaking. Some day her own creations might just appear on Spark’s shelves….