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 president of the board of ShoLo Independent Business Alliance, Inc., Michiana's 'shop local' non-profit organization. She is a WVPE board memeber (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 patient and supportive husband, Lamar, with a son and daughter (ages 10 and 9) to keep her grounded.

Jeanie Ruppert-Boling, customer service associate, joined Spark in November 2008 with years of experience in customer service and inventory thanks to her previous gig as the owner of a meal preparation store. As part of the Spark team, Jeanie places orders, displays products and assists customers with all their fine paper and stationery needs.

When not helping Spark customers, Jeanie spends time exploring the outdoors with her husband and two sons. They especially enjoy riding bikes, swimming and snowboarding. She has also been known to teach them about her job through creative projects such as making play date invitations.

Jessica Good, customer service associate, currently attends Indiana University Bloomington as a journalism major with a concentration in art history. She first joined Spark in March 2007. Jessica appreciates spending her semester breaks and holidays at the papershop where she greets customers and helps them find exactly what they need. An expert on the shop’s entire inventory, she directs customers to what they are looking for and perhaps even a few things they didn’t even know they wanted.

When not working at Spark or studying for classes, Jessica enjoys volleyball, playing piano and reading. She welcomes the shop’s creative atmosphere and considers it a great inspiration for her writing and love of art history.