Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayme Barber.
Hi Mayme, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Barber Graphics started in 1981 as a Graphic Design Studio specializing in logos and design layouts for printed goods. In 1984, the garment screen printing department was added, along with more staff, and purchased the brick and mortar building on main street of Virginia, MN where we are still located. We added a retail storefront offering printed fan apparel for the families of the local schools in addition to the custom orders of printed and embroidered apparel and promo products for businesses, teams, events, organizations and fundraisers.
The constant evolution of the garment screen printing industry has kept us growing and evolving each year with new technology, techniques and services. We now offer embroidery, digital printing, online custom stores and promotional products for every need.
We have always been a woman-owned business and currently have an all-women staff! This status has benefitted us with certification as a Target Vendor for the State of Minnesota purchasing.
Over 44 years we have conquered the trials of economic “downturns”, local mass layoffs, women-based business issues, Covid 19 Shutdowns, cancer and passing of business partner/spouse, and holding strong against the online competition in our industry. We are proud to state that we are still “Iron Range Strong” and will still be here for our customers tomorrow!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been a smooth ride, but has been a great adventure with constant challenges! In 1981, women-owned businesses were not as common as today, and had to struggle through the gender biases of the times.
Our business began before personal computers! Can you imagine that? We have evolved from performing everything manually to the world of computers and technology. We travelled far to be among the first to purchase the first computer hardware and software systems for our industry (that were soon antiquated before the loan was paid)! Keeping up with the continuous growth of technology, equipment, and new print methods has been an amazing ride and we are still learning something new, everyday!
A huge struggle was going forward through 5.5 years of my husband/business partner’s pancreatic cancer and passing in 2018 while maintaining business growth and surviving Covid shutdowns shortly afterwards. This change brought my daughter, Breanna, home from afar and she plunged into the business with future plans for becoming a successor. Together, we are a good team!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I moved onto the Iron Range of Northern Minnesota after college. After working several graphic designer positions in the area, I yearned to be more creative than the positions allowed, so I broke out “on my own” as a graphic design studio specializing in logo design and layouts for printing. We love to design and create. In our small business, I still get to create designs, layouts and logos for printed apparel and promotional accessories while being adminstrator, simultanesously!
Barber Graphics has been involved in the community for 44 years! We love living here and love the people here. Over all these years, we have befriended and provided services to families for generations! Barber Graphics has built a reputation on providing creative, high-quality services and products and can be counted-on for your reorders in the future! We promote and support our community events, teams, businesses, organizations, fundraisers and schools.
Any big plans?
Everyday presents new ideas and formulates new plans for our ever-evolving industry and business!
In the not-so-distant future, we will have have a change of roles as my daughter, Breanna, will take over the helm at Barber Graphics while I plan to scale back to a part-time graphic designer, never-fully-retired, role.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.baarbergraphics.com
- Facebook: barbergraphics.com1
