Meet Ashlie Dance | Graphic Designer & Letterpress Printer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlie Dance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve loved paper goods for some time, and discussed starting a letterpress business with my sister, Chandler, since before it was viable (she’s 12 years younger than me and generally a teenager isn’t fully equipped to be a business partner haha). So it had always been a bit of an itch. Then timing came together and we just went for it.

I have known a number of people who have started their own businesses, so I felt like I was going in with eyes wide open. But even still, there is so much to learn and so much to be in charge of. And it’s the ugly parts of starting a business that actually make things move forward. Business of any kind is mostly a series of problem solving. The payoff comes in the freedom to do what you want, when you want and the satisfaction of solving the problems and seeing your vision come to life.

As a product-based company, we have the ability to truly create what we envision without someone else cutting things down. Sure, there are fiscal limitations, but those are another part of the puzzle.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been plagued by imposter syndrome most of my life. Even responding to this question feels a bit like I’m faking it. Haha. But honestly, I’ve been making art of some kind my entire life. Moving to a place where I’m. using my art and my creativity to create a business and make money has been challenging. In part because you’re putting yourself out in front of everyone to be judged. And at first, whether or not someone purchased something could feel a bit personal. Learning to let go of that and just create things I love has been a massive part of the process. Fortunately, I have a business partner who is INCREDIBLY creative and also my sister, so she’s BRUTALLY honest. Chandler is not easily impressed, and this really helps give me confidence when she gives the go-ahead on a design, or when she gives feedback. Starting a business feels like solving problems every day over. and over. and over. It’s a constant learning process, so come back tomorrow and we can talk about whatever problems we had to solve today.

“Playful things for playful people” is Volk’s mantra. While we love things that are beautiful, high-quality, and timeless, the things we value most are the unique qualities of each of our clients. What we hope people see in our final products are new, whimsical ways to use paper and other materials to tell a story. We aren’t afraid to try new and different things. This emphasis on story reflects the values we have as people and as a business—we are fierce advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community, other artists (especially women), and those who are underrepresented.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Obviously if someone comes to Dallas, we have to check out the DMA and Klyde Warren Park. That’s an entire day because I have to spend a lot of hours at the museum. I’m also a big fan of the local breweries. Bishop Cider has deliciously dangerous ciders. I also love how many different neighborhoods there are to explore in Dallas. We’d definitely have to wander Bishop Arts and Deep Ellum, stop in at Select Start for some arcade games, and I’m a basic b*tch so I’d probably take them to Northpark to see what a fancy mall is really like. Here at Volk, we are hamburger sluts (excepting the vegetarian who loves fries so she’s along for the ride), and we could make an absolute week of trying out all of the burgers in Dallas. Hopdoddy is a fav. And did we mention we’d have to stop at QT for a fountain drink everyday? We would. Also starship bagels is a must.

If someone is here for a full week, we’re hitting up Denton (where I went to school and studied Jazz–I know I can find great live, local music, and they have an amazing speakeasy). And what is a trip to DFW without a day at the stockyards in Fort Worth capped by an evening at Billy Bob’s?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped me along the way. I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom, who is a strong, beautiful woman that taught me I could do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Then helped me at every turn. Starting a business with two kids is no joke, and my mom has not only offered me moral support, but hours and hours of babysitting. haha.

Website: https://www.wearevolk.com/

Instagram: we.are.volk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearevolk/

Facebook: facebook.com/volkpress

Other: tiktok: we,are,volk

Image Credits
Photography: Momoko Fritz