Yvonne’s Invitations & Favors is a Long Island home-based online wedding invitations and favors company, fulfilling orders nationwide. 

Shirley Yvonne Vitelli, the company’s founder, operates a unique online business model, offering “red-carpet personalized service” that impresses even the most demanding brides. The company’s customized, friendly service takes the fear out of ordering invitations online.  Yvonne helps clients every step of the way, with flexible phone appointments to answer questions and provide support.  They provide free instant online proofs and can print and ship the same day on most orders.

Their best selling products are invitations, followed by favors and accessories. Their most popular themes include beach/destination, hearts, autumn/fall and fairy-tale weddings.

Shirley started the company as a hobby, and says it’s been tremendously fulfilling to nurture and expand her business.  According to Shirley, self-fulfillment leads to happiness, and happiness is the key to healthy relationships and a happy home.

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, Shirley regularly schedules quality time with her two young children. During family time, Shirley makes it “completely about them,” putting away her laptop and work projects.  And when she works with clients, she focuses on them exclusively.  A night owl, Shirley works mostly in the evening after her children are sleeping.  That way, she can tap into her creativity, uninterrupted.

Shirley’s biggest challenge is being a “one-woman show.”  She’s not only the head of the company, but also the accountant, publicist, sales rep, etc.  Like many mom entrepreneurs, her resources are limited, and she has found huge value in networking.  By securing key partnerships, especially with other vendors, she increases referrals, advice and bartering opportunities.

Shirley’s strong retail background includes Hallmark, Victoria’s Secret, Bloomingdale’s, Elizabeth Arden and Bed Bath and Beyond.  She has “worn many hats” in the retail industry, including store manger, retail trainer, corporate buyer and recruiter.  

Shirley credits her mom with being her biggest source of inspiration.  A successful career woman herself, Shirley’s mom demonstrated how to juggle career and family and maintain a healthy work-life balance.  While her family is supportive of her business endeavors, Shirley’s biggest supporter is her husband, who also happens to be a hands-on dad. She values the partnership they share and truly feels blessed to have a husband like hers.

Shirley’s advice to other mom entrepreneurs: when you start to feel guilty about not spending “enough” time with family or at work, remember that quality is more important than quantity.  When you’re with your kids, focus exclusively on them and when you’re at work, concentrate on the task at hand. 

For more information, visit www.invitationsbyyvonne.com.