Today’s featured member, Mychal Mitchell, owner of Iona Handcrafted Books, is a bookbinder – a maker of premium leather blank books for artists, writers, philosophers, musicians, or everyday journal keepers. She said she learned her craft in Venice, Italy, in 1993 after having her own journal stolen in Rome. In search of a new sketchbook she wandered into a Venetian bookshop where she befriended an old Italian bookbinder who eventually shared his trade with her. When people have something to say or save in a meticulously crafted book that will be around for posterity, they go to her, Mitchell said.
To what do you attribute your business’ success?
I attribute my longevity to my time spent in architecture school. We were a concept-driven school, and were instructed to come up with a concept statement for all of our designs, and every aspect of your design had to refer back to that statement. I decided early on that I was a bookbinder who happened to use leather, not a leather worker who happened to make books. So I have stuck to books since day one. No backpacks, wallets, or iPad covers – just books. So I’ve gotten pretty good at it.
What are you doing to attract and retain employees?
I had three employees pre-pandemic, then after 21 years in Austin, Texas, I brought the business back to Seattle in February 2021. I am just now feeling settled here, and will be hiring assistants soon. In the past I found employees through word of mouth. One of my employees was with me for 20 years, and one of them for nine years. I believe they stayed with me that long because of the family vibe that we co-created in my studio. Mutual respect, laughter, and lots of little bonuses when business was going well.
What’s one piece of advice you have for someone looking to start or grow their business, or join your field?
Find something that you truly enjoy, and believe in. I started this tiny business in 1994, and though I’m not saying “I can’t wait to get to work!” every day, I do truly believe that what I do is beautiful, valuable, and important. I really do feel a connection with the majority of my customers. Because my books attract a certain type of person, we end up having really wonderful conversations about their plans for their book – their travels, their art, their stories, their life journey. That makes me feel really good, and keeps me from wishing for another career.
Thank you to Iona Handcrafted Books for being part of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce network. Here at the Chamber, we have 2,500 companies across the region and 13 different business sectors, from your favorite neighborhood restaurant to brands known around the world. Our member feature program is based on referrals. If you would like to learn more about how to be featured in our member features series, please contact Cori Lumens.