Are you familiar with letterpress printing? This fascinating process started in the 1440’s and was the standard for commercial printing for 500 years. Letterpress held on through the mid-50’s, but as offset printing (printing from rubber) and eventually digital printing became the norm in the 80’s, letterpress sadly faded out. But that just makes it all the more special for Kelli Steele’s business, Old Try!

We spoke with Kelli about the company she purchased with her husband, Jeff, and has been running from her home since 2022 and learned about how she is doing her part to keep this very cool process alive! Here’s what Kelli had to say:

I have been a customer of Old Try since 2012 when I read an article on Design Sponge and fell in love with their brand values and focus on vintage-inspired letterpress prints. I had bought several products from the business over the years, and in 2022 I had the sense that the founders were thinking of selling. On a whim, I sent them an Instagram message saying that if they would consider selling, I would love to buy it! I have a background in marketing and graphic design and have experience in letterpress printing, so it seemed a perfect fit. They admitted they were considering selling and would be happy to set up a meeting with my husband and me. The only problem was I had no idea how to buy a business! The Putnam Chamber was one of my first stops to find out where to begin. We worked through the purchasing process over the course of about a year, and my husband Jeff and I became the official new owners on July 1, 2023.

While Old Try is a brand originally focused on the south and maintains strong southern roots, it is slowly growing beyond the southeast. At the heart of the company is a sense of place, and the values of community, gumption, earnestness and good humor.  Over the years the products expanded from letterpress prints and includes other art prints and shirts.  We’re planning for some new products while keeping the heart of the company intact.

The most exciting thing for us is to be able to tell stories of the places we love through art. Old Try already had West Virginia products, but we’re telling more stories of Appalachia and beyond as we continue to grow and evolve the brand. We love that we were able to bring such a beloved business to West Virginia and the support we’ve received in the community and through the Chamber have been invaluable as we’ve made that transition.

Visit Old Try’s website at www.theoldtry.com to shop for fun, unique and inspirational gifts!