Print & Promo Coast 2 Coast has the bases covered
Lewes couple Jay and Melody Diaz have combined their talents to open a full-service printing, graphic arts and marketing business at 1636 Savannah Road near the Five Points intersection.
Print & Promo Coast 2 Coast opened its doors in February, but the couple has been working together at home since 2010. “We haven't had time for a ribbon cutting because we've been so focused on getting the work out,” Jay says.
They offer a total package that not only includes printing – such as business cards, menus, posters, yard signs and invitations – but also includes website design, social media marketing and every conceivable type of promotional product.
“We've been growing by word of mouth, and a retail site will give us more opportunity to offer our promotional materials, work with small businesses and promote our website design,” Jay says.
Jay has worked for Sysco and U.S. Foods as well as with local businesses to develop advertising and marketing plans. It's his voice you hear singing Atlantic Liquor radio and TV ads.
Melody, who grew up in Lewes, is a self-taught graphic artist who is also a talented interior designer. She was a partner in Coastal Print and Graphics in Ocean View before branching out on her own.
Over the past 13 years, she has learned her craft through courses and computer tutorials, many times while running on a treadmill. “It's something I was good at and enjoy doing. It doesn't feel like work,” Melody says. “It's a never-ending learning process. Because of changing technology, it's something you have to stay up to date with.”
Together, they have 30 years of experience in marketing and graphic design.
Jay says he and his wife can take a client's idea to final design and even help them find a business location and decorate the office. “We can help a new business roll out and also help an established business grow their business,” Jay said.
Jay and Melody stress that as a small business they offer personal attention that larger box stores sometimes can't. “We have the conversation and ask the client what they are trying to do,” Jay said. “We ask them what are they trying to achieve.”
They will take orders through their website but prefer personal contact. “We want to make sure we get clients what they need,” Jay said.
Melody said their company does fast turnarounds on orders and can print small quantities because of the state-of-the-art digital printers they use in the shop.
“For example, you can place an order for invitations and envelopes, go to lunch and come back and pick them up,” Jay added. “We can print quantities large and small that are only what the customer needs.”
The Diazes have plenty of wall space in their spacious, renovated shop, currently filled with artwork from Lewes artist Linda Dickey as well as work from a show they hosted Aug. 13. They help promote local events and fundraisers and have plans to do more in the future.
The shop is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends by appointment. For more information, call 644-9570 or go to the company's website at printcoast2coast.com.
