When Rhonda Poppen married her husband Bill nearly 20 years ago, she had no idea how many weddings were in her future.
After years in the marketing business, working in both printing and health care, Poppen, 43, decided to venture out on her own and turn a hobby that she has enjoyed since the early 1980s into a business.
From that decision sprung Expressive Editions Hand Calligraphy, which she launched in 1997.
In the 10 years since opening the business, Poppen has shared her talents at a wide range of events, from Bar Mitzvahs to corporate events. But her most popular clients are, by far, brides interested in hand-crafted invitations, place cards or other keepsakes for their special day. Poppen said she has had some part in nearly 410 weddings since the business began.
“It was a hobby-turned business at the suggestion of my mother-in-law,” she said. “We just celebrated our 10th anniversary. I guess it’s kind of suprised me that I’ve been able to maintain that the way businesses come and go.”
And while her business occupies a great deal of her time, it in no way defines her, Poppen said.
She’s also spent the better part of the last decade volunteering her time at Harrisburg Elementary School, where both of her children — 14-year-old Emily and 11-year-old Blake — attended, and also at her church.
“This is the first year since I’ve lived in Harrisburg that I haven’t had a child at Harrisburg Elementary School,” she said. “If you have nine years in the same school or 11 years in the same church, that’s a core part of your life.”
Poppen has continued her service to the schools, now as a band parent at Hickory Ridge High School.
Her dedication and work ethic are two of many reasons Andrea Batson, who volunteered with Poppen during her years at Harrisburg Elementary School, believes she will be a strong advocate if elected to the Harrisburg Town Council in November.
“I know she has a strong compassion for our community,” Batson said. “She would be an asset to our Town Council because she is a hard worker who inspires others to be the best and get the job done.”
Jonathan E. Coleman
