The Dandelion Patch Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary

The Dandelion Patch, where you can find wedding invitations, stationery, birth announcements and unique personalized gifts is celebrating its’ 20th anniversary. Since their launch in 1994, the award-winning stationer has been part of the fabric of the community, and through their business, they have been privileged to share in more than 30,000 life milestones around the greater DC area.

As the retailer’s customer base grew at an annual rate of more than 300 percent, they expanded to serve evolving client needs over the past 20 years, the company said in a recent news release. 

“We’re pleased that we have been able to meet and exceed our customers’ needs through the years and build a loyal following,” said Heidi Kallett, owner of The Dandelion Patch stores. In addition to the flagship store in Vienna, The Dandelion Patch also has additional locations in Reston and Georgetown.

In honor of the 20th anniversary, the stationery boutique will host a series of special events and promotions throughout the month of July. Offering free event etiquette tips, gracious gifting workshops, children’s letter writing for our troops and a District date night giveaway for a special couple, the local retailer is celebrating 20 years with style. (Keep an eye out for information on The Dandelion Patch Web site and Facebook page.)

“After two decades of success, I am thrilled to bring together our customers of all ages and all stages of life to celebrate this important anniversary," Kallett said. "As a small business owner, I’m proud of the stellar reputation we’ve built. As an employer, I am humbled with the fact that I’ve personally mentored hundreds of staff. As a leader in the larger event industry, I am lucky to partner with the best vendors in the area to execute our client’s vision for their milestone event. ”

Since Kallett purchased The Dandelion Patch in 2005, business has grown more than 425 percent, from original revenues of $125,000 to $2.5 million today, according to the company. Under Kallett’s direction, The Dandelion Patch has built a passionate customer base across the DC region through their expertise, friendly staff, quality products and the prominent position they hold in the fabric of the communities they serve.

In the midst of the current nationwide reduction in the stationery industry, while many of their competitors were forced to declare bankruptcy or close their stores entirely, The Dandelion Patch has survived and thrived through Kallett’s decisive planning and actions. 

She has integrated her brand with local luxury wedding planners and high-end event venues and has stocked her stores with the largest selection of fine papers in the greater DC area, including traditional suppliers such as Crane’sand newer designer lines such as Vera Wang, Dauphine, and Bella Figura.