Fresno couple is putting their mark on the world with personalized guest books
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Every portrait, map, and guest book is a part of someone's story at small business 'Bleu De Toi'.
Hilary Dildine of Bleu De Toi said, "I never imagined this becoming our livelihood or this growing the way that it did."
Hilary and her husband Joshua are co-owners of the original hand-drawn guest book fingerprint wedding tree. They started the business in 2010 in LA after their own wedding guest book alternative drew lots of praise.
The custom drawings are sent around the world.
Hilary said, "It's gone to Australia, Singapore, and Scotland and Ireland."
About 30 to 100 orders are shipped out per week from their Fresno studio.
Hilary gets help from her husband and co-owner, Joshua, who is a cutting-edge contemporary studio artist.
Joshua said, "People would say two artists marrying each other, you're going to starve, that was something we would be fighting up against, but we teamed up together to form this creative living."
The two have created a thriving business. Their studio is more of a his-and-hers work space with abstract art in one corner and the business in the other.
Joshua has shown his work in galleries around the country. The Clovis High graduate has come a long way. After going to Pepperdine and grad school in the LA area, he decided to make a major move back to the Valley.
"I wanted to be a part of a community that is passionate about their own city. I think that's something unique, that there's a proud nature to Fresno that I gravitate toward."
Joshua is also teaching budding artists at Fresno State. The Dildines have also started a group to help artists and makers thrive.
While the two have accomplished much in a decade, they said it started with their little business and helping others celebrate life moments.
Hilary said, "It's just exciting to know every little tube is a cherished heirloom I'm sending out."
