PHOTOS COURTESY STUDIO PDP

Just in time for Small Business Saturday, Sophia Marie Pappas is opening a mini-storefront inside her Studio PDP in Millvale, which specializes in letterpress and custom illustrations for any occasion. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27.

Pappas, who has created multiple illustrations for food companies around Pittsburgh, has operated for a year out of the studio, where she has designed whimsical art installations for the building’s windows. 

“Opening a little storefront has always been a dream of mine and everything kind of all came together because I had the opportunity of this space,” she says. 

At Saturday’s opening, the store will feature Pappas’ holiday prints, gift tags and holiday cards.

The shop will be open every Saturday. “As time goes on, I will keep adding to the products I’ll stock. I love smaller stationery works, so I love creating little illustrations, bookmarks, little cards and gift tags,” she says.

Pappas says she and her mom even worked together to build a set of wooden shelves for the shop’s front display in time for the opening.

“It was just super fun to build, and it’s cool that I get to feature it with the display,” she says. 

She adds her favorite part of opening the storefront has been creating something special for the Millvale community and beyond. 

“I have learned so much throughout this process,” she says. “Everyone in the area has been so supportive and welcoming. I’m so grateful and am really excited.”