Design Business Fills All Your Paper Needs

For a long time, Brookfield business owner Denise Merkle had wanted to have a card making business — an outlet she thought would fit perfect with her love for words.

"We never, ever did it — it was like one of those dreams you never did," Merkle said.

Until one day, just after her daughter, Elizabeth Webber, graduated from college with a graphic design degree, and Merkle spilled the beans to her on this business plan.

"She said, 'Let's do it,'" Merkle said. Thus, the two launched Coqui Design about eight years ago, at that time working out of their home. In December, the pair moved into a storefront at Stonewood Village, 17700 West Capitol Drive.

Merkle said they stumbled upon the space while she was visiting Savvy Bride in the village, preparing for her wedding last fall. They took note of several stores that fit the bridal niche at Stonewood Village, and it just made sense to complete that "bridal corner."

Coqui Design not only makes wedding invitations, but also provides "all the paper needs for a wedding from beginning to end," Merkle said. This can include save the date's, thank you cards, ceremony programs and more; the shop also makes cards for any type of event, and offers both custom and stock options.

Merkle said she and her daughter are hopeful they can soon expand the store to be more of a boutique, selling items such as decorative napkins and other paper needs on site, as well as an invite kiosk for people on tighter budgets to do themselves.