Come work with me! We're looking for an intern for fall/winter of 2025. This opportunity is ideal for Business, Art, Marketing, Communications students seeking real-world experience.
What makes this internship unique?
- Hands-on small business mentorship with former Smithsonian educator
- Comprehensive experience in marketing, events, wholesale, handmade product production
- Flexible hybrid schedule (8-15 hours/week)
- Academic credit arrangements fully supported
- Opportunity to learn letterpress on 1910 Chandler & Price platen press
Internship Period: September 15 - December 12, 2025
Time Commitment: approximately 8-15 hours per week (minimum 5 hours in-studio)
Location: Open to Being, Letterpress Studio + Shop - 2424 26th Rd S, Arlington, VA 22206 (hybrid - some remote work available). Ground-level space with ADA-accessible bathroom.
Compensation: Unpaid internship with hands-on letterpress training opportunity
Internship Overview
This internship offers hands-on experience in both the creative and business aspects of running a small artisan studio. Intern will gain practical skills in marketing, event coordination, inventory management, product development, and customer service. There is also the opportunity to learn letterpress and assist with printing production.
About Open to Being®
Open to Being is a woman-owned artisanal brand that produces elegant, handcrafted stationery for heart and soul. Fine paper goods, from premium greeting cards and journals to art prints and custom letterpress work, are minimal yet exquisite. We believe in the power of artfully-crafted words to honor, celebrate, and embrace life's journeys with joy, acceptance, and compassion.
Open to Being opened a 300 sq. ft. letterpress studio + shop in Arlington, VA on April 26, 2025. The studio features a 1910 treadle-operated Chandler & Price platen letterpress (8x12), a small supply of type, a hot foil machine, paper cutter, and similar equipment for producing greeting cards and handmade books. This space also includes a boutique retail area (open currently just for scheduled shopping events) that showcases Open to Being products along with a curated collection of goods from kindred makers.
About Working with Theresa
This is a hands-on mentorship opportunity where intern works closely with Open to Being owner Theresa Esterlund on all aspects of running a small maker business. Prior to launching Open to Being in 2023, Theresa’s professional career spanned 30 years as an educator and leader at the Smithsonian Institution, private museums, art centers, and both public and private schools. Her artistic background includes letterpress and other printmaking techniques as well as collage and mixed media. She also infuses her experience teaching yoga and mindfulness into her work and leadership.Opportunities
- Conduct research, complete administrative tasks, and photograph products
- Support customer service, inventory management, window design, product display, and general studio organization
- Assist with workshop planning and special events
- Create and post social media content and engage with audiences
- Support wholesale operations including catalog/web page updates, communication logs, and packaging/shipping orders
- Optional (based on candidate): Learn letterpress and assist with press maintenance
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this internship, intern will have:
- increased knowledge of small maker business operations including but not limited to production, communications/marketing, wholesale, inventory, and relationships;
- experience planning, promoting, and assisting with workshops and shop events;
- increased digital marketing skills specific to building a product-based business;
- Experience managing inventory for a small maker business, including photography, product placement (in-store and online), and cataloging; and
- improved customer service skills.
Qualifications
- Current undergraduate/graduate student in business, art, marketing, or related field
- Interest or experience in art, small business operations, and/or entrepreneurship
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Comfort with both hands-on art studio work and digital/administrative tasks
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently
- Demonstrated commitment to safety
- Enthusiasm for learning and willingness to take on varied responsibilities
How to Apply
Submit (1) cover letter highlighting how internship aligns with career and learning goals, (2) resume with relevant experience, coursework, and skills, and (3) availability (days and times) to theresa@opentobeing.com with subject line “Studio Assistant Internship Application.” APPLY BY SEPT. 10.
Open to Being is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to the diversity of our creative community.
