Check Out Linda Donaldson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Donaldson.

Hi Linda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a science teacher, a rubber stamp maker, a librarian – and after all that fell through I decided all that was left was my hobby, printing. Portsmouth had some print shops, but no “quick copy” shops. My best friends were the local Xerox dealers, so I decided to use their services and go into business for myself, by myself. I found a small place I could rent while I looked for the more “old-fashioned” way of doing business; a place where I could both live and have my small shop. My father and friends helped me look, and I found my present downtown location. Living downtown might not work for everyone, but it is for my dog (Meko) and me. I have been in business 28 years now – though I didn’t know anything about running a business, and my finances prove it. I have been able to use many of my skills as a letterpress printer, photographer and downright curious, creative person, to survive this business. makes it the fun parts.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It could have been worse! Since I run my shop by myself, I have no employees. It means I’ve had very few vacations, and work MANY hours, even when I’m not working. Running a business was the LAST thing I ever wanted to do, so knew little about doing it. Still don’t know many things one would really need to know. Having no employees helps with the legal things! I’ve had to teach myself a lot of mechanical and technical issues, learn software by myself. I’ve always tried to be a community supporter, and I think that has always been beneficial. It’s a LOT of hours, not much time off. Once again, it would not work for everyone. I’m always learning something new.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I believe what has come to set me apart from the other print shops in town – since I work by myself, I often have taken on projects no one else wanted to deal with, because of all the hours it would consume. I became interested in local history and started scanning old post cards, photos, books. I have re-created many of these old cards and books for sale, helping the next generations learn more of where our city came from. We have a fairly long history, were once a larger, proud city. I was the first shop in town to connect my coper to my computer (also an early Apple computer fan in town) so I could use it as a printer, rather than just a copier. It took a lot of messing around, but I finally did it!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was the last of 5 kids. 3 older bothers, one older sister. My father and grandfather were both architects, my mother a “professional volunteer” through church and women’s organizations. I was a girl tomboy, nerd. Pretty quiet. Considered smart. My father loved the Ohio River. I grew up hiking , bird watching and canoeing all around southern Ohio. I often tell people I’ve probably already swallowed every toxin known to mankind in that time, as we swam in the Ohio River all summer long. Our family doctor would give us a typhoid shop and tell us to go swim! Both my parents were musical. I took piano though I don’t play any more. I started playing the French Horn in 6th grade, through college at Transylvania University. in Lexington, Ky. And still play today in the Portsmouth Wind Symphony. Transylvania is where I majored in Biology Education with a music minor. I ended up going to the University of Kentucky to get a Masters Degree in Library Science. It’s a twisted tale. I try to make more noise in my aging age than I did as a kid! I’m back to my dog being my best friend! (Though I have plenty of human friends!)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Copiesgalore.biz
• Facebook: Copies Galore …. I don’t know all this social media stuff!