Fabi Preslar was preparing to start her senior year of high school in Columbia, S.C., when her father lost his restaurant business. Preslar and her family lost their home in the process.
They were taken in by a family near Winston-Salem, N.C., and after graduating high school, Preslar wanted to start her own life as a creative designer. She moved to Charlotte and graduated from Central Piedmont Community College.
Preslar founded SPARK Publications in 1998 as a home-based graphic design firm. Although SPARK has grown and may not be home-based anymore, she brought some pieces of home with her. Her team of seven consists includes her husband and daughter, who have been working with her for over a decade.
SPARK Publications is a custom-publishing design firm that works with clients across a variety of industries to turn their vision into a marketable publication. Preslar, who serves as president and chief SPARKler, says she helps people tell their stories to grow their purpose and mission through books, magazines and catalogs. She works with businesses like Fortune 100 corporations, national and regional businesses, local publishers, entrepreneurs and authors.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Preslar discusses:
Working at The Athens restaurant when she first moved to Charlotte.
What it’s like working with her husband and daughter.
How SPARK helps businesses grow through publishing.
The lessons she’s learned along the way.
What her younger self would think of her now.
Preslar received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2021 for her work helping grow businesses through professionally published books and magazines. She is also the author of “On Heaven’s Couch: My Journey with a Masterful Mentor” and “Fabulous F Words of Business Ownership.”
This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making impactful contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration.
Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to ledger40over40.com.
We hope you enjoy the conversation with Fabi Preslar.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 4 of our local newsletters:
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about The Charlotte Ledger
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news through e-newsletters and on a website. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing, or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and to tell a friend.
Social media: On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email support@cltledger.com.
Turning business leaders into authors, with Fabi Preslar