Now in its third generation, the Vanness family continues to serve Arkansas. Orville Vanness could never be pinned down to a date for his original store. He began repairing razors in the Snodgrass and Bracy drugstore in the early 1930's. He quickly added on fountain pen repair. He dreamed of having his own name on a sign and sometime around 1938 he opened shop in downtown Little Rock. Orville passed his skills on to his sons. Together, Dennis and Van continued the family tradition with added locations and retail merchandise. Today, Orville's grandson, Mike, (Dennis' son) carries on the family tradition.
The "regulars" know that old parts to pens can be found in the shop area. You can find a picture history of the family business on Facebook.
The people that keep Vanness going:
Mike - Grandpa Orville says Mike was working on repairs "helping out grandpa" before he could read. Part time engraver, and part time janitor. FULL TIME packer and shipper. Enjoys the grandkids when he gets a few hours off work.
Van- Second generation from the Store and Came out of retirement to help out; he enjoys building new shelves and is often counting inks.
Lisa - Occasional problem solver, part time pen specialist, sometimes social media "guru" and married to Mike. She handles marketing and buying for MOST aspects of the store. Lisa is left handed - and doesn't smear her ink. Known on Instagram as @justvanness.
Jasmine- A long-time Vanness employee who has worked with all three generations of the Vanness family, she works the front of the store, but nowadays she mostly makes samples. She thinks she might get caught up eventually...
Daylen Depriest- assisting in the shipping department and handling the engraving; as he learns the ropes.
Shandra- Works Saturdays helping in the retail side. As a true pen addict customers can find her at the store if there's any new releases.
Rachel- Part time in retail but full time fountain pen user. Rachel enjoys her Tomoe River planners using fine and extra fine points.
Truffle - The official Vanness mascot. Loves scratches, foam peanuts, and making sure we get our merhcandise shipped quickly.
Any questions? feel free to email us at vannessonline@gmail.com.