Resilience, Determination, and the Power of Community: The Collierville Print and Marketing Story

As a young girl growing up in Mexico, Joselyn Santiago could not have imagined that she would someday become the owner of a printing company in Tennessee. Her journey to entrepreneurship was unconventional, but through resilience, determination, faith, and the support of her community, she was able to persevere. This is the story of Collierville Print and Marketing.

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Santiago was born in Mexico City in 1984 as the second of three children of Raul Macias and Elsa Gomez. Her father was a licensed accountant, and her mother was a homemaker. The Macias family has always been close-knit, and Santiago cherishes many fond memories of her childhood in Mexico.

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Unfortunately, the family experienced financial hardship during the economic downturn in the 1990s, and Santiago’s father had to declare bankruptcy.? The family lost everything.? It was a trying time during which Santiago had to be separated from her parents as they became migrant workers in California.? She lived with her maternal grandparents until her parents could afford to bring her and her siblings to the United States.? “Those years were incredibly tough,” she remembers.

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Santiago's parents eventually moved the family from California to Tennessee to join other relatives seeking better-paying jobs in the state. The family's relocation was fueled by a desire for better opportunities—one that echoed the struggles many immigrant families face in the United States.

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However, unlike in California, where everyone spoke Spanish, no one at Santiago's school spoke the language in Tennessee, and she frequently faced bullying. "There was no ESL back then; it was either sink or swim," she recalls.

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“Those years were difficult, but they made me stronger. I learned to adapt through resilience and hard work,” – traits she credits to her parents.

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Within a year, Santiago’s improved English fluency, a school change, and new friendships helped her adapt to her new reality and put her in a much better place.

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She attended Southwest Tennessee Community College, where she pursued an associate’s degree in graphic design. She worked full-time to finance her studies, often with little to no sleep.

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Her passion for technology and computers motivated her to apply for an internship at Black Knight Press in 2005, right as the company was launching. “I didn’t think I would get it since I was new to college,” she recalls, but her eagerness and adaptability impressed her future employer, Mark Moody.? He would become a lifelong mentor.? “He’s like my second dad,” smiles Santiago.

During her internship, she gained a lot of practical experience. "It was more about survival than formal training," she explains. She learned through trial and error, mastering new skills while balancing school and work. Often, she burnt the midnight oil to complete her assignments while maintaining her temporary position, which was a fill-in role for an employee on maternity leave.

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After graduating, Santiago held various jobs, including a position at a call center that motivated her to take her graphic design aspirations more seriously. “That job taught me what I didn’t want in my career,” she reflects.

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During this period, Moody offered her a chance to become a full-time graphic designer at Black Knight Press. The company had carved out a niche as a supplier to the promotional products industry, producing mainly calendars, notebooks, puzzle books, and more. Over time, they added new products, such as their best-selling name-personalized calendars.

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Santiago once again worked full-time while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Memphis. Moody continued to mentor her and also helped finance part of her education. She covered the remaining costs with a scholarship she had earned from community college.

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In the following years, Santiago thrived by following her passion for design and developing her leadership skills. As time went on, the company expanded and so did her responsibilities.

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The idea of becoming a print owner was first introduced in 2019 when Moody faced a health crisis, which sparked discussions about the future of Black Knight Press. While Moody was dealing with his illness, Santiago began to contemplate her role in guiding the company's direction. "It put everything into perspective for me," she comments.

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By this time, she had married her husband, Johnathan, and had started a family.? Her two girls, Aileen and Valentina, will soon turn 10 and eight.?

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Fortunately, Moody’s health improved, and in the following years, Santiago began to consider life beyond Black Knight Press. She pursued further education by obtaining a certification in HTML and started building websites. “I wanted to try something new.”

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Breaking the news to Moody was one of the most challenging experiences for Santiago. "We both cried," she recalls. Once again, Moody mentioned the possibility of Santiago taking over the company, which Santiago saw as a sign from God.? “He provided this opportunity for me and my family.”

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During her nearly 20 years at Black Knight Press, Santiago developed her skills in various areas with the guidance of her exceptional mentor, Moody. However, stepping into a leadership role was initially intimidating for her. “It felt surreal,” she recalls. “I was terrified but excited for the challenge.” Fortunately, Moody continued to provide support during her transition and remains an active employee at the company.

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On July 1, 2024, an asset purchase agreement was finalized, marking the beginning of Santiago's ownership of her printing business. She registered a new name for the company: Collierville Printing and Marketing and will continue to operate Black Knight Press given its brand recognition.

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In rebranding the business as Collierville Print and Marketing, Santiago aims to expand the company's service offerings to better serve the local community, addressing the demand for quality printing solutions. "We want to be a trusted local resource," she explains. The company has already added general business printing items such as business cards, greeting cards, and invitations to its product lineup. Additionally, it offers wide-format printing to its customers, outsourcing this work until Santiago can acquire the necessary equipment herself.

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Santiago's achievements are rooted in a strong sense of family. Her husband, Jonathan, and her younger sister, Arely, now work at Collierville Print and Marketing. “We have a great dynamic,” she says. The connection between her family life and her business has influenced her leadership style. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance—something she learned growing up while her parents worked tirelessly to provide for their family. “At the end of the day, family will always be number one for me.”

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Santiago is grateful to her community and aspires to leave a lasting legacy that emphasizes quality workmanship and excellent customer service. She plans to continue broadening her horizons, learning from her mistakes, and making a positive impact in the world. “I will keep looking forward, trusting that God will guide me on my path.”

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Santiago has faced numerous obstacles in her life, but she has demonstrated that with dedication, hard work, and focus, one can achieve success, paving the way for a prosperous generation to follow.