Owners and partners Norberto and Rebekah bought Hive Printing (1897 Powell Street) about three years back, shortly after moving to Vancouver from Ontario. Norberto was previously employed in graphic design and aerospace machining, and Rebekah worked for the transit system. Looking to experience something new and fulfilling to embark on together, opening a printing shop wasn’t necessarily their game plan from the start. 
After looking at a number of small coffee shops for sale, the couple decided nothing struck a romantic chord with them. They began their printing journey very small scale, making screen printed t-shirts and selling them at local events like the Chinatown Night Market, Circle Craft and Make It. Fast forward a few years, and the duo has been featured in the likes of The Province and BC Living, and have just been accepted for the next East Van Cultural Crawl. “(We) jumped in,” Norberto says, “and have really changed the business from when it originally started.” These days, The Hive can print on just about everything, from USB drives to Carbon Fibre wakeboards, longboards, woods and textiles. Basically “if you have a project and don’t know how to print it, bring it to us and we can figure it out,” says Norberto. He says it’s the problem solving and challenges that customers will bring to him that are one of his favorite aspects of his work. “In a way we invite these problems by saying we can print on anything, but it is exciting figuring out and overcoming these challenges.” 
Custom printing is available, including common items such as t-shirts, tote bags, tea towels, and posters. The pair tell us they really enjoy doing projects which have a Vancouver-theme, such as archive maps and historic photos of the city. For Rebekah, learning about the history of Vancouver and the city in general through printing map archives and other historic photos has been an enriching part of her work, and she tells us she also loves seeing her customers be inspired. The company uses locally-sourced products as much possible, and work with many local artists in their own line of printing, which you can check out through their etsy shop. 
“Moving to this neighbourhood has been amazing,” Rebekah tells us, “ and we notice that more people have noticed our business. This neighbourhood also has an urban industrial small scale feel, as our past location was just industrial and impersonal.” In addition to curb appeal, the pair says it’s the sense of community and connectedness that really resonates with them. “This neighbourhood has connected us to other businesses. We just love the coffee, the art and the beer and the community overall. It’s great to be a part of it.” The duo also love their business space – and who wouldn’t. Previously the Hamilton Bank Building, the volt from the old bank is still intact, and now acts their personal darkroom for printing. The building itself is oozing with character. The pair is hoping to have open houses in the upcoming months, where customers can come inside their shop, have a tour and purchase their own line of products. Stay connected with the latest, and sign up for The Hive Printing’s newsletter list, and get social on Facebook and Twitter.
After looking at a number of small coffee shops for sale, the couple decided nothing struck a romantic chord with them. They began their printing journey very small scale, making screen printed t-shirts and selling them at local events like the Chinatown Night Market, Circle Craft and Make It. Fast forward a few years, and the duo has been featured in the likes of The Province and BC Living, and have just been accepted for the next East Van Cultural Crawl. “(We) jumped in,” Norberto says, “and have really changed the business from when it originally started.” These days, The Hive can print on just about everything, from USB drives to Carbon Fibre wakeboards, longboards, woods and textiles. Basically “if you have a project and don’t know how to print it, bring it to us and we can figure it out,” says Norberto. He says it’s the problem solving and challenges that customers will bring to him that are one of his favorite aspects of his work. “In a way we invite these problems by saying we can print on anything, but it is exciting figuring out and overcoming these challenges.” Custom printing is available, including common items such as t-shirts, tote bags, tea towels, and posters. The pair tell us they really enjoy doing projects which have a Vancouver-theme, such as archive maps and historic photos of the city. For Rebekah, learning about the history of Vancouver and the city in general through printing map archives and other historic photos has been an enriching part of her work, and she tells us she also loves seeing her customers be inspired. The company uses locally-sourced products as much possible, and work with many local artists in their own line of printing, which you can check out through their etsy shop. “Moving to this neighbourhood has been amazing,” Rebekah tells us, “ and we notice that more people have noticed our business. This neighbourhood also has an urban industrial small scale feel, as our past location was just industrial and impersonal.” In addition to curb appeal, the pair says it’s the sense of community and connectedness that really resonates with them. “This neighbourhood has connected us to other businesses. We just love the coffee, the art and the beer and the community overall. It’s great to be a part of it.” The duo also love their business space – and who wouldn’t. Previously the Hamilton Bank Building, the volt from the old bank is still intact, and now acts their personal darkroom for printing. The building itself is oozing with character. The pair is hoping to have open houses in the upcoming months, where customers can come inside their shop, have a tour and purchase their own line of products. Stay connected with the latest, and sign up for The Hive Printing’s newsletter list, and get social on Facebook and Twitter.