Business in the East | By Sarah Ravits
» As longtime residents of New
Orleans East, Psytia and Aaron Jordan’s 6-year-old printing company is proof of progress. Universal Printing 9900 Lake Forest Blvd., Suite K New Orleans, La. 70127 504-244-1177 Print@uvprintcenter.com UVPrintcenter.com.
Universal Printing Printing the path to the future
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The EAST New Orleans
Photo by Cheryl Gerber
In a successful effort to provide quality printing services at competitive prices to residents of the community, Psytia and Aaron Jordan opened Universal Printing in 2011. The husband-and-wife team operates the independent company — which has a total of four hardworking employees who multi-task daily to make everything run smoothly. “Printing services is a resource that is needed and used by many,” Psytia Jordan notes. “We are a one stop shop for copying, printing, faxing, graphic design and most of all helping customers to bring their ideas to life.” The husband-and-wife team of entrepreneurs are longtime residents of eastern New Orleans — they’ve been there for more than 30 years. It was important for the couple to set up shop in their beloved community. “I was born and raised in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans,” Psytia explains. “My husband Aaron is from Baton Rouge but lived in New Orleans for 36 years.” After Hurricane Katrina, “our community suffered major economic losses because very few businesses returned to the area,” says Psytia. “After being laid off from a 20-year job, we used the opportunity to start our own business in our community.” As co-owner and manager, Psytia also operates production printers and makes signs, banners, business cards, flyers, booklets, programs and more. She says her favorite part of the job is working with and serving customers and meeting people from different areas of the city. She says they are dedicated to customer service, as well. “We serve the Greater New Orleans Metro area with the majority of our customers from Eastern New Orleans,” she says. “Our customer base includes individuals, businesses, the
City of New Orleans, hospitals, schools, churches, and even businesses traveling to New Orleans for conventions.” The Jordans believe that a reputation as a high quality, professional service, competitively priced products and reliability, are the recipes for success. While others seek to profit by cutting corners, or recommending unnecessary services to customers, the Jordans believe in value honesty, and are committed to maintaining a good reputation. They also believe that consistent service will continue to help establish long-lasting relationships with new and established customers. “I manage the day-to-day operations of the print shop,” explains Psytia. She and the staff are also dedicated to “providing quality service, establishing relationships with customers, schools, churches and local businesses.” Faith also plays a major role in her life — not just in the community’s ability to thrive, but religiously, as well. “Throughout my life, I was taught to work hard, take pride in everything I do and that I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” she says. While she looks forward to continuing the business and possibly opening a second location in the future, she also hopes to see other entrepreneurs follow suit and set up shop in the area and continue to contribute to both the economic development and the spirit of the community. She cites a few fellow businesses and establishments that have also helped nurture the recovery. “Businesses such as the New Orleans East Hospital, the Nature Center in Joe W. Brown Park, and the new schools and churches give hope that there’s more to come.”