Malia Palma is out to replace paper napkins, one cocktail party at a time. Her Winter Park–based linen company, Lettermade, produces embroidered pieces for every occasion, with elegant monograms and playful designs like bacon and eggs or summery palm trees.

Growing up, an appreciation of fine linens was instilled in Palma by her grandmother. She went on to learn to sew from her aunts, and soon, the craft became a hobby she carried into adulthood.

While working full time at a nonprofit, Palma decided to make a little extra money selling her designs. Lifestyle blogger Bradley Agather Means, of Luella & June, posted about Lettermade the week shoplettermade.com went live in 2014, immediately creating buzz and demand. “Three months later, I officially quit my job,” says Palma. “I realized I had to commit to Lettermade full time or step away from the business completely.”

Her decision to take a chance paid off, leading to collaborations with Reese Witherspoon’s clothing line—Draper James—and photographer Gray Malin. Beyond cocktail and dinner napkins, Palma also produces guest towels and handkerchiefs. In addition, all of her linens can be custom-stitched with, for example, a crest, a business logo or an image of a favorite pet. shoplettermade.com