Thoughts and Things

As a small business owner, I am constantly evaluating what is working, what isn't and which new directions I should consider. One of the things that has been really on my mind lately is the concept of happiness/joy/relief and how these concepts connect to each other and how they are influenced in our lives. It's a big concept and it can be so overwhelming - so I am breaking it down! Hopefully it will help you too :)

What makes you happy? How can you cultivate joy? Where do you find relief? Do you accept the challenge?

I love paper – cards, journals, notepads, notebooks, invitations, recipe cards, and anything made with paper. When the opportunity came up to add a sister store, in 2017, to our coffee shop and bakery, I thought a stationery store was the perfect idea.

We experienced amazing growth over the next 3 years, but in the beginning of 2020 (right before Covid-19) we decided to close due to unforeseen and unbeatable challenges. The coffee shop and bakery were really at an end, but I felt like With Love Paperie had more to give.

I thought I was ready for all the changes life was throwing my way! We closed the shop (March 10) and I was ready to jump right into custom invitations and stationery - cue Covid19. Life for everyone came to a screeching halt, along with all of my grand, post Laurel and May plans.  This year has been hard - maybe even the hardest I can remember, but I am so thankful for: My people - they support me, celebrate the wins (big and small) and help me recover from any setbacks and face all the challenges that come my...

When I mention to people that I am a lettepress printer I get one of two responses:  What is letterpress or I love letterpress! 

So I thought I would take a minute to explain what letterpress is and how the process works.  I hope this helps you understand letterpress, the process, and this cool place where art meets craft for so many.

I have never been one to shy away from hard work and this new journey has been no exception to that idea. Some things have changed dramatically though - for instance I have been allowing myself the grace to work at a more organic pace and the trying to keep myself focused on being patient, knowing that my efforts will eventually bear fruit.  I am currently working on so many new and wonderful card projects and I hope to release them into the universe in the next 30 days (goal). It's nice for me to stop and put words to where...