I started my stationery business back in 2005 with a product line of 12 cards. Since then, I've sold at local craft sales, designed for friends of friends, exhibited at the National Stationery show in New York, sold wholesale to stores across the country, opened an online shop, and designed wedding and party stationery for custom clients and Tiny Prints/Shutterfly.
Have you ever thought about opening up a stationery business? Do you love paper? Have you ever wondered how to start your own stationery or paper goods company? Are you currently running a stationery business, but struggling to figure out your next move?
Today I've partnered with Modern Thrive who just launched a three-day live online workshop that will show you how to build a successful stationery business. They have brought together three successful stationery designers who built totally different types of stationery businesses. The workshop will include (3) hour-long sessions that will explore the different ways you can monetize your skills as a stationery designer.
There are many different paths you can take to building a stationery business--you can create a product line and sell wholesale, or open a custom design studio and retail shop. You can even build a completely online business that gives you the flexibility to sell your stationery from home.
Here is a look at the schedule:
Session One – Creating a product line & selling wholesale, with Alexis Mattox Design
Alexis is the Founder of Alexis Mattox Design, a Utah based stationery design studio. Alexis creates classically modern paper goods, wedding decor and lifestyle products. She started making her beautiful laser-cut stationery in 2011 and the word spread quickly! She has since expanded her talents to party supplies and artwork. Her products are carried in retailers nationwide including JCrew, Daivds Bridal, Urban Outfitters and Dillards.
Alexis will be teaching a one-hour live session discussing how she built her stationery product business from the ground up. You will learn how to develop a cohesive collection that exemplifies your style, so you can find retailers who are interested in carrying your products.
Session Two – Starting a custom design studio & retail shop, with Trisha Logan
Trisha Logan is the Founder of Shindig Paperie, an eclectic stationery shop filled with beautiful prints, stationery, and various paper goods. Trisha worked in product development as the creative director and designer for a large gift and paper line for 9 years. Seeing so much beautiful product at trade shows and in trend research, she realized most of it was unavailable in Fayetteville and many local brides were frustrated by the lack of great letterpress. Shindig Paperie offers a well-curated collection of personalized stationery, greeting cards and gifts, as well as invitations for every occasion.
Trisha will be teaching a one-hour live session on how she started her custom design studio and retail shop. You will learn how to find retail space for a stationery shop, develop your product line and grow a successful business.
Session Three – Building an audience & selling stationery online, with Katie Almazan
Katie Almazan is the Founder and Designer of The Paper Gold Co. Katie found her passion for carving and creating stamps two years ago, and began selling her custom designs on Etsy with the goal of being able to work from home. The Paper Gold Co quickly grew into a thriving online business with an international following.
Katie will be teaching a one-hour session discussing how she built an audience around her work, and developed a successful business. You will learn how to start selling your stationery products online, and get proven strategies for building your audience.
The workshop will include three hour-long sessions, daily email lessons and access to a community of like-minded illustrators. The live sessions begin July 13th. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend live. Everyone who signs up will get lifetime access to all of the content.
Modern Thrive is giving Good on Paper readers $30 off on the workshop with discount code "goodonpaper." See the full schedule and reserve your spot here.
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+ Top photo by Gary Ashley and all others provided by Modern Thrive
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