Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Chu.
Carolyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
There’s a Ben Harper song, Burn One Down, that has always resonated with me. “Herb’s a gift from the earth, and what’s from the earth is of the greatest worth, so before you knock it try it first, you’ll see it’s a blessing, and not a curse”, these lyrics express how I approach life and my business. Growing up first-generation Chinese American in a small town in Texas, I was different. I am the type that doesn’t shy away from different. When everyone wore umbros and acted like tomboys in elementary school, I refused to wear any of that and proudly donned matching skirt top combos in a bright floral pattern. We had to wear uniforms in high school, but I managed to always differentiate myself by wearing ties or putting flowers in my hair (some things don’t change, you’ll still find me with flowers in my hair 80% of the time).
After I left Texas, I went off to college, I spent time at design school in Paris and London, and was fortunate enough to be able to follow my intellectual curiosities and travel around the world a bit before I settled in Los Angeles to work in the fashion industry and complete my MBA. My family is entrepreneurial, so I have always known that I was going to build my own business. I wanted to build an entity that celebrates creativity and inclusivity through design, is a vehicle to give back and support communities. I’ve always loved consuming plant-based medicines like cannabis, from a medicinal and recreational standpoint, and joints have always been my favorite way. I noticed that there weren’t any high-quality, well-designed, and consciously produced rolling papers made in the United States that celebrate uniqueness. That is why I decided to create my own line of high quality and stylish rolling papers and smoking accessories for people that like things pretty, seek luxurious experiences and without forgoing function. And have a ton of fun along the way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Everyone says that entrepreneurship is challenging and full of ups and downs, and they are right. I welcome the challenges because they force me to reassess situations, course correct, and creatively solve problems – I enjoy turning challenges into opportunities. I think that there is an opportunity to have more open conversions about cannabis consumption and help people understand the positive benefits of cannabis use. People that don’t consume cannabis are often attracted to our products when they see them because of our unique designs. We parlay this as an opportunity to open the door to having meaningful conversations that push the movement forward to normalize a plant that has helped so many people tremendously and help remove the stigma and/or negative stereotypes associated with cannabis use.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Papers + Ink Studio story. Tell us more about the business.
I founded Papers+Ink Studio in 2018 because I wanted to create a distinct line of products that are design-forward, high quality and stylish for people that seek luxurious experiences without forgoing function. I noticed that there was a need for unique products that appeal to an adventurous, light-hearted, and out-going personality that celebrates inclusivity and being unapologetically yourself. We are collective that supports artists, collaborators, trailblazers, and responsible consumers. Working in our studio in LA and with other artisans, we offer unique designs, the highest quality components, that are responsibly sourced to create the best products. We are known for creating premium custom-printed organic hemp rolling papers kits handmade in Los Angeles and other smoking accessories.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Teamwork makes the dream work. I’m appreciative of the support and encouragement from my family, incredible team, artist and designer collaborators, advisors, and the GRID 110 family, an accelerator based in LA, funded by the mayor’s office to encourage startups in the DTLA area.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years?
Attitudes toward cannabis are changing dramatically, so we see an opportunity for growth in our business. Shifts in political policy are also changing as we find out more about the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. As there is more legalization, there will be more conversations that drive change socially. More than half of Americans believe marijuana use should be legalized and that number is expected to grow as more states become legal. Marijuana is already legal in 33 states, with ten allowing adults to legally use it for recreational purposes. It is expected to be legal in all US states by 2024, with 20 states offering fully legalized recreational cannabis sales. The greater acceptance and changing attitudes create a need for more options for how people choose to consume cannabis.
Pricing:
- Rolling Paper Kits – $28 32 Unique Designs, -100% organic pure hemp rolling paper, -Unbleached, thin, slow burning, -Kit: Smart, slim filters with hollow center design, -Packing tool to finish with perfection
- Lighters – $34 2 design types -Finishes: Rose Gold, Oil Slick, Champagne Bubbles, Textured Asphalt, Matte Black, Mirror, -Solid metal -Flameless, windproof -USB rechargeable -Simply slide down to trigger the heated coil, slide back up to turn off. -The heated coil will automatically shut off after 20 seconds for added safety. -Charges in under an hour. A full charge can light 2 packs.
- Grinders – $34 polished industrial alloy metal herbal grinders -2 sizes -4 chamber layers -diamond precision teeth for easy grinding of plant material -magnetic top with a concave design for added functionalities such as ashtray or bowl -scrapper included in metal mesh catcher layer -solid built -high quality
- Phoenix Ishii – $30 Small batch botanicals -Steam, Sip, Smoke, Soak -USDA Organic or Wildcrafted herbs + botanicals -eco-friendly global ingredients -sustainably harvested handpicked, hand-blended, handpacked -GMO-free -Each package contains 10g vegan and cruelty free -2 blends
Contact Info:
- Website: www.papersandink.com
- Phone: 213.282.3837
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papersandinksesh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papersandinksesh
Image Credit:
All by Paper + Ink Studio People featured in photos: Carolyn Chu, Matthew McKelligon, Masha D’yans, Jay Jackson, Tiara Kelly, Aaliyah Ei
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