Meet Katelyn Kirston of PaperPlum in Azusa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn Kirston.

Katelyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
While working at my last corporate job, I was introduced to the world of graphic design, branding and print; unknowingly stumbling across a passion I never knew I had! I found the entire process of graphic arts to be so fascinating yet daunting at the same time. Every program seemed so complex and limitless with abilities and options; and trust me, it is!

Having no professional or educational experience in graphic design, I invested months and years learning Adobe Suite – perfecting every detail, Googling the things I didn’t know. First with an idea, then a sketch, then paint, watercolor, PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign and ultimately print. During this time, I had the opportunity to design a wedding invitation suite and fell completely in love with the entire process. Thus, a dream was born and I began working towards making it a reality. I quit my full-time job in 2014 and launched PaperPlum the next month!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
So many people idealize the idea of being your own boss, working from home, getting to create your own schedule. But there are truly so many challenges in having those freedoms.

My biggest struggles starting out came from not understanding some of the graphic design basics most likely taught to someone who has a degree in that industry. Understanding licensing, copyrights, derivative works, all while maintaining and complying with state and city regulations for being a small business owner.

Ultimately I’m grateful for every challenge! It’s brought me here!

PaperPlum – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
PaperPlum is a boutique design studio specializing in products for weddings, events and small business. We are most likely known for our feminine and minimal design aesthetics and wide array of print options for every budget out there!

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’m not sure if there’s been a single *moment*, but rather a collection of moments.

When our clients respond to their invitation package being delivered – talking about how the invitations brought tears to their eyes, how they’ll keep these memento forever, developing real friendships with our brides where we’re personally invited to their weddings – these are the moments that make me proud of what we do and the final product we deliver.

Pricing:

• Flat Invitations (starting at) $250
• Foil & Letterpress Invitations (starting at) $400
• Acrylic Invitations (starting at) $625

Contact Info:

• Website: paperplumco.com
• Phone: 626-241-2097
• Email: hello@paperplumco.com

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