Today we’d like to introduce you to Susanna Young.
Susanna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been a lover of stationery, cards, journal writing and all things paper for as long as I can remember. About five years ago I casually started making greeting cards for myself and my girlfriends, and then had that cliched Oprah ‘aha’ moment when I realized this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing. It pulled all my loves together and it felt so right. My two sons were in high school and I had more time on my hands, so I kept designing cards. My friends were loving them, which I took as a good sign. I eventually brought them to a few local stores – who ordered them on the spot! The cards seemed to take on a life of their own from there. I was lucky enough to have some wonderful sales reps who found me in stores and online. They began to represent my cards nationwide. Paperlove Boutique is now in about 300 stores across the country.
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?
It has been a fairly smooth road. However, I learnt a lot on the job, as we grew, about what running a greeting card business entails. Between the expansive knowledge of Google and podcasts by entrepreneurial women – I was constantly inspired.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our greeting cards are pretty yet edgy. Paperlove Boutique has a distinct sense of edgy humor, which is not commonly seen paired with a “pretty” kind of aesthetic. They are geared towards women and are very ‘girlfriend friendly’ in that you can find a perfect card for anyone of your girlfriends. We also carry notepads and desk calendars.
Our cards are all hand-glittered in our Santa Monica studio and love goes into every step of the process of creating the cards. We’re truly a local business but customers all over the country will be able to find a card in our extensive range that they can relate to. With over 750 designs, we have inspiring cards as well as our giggle-inducing best sellers.
As well as only supporting local enterprises with the sourcing of our paper, sleeves and envelopes, we also like to do what we can to care for the environment. We use biodegradable sleeves and FSC approved paper.
In the end, it’s all about sending the message that we care – so our customers can show their friends and family that they care too. There is nothing more beautiful and personal than a hand-written letter. That’s why our company’s motto is “Send a card, not just a text”.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in New Zealand and a lot of my cards have the kind of “Kiwi humor” that we’re famous for. My parents were both Danish immigrants and I was forever writing letters back to Denmark, as well as to pen friends I’d made around the world.
Before coffee culture consumed New Zealand in the way it does today, our house was unique in the way that we’d always have a pot brewing – it was Danish tradition. Friends, family and travelers would swing by to enjoy a fresh cup and one of my mother’s baked treats. By nature and by nurture, I’ve always valued relationships, friendships and maintaining the feeling of warmth and connection once people left our home. Writing cards truly kept those friendships alive.
I grew up spending a lot of my time hanging out on the beaches, back in New Zealand. When I was 17, I visited California for the first time and I was instantly obsessed. I loved the beach culture, palm tree lined streets, the desert, open minds, free spirits and everything about the vibe here. California, where I now live, still has a heavy influence on the designs I create.
Contact Info:
- Website: paperloveboutique.com
- Email: susanna@paperloveboutique.com
- Instagram: paperloveboutique
- Facebook: Paperlove Boutique
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
