To Give Without Expecting anything in Return

February 17, 2016February 9, 2016 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

I can’t beleive I haven’t shared this with you all yet, as it was one of the more interesting experiences of my trip home, but I guess that’s what you get when you’re a bad blogger…

Last fall, I designed this logo (plus a few other options, but this is my favorite!) for Laura, a Madisonian I’ve known for years, we first met through the magazine I used to work for, I got my hair done at the salon she owned for a number of years, we have lots of friends in common. She is also an intuitive reader, or, for lack of a subtler word, a psychic.

While I was home in Wisconsin, I did something very much outside my comfort zone and went to a reading with her. I actually tried not to think about it before my appointment so as not to create expectations in my mind, but even after being acquainted with Laura all this time, the experience was still not what I expected. More than anything else, it was like having coffee with a friend who wants what’s best for you and gives great advice (and might know a thing or two you haven’t actually told her).

I left feeling renewed, uplifted about life in Bermuda, the relationship that brought me here and the direction I’m moving in career-wise. There’s been more than one little nugget of advice that has stuck with me since our chat, but the one producing the most tangible results right now is when we were talking about how to grow my business in a country that doesn’t allow me to work locally. Laura told me to give (my work, my time, my expertise, etc.) without expecting anything in return (particularly since I can’t currently accept money for any of those things). Say what you will about karma, but so far it’s working out in my favor.

A few weeks ago, I was putting together Valentine’s Day orders for two of my stockists. I had pulled all the cards from my stock, and I was just short on a few things for one of the stores, which means I would have had to do two printing days for less than $10 immediate profit. Then I remembered that I had a few extra cards in a different custom design for the other store and I decided to give them those for free. When I pulled the cards I was going to give away, I happened across the exact quantity of cards I needed for the first shop!

Perfect coincidences like that remind me that the universe is working in ways that you or I won’t see until the right time… and we just have to trust the journey.

Thank You Notes

December 27, 2015December 9, 2015 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

As New Year’s approaches, I find myself reflecting on the year that’s passed. As I send out Christmas cards, I take the opportunity to tell friends and family what they mean to me, usually thanking them for various kindnesses throughout the year. This year I thought I’d do the same for my business. As I grow and put more of myself into 622 press/studio I find that the businesses and clients helping me realize this dream mean even more to me. Don’t worry, I’ll be sending cards, but I also thought I’d share here!

Iconi Interiors: About a million years ago, when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing business-wise, the owner of a gorgeous home interiors shop I truly admired took a chance on my work. I wrote about how absolutely floored I was at the time, but looking back, I realize her buy gave me the confidence to pursue all my other wholesale clients, which has become a huge portion of my business.

Driftless Studio: I’ve written about her a lot over the years, because the shop has been instrumental to the growth of 622 press. Not only does Driftless sell the most product of all my wholesalers, owner Anne is an amazing collaborator, never hesitant to share what she thinks will sell best, offering ideas and commissioning projects she truly believes in. And she’s always willing to let me peek behind the scenes of her business, which will quite possibly help me for years to come. As a creative running a successful retail shop, she has become a shining example of what I hope to someday grow up to be!

When Pigs Fly: This shop is owned by my friend’s mom, so it took me a long time to approach her about wholesale, but I’m so glad I did! Kim is always up for trying out new product and I love that! It’s been so important, especially in this year of growth. She’s currently the only retailer carrying my paper flowers!

Lark & Woods Grove: Both of these fabulous stores approached me out of the blue to carry 622 press goods. Just the fact that they were sold on the product alone has been a huge confidence booster this year!

Brain Mill Press: The projects Brain Mill Press sends my way make me feel so incredibly lucky to be able to spend my days doing what I love. With this second commission of art prints, I feel like a part of the BMP family: looking forward to our continued success and collaborations!

Card Club subscribers: Even though it’s a one-way relationship, I feel connected to the women I send cards to every month. I love thinking about what their stationery needs might be for the month, what pieces would round out their collection. Plus they help me keep my inventory in check, and for that I’m very grateful!

There are many more wedding and freelance clients that have really made a difference this year, and if you’re reading this you know who you are :) Thanks for an amazing 2015, here’s to another successful year!

Closing up Shop

December 11, 2015December 9, 2015 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

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The end is near! Today is the very last day to order anything from my etsy shop until after Christmas. By tomorrow evening I’ll be in Wisconsin! I’m so excited to see friends and family and am very much looking forward to a break from the small-business-owner hustle.

I’m so grateful to have been so busy this last month as I always struggle this time of year. I think it simply comes down to seeing less sunlight, but aside from the holidays, November-March are just not my favorite. One evening last week I decided I needed something to re-energize me, so I bought myself a little present: A bundle of a dozen or so fonts and hundreds of decorative elements and illustrations!

I’m so excited about my new toy and actually stayed up late last Friday night working on some new designs (I know, I’m pretty cool). So stay tuned for lots of new digital downloads in the shop soon—including this one, available here—which actually are available while I’m away!

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Art Directors Anonymous

November 28, 2015November 27, 2015 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 3 Comments

Hello, my name is Kristin and I’m an art director. It’s been 14 months since my last photo shoot…

When I was working at the magazine, I coordinated/styled/directed a dozen or so shoots every month. At least one was a complex fashion shoot, consisting of days of scouting, planning and styling, a full day of shooting, several more days of choosing and editing photos and then designing a 4-10 page feature. And that was only my part in it: we also had a hair and makeup team, clothing stylist, photographer, interns and editorial team on hand to pull it all together. Sometimes these days were downright incredible—everyone involved was in a flow state where creativity abounds and beautiful results were almost effortless. Other times, not so much.

So, as rewarding as seeing your work in publication month after month can be, after sixty of them, I was ready for a little break. Until now.

Last weekend, I gathered a few friends—a dental assistant who moonlights as a model and an IT professional/talented self-taught photographer—for a shoot featuring my paper flowers. We headed to Horseshoe Beach for some boho bridal images, then down the road to The Reefs for an incredible sunset view.

I thought the shoot would be successful—Allison is gorgeous and moves effortlessly, Adi is more talented than he’ll ever admit and Bermuda scenery can’t be beat—but honestly, even I am blown away with the results. So without further adieu, here are just a few of my favorite shots. I’ll be unveiling the rest over the next few months, so check back!

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Bridal bouquets are available to order in the shop, or get in touch for a quote!

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Swimming in Stars

November 10, 2015 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

Last weekend I had what will perhaps turn out to be the most incredible experience of my time in Bermuda. We had spent the day out on a friend’s boat, and since there’s a good chance it would be the last boat day this year, we wanted to make the most of it.

After a day of calm water and clear skies, the sun set early—it is November after all. We were nestled between some of the smaller islands so trees blocked the lights from town and millions of stars were visible in the sky. At one point, silence fell as we marveled at the site over our heads.

Eventually the idea of a night swim came up, and when we jumped in, we discovered bioluminescent plankton in the water that lit up as they were disturbed. As we kicked our legs and moved our arms through the black water, it sparkled. Trails of tiny lights following our fingers and toes. Stars above us, stars around us, swimming in stars, reminding me how magical this world is.