Bella Ink Designs is happy to introduce you to Gay of French Blue Papers (Austin, Texas) for this month's edition of Shop Girl Focus. In 2000 Gay and her neighbor, Kathryn, opened French Blue Papers in Dallas. Each of the women had been working in creative fields before joining forces to design a business based on their idea of the ultimate experience in custom and pre-printed stationery shopping. In 2002 the business moved to Austin, and Gay saw her office and online business grow. Today, French Blue Papers is one of Bella Ink's authorized custom album dealers.
So Gay...
Q: Are you and Kathryn still neighbors?
A: Although no longer neighbors, we are still close friends and see each other whenever possible.
Q: Who throws the better party?
A: Kathryn throws the better party because of her creativity!
Q: What are your favorite moments as businesswomen?
A: When we get calls and emails telling us that our customers loved their stationery products and want to tell all their friends.
Q: For a destination wedding, how many weeks in advance should invitations be mailed out?
A: A Save-the-Date should be mailed 6 months in advance. The actual invitation should be at least a month.
Q: What do you think about the trend toward video Save-the-Dates being posted online at sites like youtube?
A: You're only reaching part of your guest list. And what about the people you didn't invite who want to come after seeing the video?
Q: Morning person or night owl?
A: Night owl.
Q: What design is on your personal stationery?
A: A feminine, but not too formal, monogram; red on khaki.
Q: Do you get more foot traffic online or in the store?
A: It's about half and half, but personal orders have a higher margin.
Q: You moved your business from Dallas to Austin. If you were to move again, anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: London.
Q: What product gaps would you like to see filled by stationery manufacturers?
A: More gift items.
Q: Will you be attending the National Stationery Show in May?
A: Not this year.
Q: What is playing on your store's speakers right now?
A: REM
Q: In what time-frame should a "Thank You" note be mailed?
A: 1 Week
Q: Favorite way to spend your free time outside of work?
A: Spending time with family and friends.
Q: Who gave you the best advice about starting your own business, and what was it?
A: A friend told me to make sure you love your products and can stand behind them.
French Blue Papers can be found at: http://frenchbluepapers.com
It's great to hear from you and see what you've been up to. In your blog I feel your enthusiasm for life. thank you.
Posted by: New Jordans | May 12, 2010 at 08:39 PM