Susan at Chirps & Cheers in Edmond, OK is our Shop Girl Focus subject this November. We feel that Susan's final words on her site's "About" page beautifully sums up a lifelong passion for paper: "Snazy packaging and presentation can turn nothing into something. Organizing is fun. Creativity is a habit. Kindness is a must. This shop is a dream." To read more about the little things she began doing for others with paper from an early age, check out her "About" page. Below is Susan's get-to-know Q&A.
So Susan...
Q. Why did you start your business?
A. I have always had a "field of dreams" vision about a little paper shop. When a space became available, I knew it was time.
Q. What has been your best moment as a businesswoman in the past year?
A. I opened the shop in October of 2009. In September 2010 I moved into a bigger space. It felt great to know that I had not only accomplished my dream of opening a shop, but that I was doing well enough to expand. Build it and they will come... happily for me they did.
Q. Who gave you the best advice about running your own business?
A. Stick to what you love and believe in. One of my early customers told me this and I always think about that. It really does guide me.
Q. What is your personal motto?
A. I'd rather be interesting than perfect.
Q. Stay in or go out this New Year's Eve?
A. Always a movie and then home way before midnight.
Q. Favorite dish at Thanksgiving?
A. Not big on the turkey dinner, so I will stick with a great big salad of seasonal vegetables.
Q. When you were 9, what did you think you'd be when you grew up?
A. I always wanted to work in a shop because I dreamed of using the cash register.
Q. Favorite method of communication?
A. Face to face conversations. I love to visit with people.
Q. Whose diary would you most like to read?
A. My kids... it would just be nice to know what they were thinking. On the other hand, maybe I don't want to know?!?
Q. What design is on your personal stationery?
A. Just my name.
Q. In what time-frame should "Thank You" cards be mailed?
A. I was taught to write them immediately, but I must admit that doesn't always happen.
Q. Fashionably late is...
A. 15 minutes early. Too many years of hearing this from my daughter's dance teacher has it etched in my brain.
Q. What is the best thing about the stationery show and the worst?
A. (Best) Personal contact with the companies, seeing the new designs. (Worst) I always miss something!
Q. What factors into the buying process when selecting brands for your shop?
A. I have to love it. When I can't get excited about something, it will just sit unsold on the shelves.
Q. If you could move your business anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A. I am a homebody so I am beyond happy just where I am.
Thanks for participating, Susan! You can find Chirps & Cheers at:
100 North Broadway, Suite 106, Edmond, OK (P: 405-509-6336) (W: http://chirpsandcheers.com)
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