At the National Stationery Show we had the pleasure of meeting Kelly of Staccato, an online paper retailer who has curated a beautiful selection of eco-friendly paper products for Internet shoppers. She only seeks out vendors who print on recycled papers that have been produced using environmentally friendly processes. Kelly picked up the Bella Ink line at the show because we use papers that have between 10 and 30% post consumer fibers, and are certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
In addition to carrying a variety of eco-friendly brands, Kelly designs her own stationery, keeps a beautiful website and blogs. She's very busy so we're excited to have her take part in this month's Shop Girl Focus feature. We hope you enjoy getting to know her and Staccato a little better. She's a woman after our own hearts.
So Kelly,
Q. Who or what inspired you to start a stationery business?
A. Staccato has morphed from a paper-crafting hobby, to a way to pay for that hobby, to a true love of working with customers to celebrate very special occasions.
Q. What do you feel is timeless when it comes to stationery?
A. When I go to the mailbox I still feel like I'm 10 years old awaiting a letter from my pen pal. I'm so disappointed when there's nothing but ads and bills, but I'm overjoyed to receive a real note or invitation. Although everyone talks about e-mail overtaking all written communication, I think the art of a hand-written note is timeless!
Q. Being a web-based business you could, in theory, move anywhere in the world to operate. Where would you go first?
A. I love to travel, but often relate it to reading. Why re-read the same book twice when there's a library full of undiscovered treasures? I think I can be my most inspired in the Tuscany region of Italy, though. I imagine working in a studio that opens to a view of miles of rolling hills planted with grapevines and olive trees.
Q. When it's potluck, what's your go-to dish?
A. I always root for potluck brunches because I make a mean Baked French Toast!
Q. Is an email address appropriate for an RSVP?
A. It isn't "inappropriate," and it is considered more eco-friendly (a cornerstone of my business), but there is something inherently more formal and personal about a response card.
Q. How much time should a host/hostess give guests to RSVP?
A. This depends on the event. For a wedding, an absolute minimum of two weeks, but more is always better. Guests are often traveling long distances to be at a wedding celebration, and it's only fair to allow them enough time to investigate arrangements before committing to the event. For something more casual, though, a week or two is generally sufficient, except around the holidays where all party-givers are vying for the same weekend.
Q. What is your favorite way to treat yourself to a job well done?
A. A glass of Cab Sav with an episode of "Brothers and Sisters."
Q. What product gaps would you like to see filled by stationery manufacturers?
A. There needs to be a bigger push toward beautiful recycled papers created with wind & solar energy. I picked up the Bella Ink line because I fell in love with the texture and color of the cream felt cardstock and envelopes (30% PCW). This paper in particular enhances Bella designs, brings out the embellishments, and just makes the invitations look "posh." It IS possible to be beautiful and eco-friendly and I hope more companies make that move.
Q. Do you prefer big blowouts or small gatherings?
A. Small gatherings. It's so much easier to get to know new people and appreciate familiar people in an intimate setting.
Q. How do you feel about the new trend towards video save-the-date announcements being posted on sites like YouTube?
A. They are cute and personal, but your guest is only going to watch it once and will still need to write down the info you provide, so why not mail them a card? I love posting save-the-dates on my memo board, then swapping them out for the invitation when it arrives a few months later.
Q. Other than your business, where do you like to shop most?
A. Ann Taylor and Loft. I know, me and half the rest of the world, but I can't help it! It's like they design just for me.
Q. What is your favorite time of day?
A. I'm most productive late into the evening... perhaps because I won't fall asleep until the "to do" list is done!
Q. What design is on your personal stationery?
A. I can't commit! I'll use a floral note one day and a monogrammed letter the next.
Q. Besides stationery & gift shows, where do you like to scout out new designers?
A. I've met some fantastic people in the Let's Talk Stationery forum who wholesale.
Q. What is your favorite method of communication?
A. NOT the phone! For instant correspondence, I like e-mail. It's fast and I can read/reply from anywhere. For a "thank you" or a "thinking of you," though, I definitely prefer a hand-written note.
Q. Being an eco-friendly business, have you ever gone on an eco-vacation?
A. I've actually not done an entirely "green" vacation.
Thank you for participating in our Q&A, Kelly!
Staccato can be found at: http://www.staccatostationery.com
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