Today we’d like to introduce you to Keli Spanier.
Hi Keli, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After spending several years at a corporate job, I began Colette Paperie in 2009 to solve two problems: lose the soul-sucking job, and create funny cards. It became my goal to revive snail mail in a way that made it impossible to resist – by creating cards that you simply have to send. My cards are now located in over 500 stores worldwide after a decade of hard work, dedication + grit to making this thing work. The cards are in floral shops, boutiques, museum shops, salons, and even restaurants. The best feature of the cards (aside from their irreverent sayings) is the brightly covered envelope sure to stand out in anyone’s mailbox. I draw, print, cut, fold + package all of my cards, stickers, notepads + keychains all in my Cincinnati studio.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not in the least! I often get questions on how to start a wholesale business – and it’s never a simple answer. Every year I still have to research new stores that might want to carry my products. And I still need to keep creating new products all of the time. My product line must stay relevant to keep my customers happy, so I’m always working to find everything we’re all laughing about. It’s a constant balance of finances, research, and design that I almost never keep completely balanced. I try to tell myself that it’s all part of the fun of having my own business!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’ve explored in the past several years is creating hand lettering for all of my products. I’ve always been interested in calligraphy, and it really adds to the uniqueness of my cards. Of course, there is always a snarky message included with my cards, but the pretty lettering in pops of bright colors really makes it a fun snail mail item. I’m a classically trained artist and went to school for fine art – but I’ve always been more interested in graphic design and how to convey messages in a fun and exciting way.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Overcoming fear and taking risks is the only way to a successful business – you can’t have reward without the risk. It’s intimidating to put yourself and your work out there in the world. Some people won’t like it, and you can’t be afraid of that. You certainly aren’t going to please everyone!
Pricing:
- $4.50 for greeting cards
Contact Info:
- Email: colettepaperie@gmail.com
- Website: www.colettepaperie.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/colettepaperie
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/colettepaperie
- Other: https://medium.com/@kelispanier/creating-a-million-dollar-business-from-a-side-hustle-d4da0ef13573
