Capture the Moments - Duncan & Stone Paper Co.

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Garrett Peters, Co-Founder and CEO of Duncan & Stone Paper Co., located in Fayetteville, AR, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Duncan & Stone Paper Co. is a stationery company that combines timeless design with effortless journaling. Our mission is to connect generations by preserving the life experiences of each person through simple, guided prompts. We believe in capturing the moments that matter most through the beauty of handwritten storytelling. Our target audience is (mostly) women who are looking to bring the best gift to the event. It's not about money; it's about sentimentality and showing that you put genuine thought into getting the recipient something unique and special. Our audience is looking to make connections through our journals, whether it be their own children, family, or friends, and they really value the ability to look back on those shared connections over time.

Tell us about yourself

I spent 10+ years in the corporate world working with Walmart suppliers as an account manager. Through those years, I became passionate about the journey brands go through from start-up to launch into mass retailers. During 2019, my wife (Stephanie) and I began dreaming of a new business opportunity with some of our best friends. We decided to launch an online brand at the start of 2020 called Duncan & Stone. The vision and goal of the business were to offer meaningful keepsake products that could be passed down through the generations!

Early on, I wore many hats - sales, operations, fulfillment, wholesale lead - however, now that we are a few years into the business, my role now is CEO. Duncan & Stone is just out of the early start-up life stage and stepping into a season of growth and scale. My current motivation is primary stewardship of the business we are building and creating a long-term sustainable brand that will be around for years to come!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being recognized as one of the featured "woman-owned businesses" by Amazon for the month of March 2023. This was an absolutely huge accomplishment for our team! Stephanie and Sarah are the brains behind Duncan & Stone and helped found the company along with myself. They are the majority owners of the business and help lead the company moving forward.

Amazon reached out to us directly to be a part of this amazing opportunity! We are thrilled and thankful to be chosen by them, and to me, it is definitely the biggest accomplishment thus far.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Oh goodness, there are so many challenges! For us, as a family-owned, family-run business - it is extremely challenging to juggle all the moving pieces within our family, home, kids, etc. We started Duncan & Stone in our garage in 2020 and have been running the business out of our house since day 1. With three boys at the house, it is not easy to get things done if they are home!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Great question! A few things come to mind regarding advice and tips:

1. Take one step at a time. One thing that kept me back for so long was being nervous about the outcome or future…. It is paralyzing at times and creates fear of trying. One major thing I have learned over the last 3+ years is that just taking one step and being faithful to that FIRST gives you confidence and momentum. You don't have to figure everything out on day 1, so just take one step at a time!
2. Be more curious. I didn't ask enough questions or pursue things that were interesting to me. Like many others, early on in my career (say ages 21 – 25), I was too timid and nervous about engaging with others at a deeper level to really learn and grow in my knowledge about life/business/etc. I just think it is so crucial to cultivate a sense of curiosity about things, especially as a younger person! How will you develop your idea of calling or passion if you aren't curious?
3. Commit to developing emotional health. Regarding emotional health, whoa. I am 37 years old now, and honestly, I just now feel like I am starting to understand my own emotions. Goodness, if young people would commit to growth in emotional maturity and health, I feel like it would set them up for success long term. Whatever age or stage of life you are in, there are always opportunities to dig into who you are!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.duncanandstone.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuncanandStone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanandstone/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettlpeters/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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