Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carly Brenton, Owner and Designer of Paperscript, located in St.Catharines, ON, Canada.

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

Paperscript customers will agree that nothing brightens your day like fresh flowers, hearing your favourite song, or receiving some unexpected snail mail. They know that life is better when you can appreciate the small details and are always looking for a reason to celebrate. Here at Paperscript, it's all about heart. Our mission is to encourage offline connections through the simplicity of paper. We create minimalistic, thoughtful products to help you celebrate all of life's moments, big and small. Paper can evoke a feeling, and it should be shared with the people that matter the most to you.

Our products are designed, printed, and assembled with care in Niagara, Ontario. We source Canadian materials whenever possible and use local print shops to create a final product we know you will love.

Tell us about yourself

I'm Carly, designer, and owner of Paperscript. I am a local to Niagara, Ontario, a happy wife, mom of two young daughters, and a creative soul through and through. I believe that snail mail is underrated and that happiness can be found in a heartfelt card.

Paperscript was born at a difficult time in my life when I turned to art as a form of therapy. We had been struggling with recurring miscarriages when trying to grow our family, and I bought a watercolour kit at the dollar store. I needed something to pour my heart into and eventually started to post my work online. This outlet felt natural as I spent my childhood being drawn to create, and after five years of running this business on the side, I decided to invest in myself as an entrepreneur and follow my dream. I asked myself, "Why not me?" and set a goal to create products to inspire people to go back to basics through the simple act of sending a card. Keeping my "why" close to my heart, I work hard to set an example for my daughters so they will grow up knowing that with determination, courage, and passion, they too can achieve their dreams.

In a very digital time, I know that offline is a new luxury. Paper still means something to me. I find inspiration from celebrating others and seek to turn moments into keepsakes.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I get overwhelmed when I think about the number of paper script cards that have been sealed with love. This always hits home for me when I think about my products sitting under someone's holiday tree. The fact that my cards have been used to say thank you, spread joy, declare love and uplift others really is motivating for me. I am so appreciative that so many have used my products to be a part of their milestones and monumental moments in life.

I am very proud of 'Cards that Give Back,' an initiative that began with a long-standing goal to incorporate a way to give back. I've always wanted to find a way to use paper script products to create awareness surrounding important issues and bring joy to those who need it, so Cards That Give Back was created. I sell greeting cards to create awareness, raise funds and encourage important conversations. It's a way for me to connect with my community and encourage others to connect via greeting cards, all while supporting a cause that is important to me.

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

Finding time to step away and refresh. It's very difficult to prioritize myself and find a healthy balance when the to-do is never-ending. I always think of how much I could accomplish if I was spending the time working. For me, a reliable support system has been invaluable, and I am a firm believer in writing down my goals and setting "office hours" to ensure I am setting myself up for success. I am also a big fan of "staycations" and booking myself a hotel room when I have some big projects to work on. I write out my to-do list on a sticky note, put it up on the wall, order some of my favourite food, turn on some good podcasts and get to work. It allows me to crush some goals and come back to my family refreshed and fully attentive.

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

  1. Create from the heart and be unique to your own style. When you create things that YOU love, it will speak volumes through all aspects of how you run your business. If you are trying to follow a trend or only make what you think others would want, it shows. I shifted the way I design, found a gap in the market, made things that I would want to buy, and suddenly it all became fun again. I loved my company, loved my products, and it became easy to confidently share with others why I do what I do.
  2. Ask for what you want. Nobody can say yes to you if you are not giving them the opportunity to. Put yourself out there, be vulnerable, and remember that nobody will love your business as much as you do, but many will want to help you out along the way. Be unapologetic and bold about chasing your dreams.
  3. Do less to do better. These days I find it is so difficult to feel the need to wear "all the hats." I have learned to say no to some good things to make room for the great and to outsource to experts when I just can't manage it all. I would rather do fewer things, really, really well, than be struggling to do it all.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I always encourage others to keep a few cards on hand. Send some unexpected note to a friend or colleague or just say thanks to someone for being there. Seeing their name handwritten on the front of an envelope will bring joy on even the darkest days, and the task seems so simple, but the impact can be so great.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://paperscript.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paperscript.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperscript.ca/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.