Ana Karen Loves Paper: Handmade Cards & Stationery Goods
Hey there! Today we are so excited to introduce Ana Karen Romero. She is crafty, sweet, and the easiest person to talk with about creativity. We met at a pop up in Pasadena and have since been able to do a few wonderful events together! Read on to learn about her story:
What is your Business Name + IG Handle so we can all give you a follow? My business is Ana Karen Loves Paper @anakarenlovespaper
Do you have a website we can shop?
http://www.anakarenlovespaper.com
How did you come up with your shop name?
I've always liked my name, and I've loved paper forever. Ana Karen Loves Paper came naturally. But my original intention was to blog and share my hobby as I created custom invitations and other pieces. I've always thought about turning my hobby into a business, and it was at some point, in high school! As I entered adulthood, I wasn't sure that was the right choice anymore.
What made you decide to follow through with turning your hobby into a business? Your work is amazing and I’m so glad you decided to pursue it!
I went to college with the intention to pursue entrepreneurship, but I honestly lost interest. I was consumed by my studies, and by graduation in 2011, I was interning at a paper company. I never steered far from paper, haha. Working for a paper company gave me so many fun samples to work with. I started crafting again, and after years of doing it for fun, and after some self-discovery, I just knew it was time.
So transitioning from a passion to a full time job can definitely come with some fears. Did you feel like you had anything holding you back at first?
For a while, I was convinced that I couldn't make a living out of selling cards. I looked at the numbers, looked at my input, and didn't see it. But I was thinking too small. I adjusted my business model, I started looking at my business differently, and saw so much opportunity. Cards are my craft, they mean so much to me, but my business is also about uplifting others makers, while spreading the love of paper and stationery to all.
What does your creative process look like? Do you work all at once? Set aside time? Or work on your business at random times?
My crafting process is split up: cutting, gluing, printing, assembly, packaging. It's a lengthy process, particularly because I like to make about 100-200 cards at a time. It's a lengthy process, so I definitely have to schedule it throughout a week or so. Every few weeks, I plan for a "Making Monday" where my biggest focus is card crafting. I share stories on Instagram throughout the day on my progress, and am happy to take questions.
My creative process of coming up with a new card is different. I usually start off with a goal, like "A father's day card" and it slowly comes together. I try not to force anything, but I sometimes feel the crunch of an upcoming holiday. My favorite part of the process is pulling out my swatch books, and deciding what papers I'll be using.
Oh my gosh a 100-200 cards at a time?! What music are you currently listening to or show that you watch while creating?
I love re-watching familiar shows while I craft and make my batches of cards. I can't do new shows--I tried that with What We Do in the Shadows, and then with Schitt's Creek, but I got too distracted and ended up watching more than working. No regrets, they were fun shows! Now I'm rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the 1000th time, and it's perfect. Although I still get distracted and stop working when I know a pivotal scene is coming. When TV becomes too distracting, I switch to my vinyl player.
There is nothing like a classic 90’s show! How do you refresh your creativity when you feel stuck or in a rut?
I do something else. If I'm working towards a new card design and it's just not coming to me, I let it be. I let it simmer in the back of my mind. I'll work on the admin side of the business. If I specifically need to recharge my creative juices, I play. I'll repot a plant, or bake, or turn on Rock Band and start singing.
Yes, most people forget that as a creative you are switching between right and left side of the brain between the creative and logistical sides of owning a business! What was one of your favorite products you have released and why?
Any of the Loteria cards. They bring so many smiles to so many people. It's such an iconic game in Latinx culture, and seeing people from all generations smiling at the sweet sayings paired with the iconic imagery warms my heart.
What is something about your business that brings you joy?
Talking to other people about stationery, or about how cards have an impact on their lives. I've heard from a mother who regularly mail care packages and letters to her daughter since she moved over a decade ago. I've heard about abuelas who live down the street and mail cards to her grandkids, just because. It all warms my heart, and reminds me of how connected we are.
You encourage such beautiful connections! Is there someone that helps you with your business?
My husband, Joe. I literally couldn't set up tented booths without him, he helps with card assembly, and he takes so many USPS trips for me! He's the reason I can ship our your products so fast. He's the best!
The perfect team effort! Do you have a business goal that you feel comfortable sharing?
I'm working on expanding my wholesale business! I'm in the process of building a catalog and setting up the process to make it streamlined, and accessible to shop owners. I would love for AKLP cards to be sold across the US in small boutiques.
Yes, Yes, Yes! Your cards would do amazing as additions in boutiques. How can we support you as a community? Email sign ups? Likes and shares?
Share my cards! And sign up for my newsletter! Newsletter is still in the works, but you can sign up on my website anakarenlovespaper.com now. I'll be kicking off the newsletter with an exclusive coupon in the spring.
Is there anything about your business that you would love for people to know?
Out of all stationery, cards hold a special place in my heart. To me, they are a form of expression, and it's so lovely to know that you can gift your love with written words between folded paper.
That is so true. I know I still have cards I’ve received at all times in my life! I know you do a lot of pop up shows, when was the last time you felt encouraged at a pop up and what happened?
Honestly, every time someone shares about how cards are a part of their life. Snail mail people are my kind of people, and connecting with them re-energizes me.
Thank you so much for your time Ana! We are so excited to grow with you xx
Till Next Time,
xoxo Pressed Wilde + Co.