Tomorrow National Stationery Show opens its summer doors for the very first time, and amongst the many talented makers in the Emerging Designers section will be one Stationery Trends readers are already enamored with: the romantic, whimsical Paige & Willow.
As you read this, Founder Ketlin Martins is no doubt prepping her booth after making the trek to New York City from Canada — but this week she graciously took a few minutes out to chat with me about her path to NSS.
Q. How did you get into stationery?
A. I’m a graphic designer so I always had a passion for illustrations, typography and everything paper. I worked in that industry for a while but I always wanted to do something for myself that would push my creativity even more. So, I decided to combine my love for paper and illustrations and create Paige & Willow. Having a background in design really helps with my creative process as well as with the aesthetics of my products and everything else that I do. There’s nothing that inspires me more than to walk into bookstores and look at illustrated book covers and to walk thorough greeting card aisles. I also get inspired by nature, simple and clean designs, and everything that makes me go “awwe.”
Q. Had you walked NSS before? What made you decide to take the plunge?
A. I walked the show last year for the first time and I was blown away. To see everyone from the industry sharing their amazing work under the same roof was very motivating. I heard about the show the year prior to that when I decided to create Paige & Willow, and right away I wanted to see what that was all about. I decided to take the plunge as I think the best way to learn about this industry is to put yourself out there, and there is no better place to do it than at NSS. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the show.
Q. Can you share a sneak peek at your booth?
A. We’re going to show a clean design with soft and romantic elements that really represents our brand. We love flowers, pastels and everything stationery so our booth will show exactly that. We want everyone to fall in love with our products — and most importantly feel the love.
Q. What’s new at #NSS2019?
A. We offer greeting cards, art prints, notebooks and pencil cases, and I’m introducing new greeting card designs and notebooks. I had a small selection for birthday cards and none for weddings so I decided to focus on those areas. The new cards are very romantic and I believe they really represent our brand. I’m also adding new Christmas cards that are very playful and fun because that’s what the holidays are to me.
Q. Any show incentives or promotions?
A. Yes! We are offering 6 free cards when buyers place orders over $300 and 10% off orders over $500.
Q. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten about exhibiting at #NSS2019?
A. The best advice would be to enjoy your own experience and not compare yourself to others. I guess we all get nervous the first time we exhibit and we want everything to be perfect. We look around and there are so many talented people that have done the show before so it can be a bit intimidating. But, I heard everyone in this community really supports each other and many great friendships flourish at NSS. So that’s what I’m going to be focusing on: to have a great experience, make new friends and leave Paige & Willow’s mark in the industry.
Q. Anything else you’d like to share with TPC readers?
A. Come visit us at booth E9 at the National Stationery Show! We would love to show you our line of products and share a laugh or two.
Thank you so much for sharing a sneak peek of your work and booth, Ketlin! There’s still time to register to see this stationery sensation — and a whole lot more exquisite paper — here. And of course your badge will also give you access into all the great design waiting to be discovered at NY NOW!
