Printmaker - Leslie Saito
Leslie runs her own business - www.thepaperprincess.com - a Vintage Inspired Paperie! The Paper Princess sells gorgeous cards, bookplates, gift tags and accessories.
The Interview
Name - Leslie Saito
Location - My little shop is web-based only, but my studio (aka le garage) is based in Southern California (Los Angeles).
Family - I am a lucky, lucky girl who is married to the best boy ever. Hank, my husband, is a wonderful man who has provided endless support for all of my endeavors, and he's also the best father to my three little ones: Alison (7), Henry (5), and Kate (almost 2).
What inspired you to set up The Paper Princess?
When my first child was born, I took a leave of absence from work. Initially I had a difficult time transitioning from career woman to stay at home mom, and there were many days when the long days stretched out in front of me as endless hours of time to fill. I hate to say it, but I was lonely and miserable!! As a result, I signed up for a printmaking class at a local art center (pvartcenter.org). I threw myself into this class wholeheartedly, and soon my sense of self started to return!
Though I was by far the youngest in the class (most of the students were senior citizens), I remember feeling so revived by this class. My classmates were so encouraging to me, and their overall message was always, "Live your life, and do what you love."
About a week after the class ended, I decided to pursue a creative path. I had always enjoyed arts and crafts, and 5 months after the birth of my first daughter, my business was born. On a whim, I bought my domain name, taught myself HTML, and in August of 2000, my website was launched.
What is your background (previous career area?)
As a freshman, I entered college with a handful of scholarships, and I started off as a graphic design major at one of the best art schools in the nation. After a few semesters of being unable to register for any of the requisite art classes (the competition at this school was/is extremely competitive as well as saturated), I switched my major to English (I wanted to graduate in four years, after all).
Four years later, I graduated from college with an English degree, and I entered the field of education. I taught at a local middle school, and eventually I completed my Master's Degree in Educational Administration. Prior to having my children, I was intent on becoming a principal or district leader. Boy how fates can change!
Did you have specialist training in designing or illustration? - if so what/where was your training?
A couple of years ago I took an introductory class in Photoshop and Illustrator. I was able to learn the basics of the tools, but the majority of my training is self taught.
How did you go about setting your business up? (from a business perspective - initial funding etc) Did you have any professional help?
I started my business on a whim as a way to fulfill a creative need. So despite what many business gurus may recommend, I took a blind dive into my business. My in-laws gave me a small loan $1,000) to build up an inventory. From that point on, I have relied on the income of my business to keep the business afloat.
Where do you carry out your work now?
My work is sold in my webshop, and over the last few years or so, I've expanded to approximately 50 brick and mortar shops across the country (and even abroad).
Do you need lots of specialist equipment?
Since my designs are digitally created, my computer is the most important tool I own! Also, I wouldn't be able to survive without Illustrator, Photoshop, and my scanner! These are the tools of the trade!
Do you make all of the sculptures you sell yourself?
Yes. Every sculpture is handmade by myself. I do not use any moulds when I create, therefore making each sculpture a unique piece of art.
Do you still design cards yourself?
Yes, I do all of the design work on my cards. I have a new line of cards that will launch soon, and I've been using old family photographs + some original illustrations.
What inspires your designs?
I am definitely inspired by the graphics, colors, and styles of the 1950s - early 1960s. I also find great inspiration from artists like Mary Blair, and I enjoy browsing through vintage magazines and vintage kids books. I can find inspiration in the type of an ad or the colors of an illustration. It's funny what the mind captures for inspiration.
How do you source all the beautiful items you sell on your site?
I have a great group of local printers who I have been working with over the last couple of years. They are more like good friends who get excited when I bring in a new design or product. I know I am in good hands when I work with them.
How many hours do you work a week?
That's a good question. It's hard to keep track of the time I dedicate to my business since my work time is not continuous. I can say that I definitely spend a good 2-3 hours a day just processing and packaging orders. I also spend a couple of hours a month updating my website (that's the easy part).
I also try to design new cards or products every week (regardless if I actually use them for products or not). Usually new ideas/designs come unbidden...and then I'll spend a good day or so dedicated to getting the design out of my system! On days like this, my husband laughs at me because I get in "the zone", and nothing can distract me from pursuing a design.
How does the job fit round your family life?
I do most of my design work in the evenings when my children are asleep or when they're outside playing, and I try my best to package up my orders during the day when the two older kids are at school and when the baby is napping. The logistics of running a business with little ones is tricky, but definitely doable. And of course, all of this wouldn't be possible without my husband (aka super dad).
How do you find clients - do you advertise?
I've done a few paid magazine advertisements, but I have found that I receive better results from posting on my blog (about my products) or from more creative advertising (i.e. The Sampler).
What is the earning potential?
The financial potential could certainly be greater than it is now, but at this moment I'm happy with what my company brings in (and with the amount of time it requires to bring in that income).
Is the job/running the business rewarding?
My job is absolutely, positively rewarding! It feeds me creatively, and it allows me to do something I absolutely love! And the best part? I get to spend more time with my kids. Who could ask for more?
Do you think it is a job that fits in well with being a Mum?
Absolutely! My work schedule is flexible, and I can spend a few hours designing something, and then dash off to pick up the kids from school. My kids love to help me pack up orders, and the post office workers know my kids by name! They love helping Mama or Daddy carry the parcels to the post office!
Any advice for a Mum or Dad wanting to set up their own business
Find the one thing you enjoy doing, and then work from there. Start off small so that you can focus on your talent! And there are many platforms that you can use to launch your business: webshops, local craft fairs, etsy.com. And I cannot stress the importance of networking! Make yourself accessible to all the goodness available to you via the internet - you'd be surprised at how easily it is to make cyberfriends! I have a great group of cyber girlfriends who I chat with daily, and I know that my business would not be where it is today if it weren't for their support!