Meet the Sponsor: #PaperHaul

This month, I introduced a new sponsorship package to my blog. The ‘premium package’ which in it’s perks, includes an interview with the sponsor so you can find out more about them and what they do. I am delighted to bring you the very first of my sponsor interviews with a company I’ve had the privilege of working with before and reviewing their gorgeous stationary. Give a big, warm, squishy hello to #PaperHaul!

1) Hello! I’m delighted to be interviewing you on my blog today. First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself! Likes / dislikes, fun facts – anything you fancy!

Hello and thank you! I’m a self-employed 36 year old, mummy to a toddler and also pregnant, happily married and living in Glasgow. I love cake, pasta, bread, pretty illustrations, paper, people watching, seeing/making other people smile, waking up to sunlight, and music. I believe everyone would benefit from seeing a therapist of some kind, and I worry about our (the UK’s) unhealthy habits and addictions like overworking, overeating, alcoholism, bad media, and our lack of respect for other people.

2) And tell us a little bit about your business, #paperhaul.

#paperhaul is a branch of Crafty Creatives – my subscription box business. It’s a wonderful monthly collection of high quality stationery that features a brand new illustrator each month. I am in AWE of the talent I feature! In my head I’m an illustrator, but when I try and recreate on paper, it never works. It’s a serious skill! The box usually contains washi tape, postcards, stickers, and more. I really love getting custom made washi tape – it’s a little bit special!

3) What do you find are the main challenges of running a business? And how do you overcome these challenges?

For me it is currently juggling running the business, my home, my husband and my wee boy. I’m not sure how to overcome these!!! Work/life balance is so important, time management. Giving yourself time to breath.

4) And of course, what are the perks? As I’m sure there’s a lot!

Working for myself has allowed me to look after my boy full time – nothing beats that! And also I get to work with stupidly awesome illustrators and make some seriously pretty stationery! Not to travel everyday to work, not to sit in an office environment, not to just be working on something for someone else… it’s what dreams are made of.

5) Your subscription boxes are stationary themed – what made you go down this route as opposed to something else?

#paperhaul came from my love of quality design and illustration. I really appreciate the skill behind it. I also love stationery and could easily spend a small fortune in a certain high street store beginning with P! There is a lot of love for stationery out there, and what’s nice about a surprise box full of high quality bits is that you then send them on to people you love – so not only do YOU get enjoyment, but it’s all about spreading the love! And I love that.

6) I had the privilege of reviewing one of your subscription boxes, designed by Jodie Goolding. How do you go about choosing the designers for each box? What is it you look for in a designer and what traits/qualities will make you want to work with them?

If someone is keen to collaborate, willing to design for a predominantly female customer base, and have a style that is pleasing to the eye then I’m happy! I love that everyone who contacts me has such a different style, that is them, that is unique, and that I really want to share with the world.

7) What is the importance and significance of social media for you, as a small business?

It’s huge. Without social media it (my business) simply wouldn’t have happened. Collaborating with bloggers is a really fantastic way to get your product out there – in fact I’d say it’s probably the best way. Facebook has it’s uses but it is increasingly difficult for small businesses to use effectively.

8) Some fun stuff now: If you could invite 5 famous people to a dinner party – dead or alive – who would they be and why?

Oooooo…. ummm….

1) Shirley Manson, the feisty (I adore her and have done since I was 15)
2) Harrison Ford, the calm (love him too and find him fascinating)
3) Paul Rudd, the funny (he seems like SUCH a nice guy)
4) Michael J Fox, the inspiration (his book Lucky Man was so inspiring and he continues to do such wonderful things)
5) Gwyneth Paltrow, the down-to-earth (her interviews are always so lovely)

9) What 5 items would you take with you on a deserted island?

Like, for real? Am I in a survival situation? Hmmm… I’m going to assume clothing is a given?

1) Notebook & pencil to doodle, draw & write
2) Knife for survival stuff
3) Pillow
4) My soft toy monkey
5) Photo of my husband and boy

10) And finally… What are your plans for 2016? For #Paperhaul and personally? Any goals you’re aiming for? Or any you’ve already achieved?

For #paperhaul, it must grow and expand, which really requires more exposure. I also have two off-shoots of #paperhaul up my sleeve, which I hope to launch this year and they’ll be aimed purely at the gifts market. For myself, we wanted to have another baby this year which is due in September (yay!), and we’re moving house then too which wasn’t really planned but was something we wanted to do soon… so it’s going to be an exciting and busy year ahead! I want to dip into learning meditation but whether I can dedicate time to that this year remains to be seen – maybe a goal for 2017!

You can find Claire and #paperhaul on the follow links: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog

If you’re interested in becoming one of my premium sponsors, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me on Twitter!