Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carol Reynolds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Carol, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in several meaningful projects. When I was just starting my business, I was asked to design a set of promotional boxes for Faith Hill that would display her newly-released Christmas album. The snow covered boxes opened to a beautiful winter scene that featured an icy pond, real tiny leather skates, snow covered trees … and Swarovski crystal snowflakes and icicles everywhere I could place them. I was also asked by a very special author, Chitoka Webb, to design a set of display boxes featuring her latest book. Two of the recipients of those boxes were Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou. I was especially proud to have 20 of my handmade Santa Clauses on display at Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Gardens during its Christmas Festival several years ago. I loved having the opportunity to be involved in all of these amazing projects.

Carol, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee and I reside in Franklin, Tennessee in a lovely old home (built in 1805) where we have lived for 35 years. I was born with a creative heart, and both my mother and my grandmother- also creative spirits- encouraged me throughout my life in every artistic endeavor I undertook. I taught elementary school for years, raised two amazing sons, and never ever thought about starting any kind of business. As the boys grew older, I had more time for artistic projects. First on my “to do” list was to design my own personal Christmas decor- as I had no desire to purchase what the stores were offering. In a short period of time, I created a life-sized Santa Claus with a beautiful sculpted face and antique clothing. Soon after, friends began asking me to design one for them as well. Ultimately, Carol Reynolds Designs was born and featured an entire line of hand-made holiday decor.

After 10 years in business (and more than 100 Santa Clauses later), I decided to take a creative break for a year with every intention of continuing my holiday line. However, in the interim, I found myself back with my paint brushes and a new love of graphic arts. Marrying these two artforms, I decided to try my hand at designing a set of notecards. However, I quickly learned that taking that idea from point A to a finished product was no easy task. There was so much that I had to learn about prepping my artwork, what colors are best for printing, getting an item print ready- not to mention learning about print methods and finding vendors to work with. I still call this an exercise in “Continuing Adult Education” as I am still learning something new about the world of producing quality stationery everyday. I think that is why I am particularly proud of the success of my Stone Cottage Paperie; I had to work very hard to make it come to life. I also think that’s what sets me apart from from many stationers; I not only create the artwork, but I know how to take a project from start to finish. I also thrive on designing custom pieces for my clients. That’s the very heartbeat of Stone Cottage Paperie.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think I have built my reputation within the business in several ways. I communicate well with my clients, understand their needs and deliver their products on time. It is equally important to me to have a good working relationship with my vendors, wedding planners and other stationers. I want them to know when they’ve asked me to do something- they can count on me to deliver a quality product in a timely manner. Never underestimate the importance of maintaining these relationships.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Ahh. If only Instagram had been around in my earlier businesses! What an amazing source for clients, inspiration, keeping apprised of things happening within your industry. The list is endless. Consistent posting on Instagram has provided a broad base of clients that stretch from New York to Hawaii.

Contact Info:

• Website: stonecottagepaperie.com
• Instagram: @stonecottagepaperie

Image Credits
All photographs are owned and designed by Stone Cottage Paperie.