We were lucky to catch up with Chloe Strong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chloe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

Currently we do donate a percentage of our sales, to individuals that might be going through a hard time or life situation. We decided to do this because Juniper Paper Company was created when I was experiencing a significant loss and crafting ended up being my therapy. It is a full circle moment to be able to help those in a time of need.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who do not know me personally, or about Juniper Paper Company, here is our story. My name is Chloe Strong and I currently reside in San Antonio, Texas with my husband and 3 puppies. I work full time at a pediatric hospital managing several specialty clinics and a call center.

In April of 2023, my husband and I experienced a loss, and I was stuck in a rut for the following months. One of my best friends encouraged me to free my mind by using my hands, and before I knew it I had a new hobby. Crafting really became a form of therapy for me and it brought me so much joy. I wanted to learn how to do everything and pretty soon I had ton of creations but did not necessarily need them. That is when the idea struck me, I could sell what I was making.

Soon after I decided to take the plunge and create Juniper Paper Company. From there I broadened what I was creating from solely paper crafts to resin products, wreaths, tumbler cups, and more.

If there is one thing that potential clients/followers should know about me and my company: I am the most proud of finding a creative outlet that has allowed me to network, believe in myself, and also allows me to give back to those in need.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

In October we had our first market that we attended. Being our first market, I was nervous and unsure if anyone would like our products. That market did not turn out to be busy, but we still managed to make a profit.

The second market we attended was at a coffee shop, and was busier than the first market we attended. I learned some tips and tricks from the first market and again we made a profit.

The third market was our sweet spot. It was 20 minutes until the end of the market, and we had already made a profit that day, however had plenty of merchandise left. One last customer came by and ended up selling us out! It was such a great feeling.

Shortly after I applied to a well known popular market in South Town in San Antonio. We got accepted and although we had several sales that day, it was after the market that blew me away. The same day of the market, we shared posts on social media and so did the market coordinators. I was getting messages after the market for orders. I immediately had to go to the craft store for supplies and worked all night to fulfill those orders. Some orders were being shipped to other cities, while others were being delivered to repeat customers.

For sure, the 4th market was my favorite memory so far. As a creative, it is hard not to have self doubts if anyone will like your creations. This really sealed the deal for me, that I was on the right path.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients has been the markets we have attended. I am a people person and am very extroverted so this is fun for me. It is nice to have genuine conversations and get to know someone before they even become customers.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @juniperpapercompany