We were lucky to catch up with Jen McDonald recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I am very lucky to be heading into my 14th year of business. Looking back at my success, I feel my progress has been a wonderful slow burn. In 2008 I retired from my career as an educator to be a full-time mom. As wonderful of a decision as that was, my need to express my creativity fueled my mission to create something of my own – that’s how my business began! In the beginning I focused on my first passion, photography, but slowly began to work more and more on graphic design. During the first five years, I consumed all things photography and graphic design. I spent a lot of time online taking classes and learning from others, all while building a portfolio of loyal customers and new friends! By 2015 I decided to focus primarily on the graphic design portion of my business and put all of my energy into building my brand as our area’s local Party Goods Designer. Once I committed to just this portion of my business, things took off from there! The timing for launching my business allowed me to not only hone my craft but evaluate what my primary joy and goal are with my brand. I’ve been lucky to have this time to create, experiment, test, fail, succeed, and build a wonderfully loyal following!

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 background and context?

Hi! I am Jen McDonald of Jen LOVES Paper, I began my business in 2008 as both a professional photographer and graphic designer. I provide personalized party goods, stationery, and gifts based on my fun ideas and designs. I help my clients with their celebrations, by adding a touch of whimsy and personalization to their events!

I work with clients to create personalized party goods, such as cups, napkins, stationery, and more! I also have my line of fun in-stock items that encourage friendship, gatherings, and the celebration of life’s happy occasions!

I am most proud of the ideas that have brought to life over these past 14 years creating one-of-kind designs and gifts! From a child’s first birthday to graduation parties, and weddings I partner with my clients to bring to life the joy in each milestone. I am passionate about helping my clients to elevate an occasion, creating a wonderful and happy celebration!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I have to say, I have the most loyal and supportive clientele. I do very little marketing, but rather most of my dedicated clients have come from referrals. For me, the strategy is simple, treat everyone like they are important, that their business matters to me, and they are a person. The nature of my business is providing personalized goods, so of course, that would include personalized RELATIONSHIPS! Every client matters, every occasion matters, and as the owner and designer, I have my hand in creating everything. I am the type of business that builds relationships with long-standing clients – often becoming friends! I have found over these years that this strategy has allowed me the pleasure of a wonderful loyal following.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I know many small businesses in my field have found great amounts of success using Etsy and other platforms. Brand loyalty and customer relationships are so important to me, I have found hosting my goods on my website works best for my business model. It allows me the ability to connect directly with clients, set up in-take phone calls or email, and get to know my client. While this may slow down the process some, I have found it allows me the ability to provide that personalized service my clients come to rely on.

Contact Info:

• Website: jenlovespaper.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jenlovespaper
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/JenLovesPaper/

Image Credits
Headshot Location: The Peach Orchard – thepeachorchard.com Headshot Photographer: Casey Wilson – caseywilsonphotography.com Product Photography: Katy Cox – katycoxphoto.com