We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tona Bell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tona below.

Tona, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I suffered burnout while running a fast-growing marketing company that specialized in high tech solutions for global companies. I got really sick, landed in the emergency room, couldn’t work for a while and had to decide if I was going to make a life change or not. I followed my heart, took the plunge and never looked back.

Going from corporate America to a creative lifestyle business was very scary for me, entering a new space and really following my dreams for the first time. I already knew basics of business but now it was time to merge my passions with a new non-corporate approach to life. I felt so out of balance in a fast-paced world and knew that I was not alone. As I found tools and techniques to become healthier and happier, I knew others could benefit as well.

I am happiest and most relaxed when in flow state. That could be practicing origami, preparing for a workshop, keeping in touch with a friend through a letter. Journaling really helped saved my life and I knew through creativity that I could make an impact. The response to initial workshops and events made me the most excited as I knew there was a need for more creative interactions of all sorts.

I created The Paper Seahorse to be a haven of inspiration for those digitally fatigued. We call it taking a digital detox. Screen-free time to let your senses rest and get back into that flow state. Practicing mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety. Our mission is to bring like-minded people together to share in new endeavours and keep spreading sunshine through slowing down. We hope to bring tangible and actionable tools to further analog adventures in life. Because a life well-lived is one that is creative and shared.

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?

My name is Tona Bell. I am the proprietress of The Paper Seahorse, a studio for creativity and mindfulness in sunny Tampa, Florida. We provide analog tools and experiences for folks to slow down and reconnect with themselves and others. These range from writing and typing; to making and creating. Dedicated to meaningful, sensory experiences that help us unplug and slow down. We specialize in analog tools that help keep you in touch with yourself and others.

We are one part stationery, a whole lot of analog lifestyle and sprinkle of magic. We believe people need to take a digital detox, to slow down and be more present in the moment. To find flow. Being in a flow state enhances creativity, problem solving and productivity. It allows for space in life and sensory experiences. These are important for balanced well-being.

Technology is awesome and we love it, however it is also too much of a good thing! Humans crave and need balance. Digital fatigue is real, getting from behind the screen (TV, ipads, computers, smart phones) allows us to go analog and engage with the world around us. To be really present. To have a meaningful conversation with another and have sensory experiences. This is why vinyl, paper, print, board games and films are the hottest trends right now. Millenials are discovering all things analog and they can’t get enough.

For seven years, The Paper Seahorse has provided the analog tools and experiences for people to slow down, be more creative and tap into that flow state. We’ve forgotten how to unplug and just be without doing. We are so busy all the time we forget to “feel the earth beneath our feet” so to speak. We encourage people to go analog and use their hands to write, type, draw and make. Open their hearts to new experiences and get the most out of life away from a screen.

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

We built The Paper Seahorse through one customer at a time, one pencil, one notebook at a time…One class and one event at a time. We became known for authentic experiences and hard to find analog tools. We did so with incredible goods that have a true story and lots of heart. We crafted events and classes that are not found anywhere else.

We consistently used social media and email in a slow and building way. We have shared our vision and encouraged others to slow down and live in real life. We put a spin on why creativity and mindfulness are so important and how you can incorporate it into your life in today’s modern world.

Authenticity and consistency is key in anything. We were unabashedly ourselves and keep on expanding on our mission. Our audience has grown because we consistently share ways to wellness in a digital, fast-paced world.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Our social presence was slow and steady. Content of value is what people want. They want to be inspired and something that is real. In such a visual and fast paced world it is hard to stand out when everyone is copying everyone else whether they know it or not.

A clear concise story and message, told in different ways, will always win. People want to live better lives and be inspired. Translating our message through tools, classes, ideas and showcasing other inspiring talents has helped us tremendously.

Find the medium that you like and stick to it. Master that and then explore. We started on Facebook, then Instagram and finally Pinterest and You Tube. It can get overwhelming and all consuming. Even if you post once a day or a couple of times a week, make sure it is consistent and tells your story.

Here are a few parting ideas:

Stay on top of new trends and do the opposite.

Do not let tech get in the way of your story.

Always be you!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.paperseahorse.com
• Instagram: @thepaperseahorse
• Facebook: @thepaperseahorse
• Linkedin: @tonabell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ThePaperSeahorse
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/paperseahorse/

Image Credits
Images courtesy of The Paper Seahorse and The Dashing Ginger