Today we’d like to introduce you to Johana Gutierrez-griffiths

Hi Johana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

JJ Paperie & Co started in January 2020, after working in the media and entertainment industry in Manhattan for several years. What originally started from an interest to do wedding calligraphy for my own wedding, quickly became an eye opener and interest for an industry I was unaware of at the time. JJ Paperie & Co started as a calligraphy studio and quickly evolved into other areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being a self-taught creative, I immersed myself in anything and everything when it came to learning all the opportunities available as a creative. Having an open-mind and desire to learn so much my first year has allowed me to have a strong foundation of what I can achieve with a creative business and what I want my business to look like. Fast forward to 2024, I am now working with various luxury brands for brand activations and PR influencers events in NYC, have my products carried in select shops & universities and recently opened up my studio shop to my local community. It has been a learning curve each way but I am really happy with the direction it’s going!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

No, haha! The biggest struggle at the beginning was getting started and having a strong mindset. Many have said this before, but your mind can either limit you or allow you to see what’s possible and what you are capable of. One of my own biggest struggles was reminding myself that having a creative practice IS essential to my business. It was a big shift for me as someone who worked in google docs, creating decks, excel, etc. Considering I do not have a background in art, it was something I really had to remind myself I had to hone in on and dedicate time to so my skills and style could improve. Feeling comfortable enough to put yourself out there is also another area I struggled with. For the product end, it is something I wish I did a bit earlier on as far as attending markets, collaborating and really getting my name out there. The product end has a lot of areas to learn from – from product development, inventory, money management, wholesale, etc. I’m not one to hop on every platform because it doesn’t fully align with my “desired” life. I think it’s important we (as business owners) remind ourselves and ask ourselves is this task going to grow my business or directing me in the way I want to go. I’ve learned to say no early on to projects that do not align and while that is saying no to money, if it doesn’t align with my future goals I am OK with that. I’m not always perfect at keeping this mindset but it is something I’m glad I embraced earlier on.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am a multi-faceted creative that loves having my hands in various things. My business is primarily focused on engraving & designing my own products for direct to consumer purchase & wholesale. Engraving is a very niche area, but it is a highly sought out skill when it comes to events for brands that want to create an experience for their guests. It is also done by hand so many engravers have their own distinct style – that is what really sets us apart and of course, our customer service is exceptional.

As for the products, I design (right now I’m very into watercolor). I LOVE that I am the creator of each element of my designs / patterns because it feels very connected to who I am and bringing my interests to the world for others to enjoy. I noticed from recent markets how essential and important it is to make note of this – that I am the creative who actually paints and designs for the products. I think we live in an interesting time where people are a little disconnected from who they are buying from or realize a real person is the one doing it – so making that connection is really important. People are in awe when they realize it was all done by me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jjpaperieco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjpaperieco/

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/micheleteresophotography/