Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Sullivan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had a love for design and paper, which led me to launch CW Designs, my custom stationery business. Creating invitations and stationery for weddings, families, and events taught me early on that my passion wasn’t just about making things look beautiful—it was about crafting experiences, curating details, and connecting people with the things they love.
Over time, that curiosity for design and discovery expanded into a love for finding unique treasures. That’s how Thrift Guides was born. What started as a personal mission to explore antique fairs, thrift shops, and hidden local gems quickly grew into a resource for others who want to uncover extraordinary finds while supporting small businesses. We currently have Thrift Guides for Houston and Round Top, and I’m thrilled to be expanding into Dallas next. Each guide highlights the best places to shop and makes it easy for people to navigate these vibrant communities.
Today, Thrift Guides is more than just a guide—it’s a way to connect passionate shoppers with the businesses that make local communities special. Working with advertisers allows us to showcase brands to an engaged audience who truly value quality, authenticity, and discovery. From creating bespoke stationery to curating experiences that bring people joy, this journey has been about connecting people to the things they love—and now, I get to help businesses do the same in Houston, Round Top, Dallas, and beyond.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Being a one-woman show comes with its own unique set of challenges—handling billing, managing the little details that keep a business running, and trying to do everything perfectly can be overwhelming at times. Along the way, I’ve definitely failed at things—whether it was trying marketing strategies that didn’t work, designs that didn’t land quite right, or just learning the logistics of running a business on my own.
But those struggles have been invaluable. Each setback taught me what works, what doesn’t, and how to pivot quickly. I’ve learned to celebrate the small wins, stay flexible, and trust the process. It’s those moments of trial and error that have shaped CW Designs and Thrift Guides into what they are today—a business that’s creative, resilient, and always evolving.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I do is all about creating experiences through design and discovery. With CW Designs, I specialize in custom stationery and event branding—everything from wedding invitations to day-of stationery and unique paper goods. But more than just making something look beautiful, I focus on truly understanding my clients—their personalities, their vision, and what makes their event or moment meaningful. I take the time to listen, anticipate their needs, and offer guidance in a way that feels personal and intuitive, something I believe not every designer takes the time to do.
With Thrift Guides, that same philosophy carries over. I curate guides that help people uncover hidden treasures, connect with small businesses, and explore local communities in a meaningful way. I’m proud that both CW Designs and Thrift Guides aren’t just products—they’re experiences designed around the people I serve.
What sets me apart is my ability to see what my clients need even before they know it themselves. I combine creativity with empathy, attention to detail, and a genuine understanding of what will make their experience feel special and seamless. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way—seeing clients’ eyes light up when their vision comes to life, or knowing a local business gained loyal new customers through Thrift Guides. For me, success isn’t just about design—it’s about connection.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I get a lot of inspiration from a mix of people and resources—some serious, some… unexpectedly insightful. Rachael Hollis is amazing for motivation and perspective on pushing yourself while staying true to your vision. And surprisingly, I actually got hooked on The Diary of a CEO podcast thanks to my 15-year-old—who apparently knows more about business podcasts than I do!
When it comes to books, I gravitate toward anything in business and entrepreneurship that motivates me and teaches practical strategies—tightening timelines, streamlining processes, and figuring out how to get more done without losing my mind (or my coffee). I’m also a big fan of Mel Robbins and her Let Them mindset. As an empath, I’m constantly worrying about what other people think, but books like hers remind me that I have to do what I need to do to get things done—and that it’s okay if not everyone approves. That perspective has been a game-changer for me in business and life.
On the tech side, I rely heavily on HoneyBook to keep client work organized and running smoothly, and my social media apps help me plan content and stay connected to my audience—though let’s be honest, sometimes scrolling counts as “research,” right?
Together, these resources keep me inspired, organized, and constantly learning ways to do my best, while reminding me that even a one-woman show can survive on coffee, playlists, a little self-talk from Mel Robbins, and the occasional nudge from a 15-year-old. 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thriftguides.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themapchick/
- LinkedIn: https://cws-designs.com/
- Other: https://themapchick.com/
Image Credits
Erin Cheatham of Little Fig Photography
