Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Dietrich.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had a love for stationery and fine art. Though I ended up in a science field (zookeeping!), I continued painting, drawing, and creating as a hobby and therapeutic release. In 2015, I gave birth to our first, and only so far, a daughter. Working a “normal” job was difficult for me, and I left my position in the animal world when she was about 7 months old. Since then, I’ve stayed home with the title of mom, wife, maid, grad student, gardener, cook… and now an entrepreneur. While finishing up my last semester with Texas A&M, I decided to launch my re-vamped and polished stationery company. It’s named Mad Paperie, for my initials- MAD.
Since around October 2017, I’ve had a steady supply of orders and inquiries. I’m working to really brand myself and my company. A professional website, a business plan, and new products are in the works. It’s been a whirlwind of a couple months, but I love creating beautiful artwork and sharing it with the world. I’m excited to see where the next few months and years take me, my family, and my company!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The most difficult part of running my own artisan business is getting it started. It has not been easy. It’s a lot of work. Not only am I trying to make something out of nothing, my mind is constantly swimming with new ideas for sketches, how to better brand myself, where to market, and which “toys” I want to get that will take my company to the next level.There is a lot of trial and error, constant Instagram posting, and long nights trimming paper. It’s certainly starting to come together, though. I imagine over the next year, I will begin to develop a more clear niche in the stationery world.
Another struggle and I know other mamas can relate, is simply balancing life. Finding the time to work while the toddler plays is difficult in itself. Explaining to her that “mama has to work right now” is another hurdle. She’s been a trooper, between my business and my last semester of grad school, but most of my work happens after bedtime.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Mad Paperie is a fine stationery company. I produce custom and unique note cards, greeting cards, holiday cards, baby announcements, and more, but I specialize in creating invitations. While most of my work has been kids’ birthday parties (I’m so glad I’m not the only mom who loves themed parties and throws epic bashes for one or two-year-olds!), I am branching into the wedding field. I have designed a few wedding suites and would love to work more with local brides to make their special day extra beautiful.
What were you like growing up?
While I participated in a variety of sports and activities, I’ve always, always been drawn to visual arts. I have always drawn, sketched, painted, you name it. I was the kid who got in trouble at school for drawing on the desk or doodling in my notebook.
I ended up focusing on my other love in college- animals. I majored in Animal Sciences with U. of Illinois and recently obtained a Master’s in Educational Technology from Texas A&M. I worked for nearly a decade with zoos and aquariums- teaching people about wildlife and training/caring for various animals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madpaperie.wixsite.com/madpaperie – under construction but published!
- Email: madpaperie@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/madpaperie
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/madpaperie
Image Credit:
Makayla Ervin
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