Whimsicals Paperie's Charming Paper Goods Inspire the Art of the Handwritten Note

We’re thrilled to welcome first time Firefly Whimsicals Paperie to our Spring Market, April 30 & May 1 at Twenty Ninth Street! Founded by Sarah Collins of Centennial, Colorado, Whimsicals Paperie creates beautifully illustrated stationary and paper goods.

We love your illustrations! What inspires them?

I am heavily inspired by the natural world around me and in the beauty of simple objects, animals, plants and flowers. Finding beauty in simplicity is something that I'm very drawn to and tend to do naturally in the things I see around me. The other big inspiration that I didn't expect early on in my career was how much my customers would become a huge source of inspiration for me! I have found that listening to and responding to their requests and ideas has been one of my biggest joys in my creative business, and often leads to my favorite and best selling products.

How did your fine art education influence your decision to begin illustrating stationery?

One of the things that was so interesting to me about studying fine art was how often I felt out of place among my peers. I wasn't the dark and brooding artist stereotype that we all hear so much about, and my work always leaned more happy and colorful. For quite some time I struggled with internalizing that as a negative thing, but looking back I think it's a process that most humans go through in their journey of finding their place in life.

Navigating those feelings then and since have really helped me see the value in personal expression and creativity across all creative fields and endeavours. It takes trial and error, time, and patience, but there is great benefit in finding the place in this world that fits us each the best and sometimes that means creating and carving out that space ourselves. Finding my voice in creativity was a big part of my education, the years that followed, and throughout my career. Something as simple as bringing joy to others through fun colorful drawings and creative products has been such a fulfilling part of my artistic journey.

Share with us how your product line and process developed over time?

When I started out I was selling mostly greeting cards. As I went, I found that I loved designing new and creative paper and stationery products just as much as drawing the illustrations that went on my cards, so I began developing more products that focused on organization, connection and everyday use. I grew slowly and organically and as I found what my customers liked and were drawn to, I expanded into other products that would complement the base product of greeting and note cards that I started out with. As I've grown, I've added new and more specialized printers and equipment like an industrial paper cutter, binding machines, and other fun equipment that enable me to make new products like notepads and journals.

Through which opportunity have you learned the most over your career?

Honestly, I think the experience of being a parent to a medically complex kiddo has been the thing that has taught me the most over my career. Watching how my daughter moves through life with perseverance, hope and courage has helped give me the strength to do the same in my personal life and career. I've put my heart and soul into Whimsicals Paperie, in part because I wanted to be able to create and grow my own business, but also because I wanted the space and time to remain home with her to give her the care that she has needed. I am reminded on a regular basis of how thankful I am to have had the opportunity and privilege to do both.

What advice can you give to other women wanting to start their own businesses?

Find and be a part of a community of like minded business owners and entrepreneurs. Starting a business is hard work, and running a creative handmade business has its own set of challenges and rewards. Having a community of people who understand and who are on a similar journey is so helpful in the process. It can take some searching and time to find the right fit, but it's out there and is so helpful when you find it. 

What do you like about being a Firefly Handmade artisan?

This market coming up is my first with Firefly Handmade, but I've loved how thorough, communicative and thoughtful the process of selecting artisans and preparing for the event has been. I love that Firefly features solely handmade products, and I have been blown away by the talent and creativity in the list of vendors at your markets. It's such a fun way to discover and shop local small businesses and artisans throughout Colorado.

Visit and shop with Whimsicals Paperie at our Spring Market, April 30 & May 1, at Twenty Ninth Street in Boulder!

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