If putting pen to paper is one of your favorite ways to connect with friends, you’re going to absolutely love our maker of the week! Whether the occasion calls for a celebration of adulting, reminding a friend, “dang, you’re old,” or offering a heartfelt congratulations to new parents, Joy Paper Co. has a greeting card for that. We can’t wait to introduce you to Chandler and learn more about her brand!
Hi Chandler! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Hey! I’m Chandler and I’m the owner & designer of Joy Paper Co. I was born & raised in Abilene, Texas, but currently live in Fort Worth, Texas with my husband, 9-month-old son and golden doodle, June Bug. When I’m not dreaming/designing/etc. for Joy Paper Co., I love to spend time outside with my family, bake any kind of yummy treat (and eat them), explore new coffee shops and buy all the houseplants that I can afford!
That sounds like a pretty amazing way to spend your time! What are you most excited about for the future?
I’m really looking forward to getting out and spending time with people in my community again – doing pop-up events/markets, etc. This past year has been very tough and especially since becoming a mom right in the middle of it (November 2020) and having to be extra cautious/not get out much at all. I’m truly craving that face-to-face interaction again, as I know so many others are as well.
We can’t wait to see you at pop-ups and markets! What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Progress not perfection” – it’s more of a mantra, but something that I find myself constantly saying in my head throughout the day. Not sure if you’re familiar with the enneagram, but it probably has a lot to do with the fact that I’m a “1” and definitely have perfectionistic tendencies, so this phrase helps me in all aspects of life to give myself grace and realign.
That’s a really great reminder! It’s important to just keep putting one foot in front of the next– even if they’re tiny steps! Tell us about Joy Paper Co! What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
Joy Paper Co. began in 2019 and is named after the mission to create joy through affordable paper goods that give back. I wanted to make an impact with the products as well as helping others get more for their money and chose to support mental health research and awareness with a portion of the proceeds being donated to NAMI each year.
What an incredible mission– we love the paper goods you create and the good that you’re doing in the world! What is your favorite part of your job?
I love that I’m able to stay at home with my son while also having a creative outlet for myself, but honestly, there are so many wonderful parts to (what I am so grateful to call) my job. My favorite has to be making an impact and being able to be a part of something way bigger than myself and being able to write that donation check to NAMI at the end of the year.
Sounds like the dream job! What are three words that best describe your work?
bright, graphic, and joyful
Those are perfect descriptors! Aside from visiting MMC, what’s your favorite thing to do in Bishop Arts District?
Visit Emporium Pies or Melt!
Sounds like you’ve got a sweet tooth! Those are my favorites spots, too. Thanks for sharing your story with us today. We’re so grateful to have you as a maker at MMC!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Joy Paper Co.? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop Joy Paper Co. online
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog