Can you share a bit about your business and what you do?

I’m the founder and owner behind Brittany Paige, a stationery and gift company based in the NY Metro area. We create witty and empowered goods for the unapologetic girl. We currently sell greeting cards, enamel pins, stickers, candles, totes, pouches, and more! 

When and why did you decide to start your new business?

Prior to Brittany Paige, I worked as a graphic designer and illustrator at various fashion houses in New York City. I started to feel creatively restricted with corporate America. With a push from my sister, I started designing cards on the side with an Etsy shop (there were only 6 designs to start!) as a creative outlet. As I grew more frustrated in the corporate world, I started putting more energy into my side hustle. It eventually just started taking off! 

What do you love most about running your own business?

There are so many things! For one, I love being able to make anything I want. In the corporate world, there are so many opinions by leadership that really can restrict your ideas and creative freedom. It can be especially frustrating when it comes to designing for social issues. 

I remember working for one company as an apparel graphic designer, designing kids’ tees, and working on our June collection. Top leadership told us that we had too many rainbow graphics in the line and didn’t want to come off as too political. It was very defeating and disappointing. With my own business, I speak for myself, the things I value, and for all the other girls and women who are told to not be so loud. 

Secondly, I love the overall flexibility of owning your own business. I think many business owners struggle with balancing, and I would be lying if I said sometimes I didn’t as well. However, I try to constantly remind myself that I no longer have the constraints of being forced to be at the office from 9-6. I can go exercise in the middle of the day, take a break if I need to, etc. It’s one of the best things about running your own business, and I think a lot of small business owners take it for granted! 

What are your overall goals for your business?

This year we’re hoping to continue expanding our wholesale business and wouldn’t mind getting into another national retailer or two! We’re also hoping to grow our direct-to-consumer e-commerce business on our website. 

Currently, what’s your favorite item you have for sale OR your favorite item you’ve created… ever? 

We’re constantly adding new items to our assortment, but I think my current favorite is our Golden Girls “Girl Gang” sticker (it’s a crowd favorite too!) 

Some of my all-time favorites aren’t actually crowd favorites. My “unsolicited” eggplant sticker was one of my favorite things I have ever created, but unfortunately, it doesn’t really sell! 

Lastly, I love adding new product categories into the assortment, such as our candles! I’ve wanted to do candles for years, but it was a big investment to make when I was just starting out, so finally making that come to life was super exciting. 

What services do you provide for anyone who may want to reach out to you/work with you? 

We do custom illustration services for select clients on a project-by-project basis.