So Elisse...
Q: What motivated you to go into the stationery business?
A: When I was little, instead of playing with dolls, I collected and stored paper! I wouldn't let anyone use it, and I didn't use it myself. I just wanted to sit it on the shelf like a store. My mom always said, "You will own a paper store one day," and boy was she right! (These days, I do allow people to actually buy it off my shelves and use it!!!)
Q: Who was your first celebrity crush?
A: Oh my, I'm going to date myself, but... probably Ricky Schroeder from Silver Spoons!
Q: What haven't you done in life that you most want to do?
A: I by no means have a thrill-packed life, but there isn't anything that makes me feel like I'm missing out on living life.
Q: Will you be attending the National Stationery Show this year?
A: No, but I'd love to go one day when life's schedule allows. For now, I attend Americasmart in Atlanta, which is a fabulous resource for me.
Q: What was your proudest moment as a businesswoman in 2011?
A: Probably my 4th quarter sales! My sales doubled over the last year, and in this economy, that's huge!
Q: What are you looking forward to most in 2012?
A: I'd love to start a blog for my business. That thought excites me... I just need someone to send me extra hours in the day.
Q: Who is your "IT" girl?
A: I'm not a celebrity-observer, so my "IT" girl is actually a dear friend... she embodies everything I think makes a woman fascinating... style, kindness, sincerity, dedication to family, and a fantabulous personality!
Q: Do you have a philosophy that you live by?
A: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13
Q: What is your favorite method of communication?
A: Definitely email! But Facebook is making its way up to the top of my list as well.
Q: Did you have a nickname as a child? Do you have one now?
A: Oh, gee. Yes, and I HATED it... it was "bug." Thanks a lot, Mom. I made my parents stop calling me that by charging them a quarter every time they said it, and that worked like a charm. Happy to say I have escaped nicknames in my adult years!
Q: Besides stationery shows, where do you like to scout out new vendors?
A: Finding new products and vendors is one of my favorite obsessions! I scour the Internet, look through Stationery Trends magazine, and one of my new favs... Pinterest! It's great because you can actually see what your customers and friends are finding appealing.
Q: What would you like to see more of from your stationery manufacturers?
A: Most of my business is gift, so I always love anything new that packages up to make a great teacher gift, birthday gift, etc., but at a price that doesn't break the wallet!
Q: Fashionably late is...
A: Preferred by me, but aggravates the hound out of my husband. So I'm not allowed. Boo.
Q: If it's potluck, your go-to dish is...
A: Cheesy apples! Don't ask. It's a Paula Deen recipe and it involves butter and sugar galore...
Q: What is your favorite trend for the Spring/Summer 2012 stationery season?
A: I'm liking the sophistication I'm seeing. Don't get me wrong, us girls here in the south love our cuteness, but I think the market has been saturated with that for awhile. I'm enjoying the themes and patterns that show an air of refinement at a great price without sacrificing on quality for customers.
Thank you for participating in our Q&A, Elisse! We hope you have a successful 2012.
You can find Flights of Fancy at:
601 Montague Avenue (Within The Alcoves)
Greenwood, SC 29649
P: 864-223-5324
W: http://www.facebook.com/fofgwd
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