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| RSVP Greensburg's Rachel (Left) and Manager Liz (Right) |
We had the pleasure of meeting Rachel of RSVP at the National Stationery Show in NYC this year. It's always nice to put a face with the voice you've been speaking to on the phone. Rachel graciously agreed to participate in this month's Shop Girl Focus. With her love of magazines, Rachel Bilson and a strong work ethic, she's our kind of girl!
Q: Who or what inspired you to get into the stationery business?
A: I had to leave my job in NYC due to personal circumstances, so it was quite a change coming back to Western Pennsylvania. I knew I wanted to open my own business, but I didn't know what I wanted to do. I went to visit a friend in Delaware and she took me to her favorite stationery store and I fell in love! One year later, RSVP opened its doors.
Q: Who has provided you with the best business advice, and what was it?
A: My parents. They own their own business and they always told me if you are going to do this, then you have to give it 110%. Success is the only option!
Q: When you're not working you're...
A: Working! I literally work all of the time since I get email on my phone, and I always like to get back to my customers ASAP. My business is young, so I am working on building my reputation in the community. In my spare time I like to travel and, since I am young, I feel like I spend a lot of summer weekends at weddings. I went to 13 last year, but I only have 6 this year!
Q: Where do you like to find new vendors outside of industry shows?
A: When I go on vacation I like to scout other stationery stores to see what they are offering! This way I might find an idea that isn't offered in our area!
Q: What books are on your nightstand/in your e-reader?
A: I'm a magazine girl. People is one of my favorites!
Q: If it's potluck, what's your go-to dish?
A: Mac & Cheese
Q: Who is your "It" girl?
A: Rachel Bilson. I love her style.
Q: What design is on your personal stationery?
A: My monogram. It's classic and it never goes out of style.
Q: Morning person or night owl?
A: Night owl
Q: If you weren't in the stationery business, what would you be doing?
A: I would be at my old job working for Vineyard Vines. I still keep in contact with them, and we even sell their ties at RSVP!
Q: Do you have a philosophy that you live by?
A: Treat people how you would like to be treated!
Q: In what time frame should a Thank You be mailed out?
A: I like to mail them out ASAP, like the week of, but I think it depends on the occasion. For weddings you have up to 3 months, 6-8 weeks after preferably. I would send them out as soon as you can!
Q: Fashionably late is...
A: Always a good idea!
Q: What snack do you stash behind the register?
A: Carrots and veggie dip since I am going to weddings and I am always dieting! (Ha, ha!) Once in awhile we have Red Vines. I am obsessed!
Q: What factors into the buying process when selecting which brands to carry?
A: This was the hardest thing for us to figure out! We have to buy what our customers like, which means sometimes we buy things we do not like. I think we are still refining our process. We tend to ask our customers questions and they ask for things as well. If enough people ask for the same thing, we will definitely look for it at the next show!
Thanks for participating, Rachel!
Find RSVP of Greensburg, PA:
5024 Rt 30
Suite 2
Greensburg, PA 15601
P: 724-838-RSVP
E: rsvp@rsvpgreensburg.com
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