Join Amy and Sarah for the 3rd episode of their new Podcast series The Paper Plane Cocktail Hour!
Today they're talking with paper industry veterans: Chandra Greer of Greer Chicago, Anna Cote of Modern Printed Matter, and Pamela Davis of daisyd and friends. Hear the perspective of a Retailer, a Maker, and a Rep Group owner on how 2020 has shifted their business and what opportunities have opened up for 2021.
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Join Amy and Sarah for the 3rd episode of their new Podcast series The Paper Plane Cocktail Hour!
Today they're talking with paper industry veterans: Chandra Greer of Greer Chicago, Anna Cote of Modern Printed Matter, and Pamela Davis of daisyd and friends. Hear the perspective of a Retailer, a Maker, and a Rep Group owner on how 2020 has shifted their business and what opportunities have opened up for 2021.
RESOURCES
| NY NOW Podcast Page:
https://nynow.com/podcast
| NY NOW Email Subscription:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/147c19d133dc472cbc83778bcaec0402
| NY NOW Digital Market:
https://nynowdigitalmarket.com
| NY NOW:
https://nynow.com
Thank you for podcasting with NY NOW! We look forward to connecting with you across all our platforms and seeing you in person!
Website: nynow.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ny_now
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nynowmarket
Hi everyone and welcome to the paper playing cocktail hour. I'm one of your hosts Amy lowenberg relations and partnership development manager at New York now, as a past buyer, I surrounded myself with everything stationary and home decor oriented in every medium from paper to cement. And I continue to do so to this day. I treasure the relationships I have established and I relish in the new ones I make. Please be sure to check out my latest podcasts in New York now.com slash podcasts, where I get to share information and introduce our amazing community of retailers, buyers, artists and makers. And please visit my store tours on instagram@amy.at ny n o w.
Sarah Schwartz:And I am your co host Sarah, you may know me as editor in chief of stationary trends. And I also blog at the paper nerd calm and have another podcast of my own called the paper fold. I have been covering the stationery and gift markets since 1998. But never did I imagine that one day I'd be covering these markets here in the virtual space. listeners of the paper claim cocktail hour already know that throughout 2021. We'll be raising our glasses alongside our pencils as we compare notes and celebrate three of our all time favorite topics, stationery connection and cocktails.
Amy Loewenberg:And really what an episode we've put together for you today. Now, we all know that everyone has had a trying 2020 and the problems did not evaporate on January 1 2021. Regardless, we are examining the idea of sales growth because despite of the fact that the climate has completely changed, there continues to be new opportunities for success. And Sarah and I are hearing these success stories. And to that end, instead of just having one guest. We're having three amazing guests for today's drinks. And they all come from different industry segments. We have a retailer, a maker and a sales rep. Sarah, who's up first.
Sarah Schwartz:Well I first became acquainted with our first guest as an industry contact two years ago, but she has become one of my all time favorite paper peeps.
Amy Loewenberg:Oh, me too.
Sarah Schwartz:You will and everyone will see why during her segment. Chandra Greer is the owner of Greer Chicago, an online stationery store with a retail location in Soho New York City. Chandra began her professional career as an oil movement analysis. With Amma amico, a job she left to pursue her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, taking a position as an account executive with Leo Burnett advertising agency upon graduation. Her personal interest in correspondence, beauty, intelligent thought and civility found career in 2000 I love how she emphasizes intelligence. Her biggest non stationary passions are her family, social justice, reading fashion sneakers, she's a partner in a startup company that just may revolutionize the sneaker industry. And exploring the world. She and her family have traveled to over 90 countries. shandra is past president of the Chicago Booth woman's network and serves on the women's board of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. When I tell you she's a national stationary treasure. I'm not exaggerating. And meanwhile, shaundra is also becoming something of a national stationery spokeswoman as is her do. She swings by for drinks with us. Following an appearance on NPR with Scott Simon. We are so thrilled that shaundra brought her a game here. Amy, why don't you give us the skinny on our maker guests.
Amy Loewenberg:Our maker is Anna of modern printed matter. And I know you're familiar with this range from her many inclusions and stationary trends. So to me, the mark of any good brand is that it doesn't look like that of anything else and modern printed matter certainly fits that bill and is the is the owner and designer of this greeting card and paper goods brand, excuse me based in Rhode Island and is self taught and launched her first line of greeting cards in 2005 as a creative outlet from her environmental engineering career. Her little paper business quickly became her obsession as it normally does for our crazy paper people And less than a year after its launch, she quit her day job to run modern printed matter full time. Anna incorporates her dark sense of humor, love of animals and care of the environment into her brand. Her eco friendly designs answers this answers the questions What if animals could talk? And as it turns out, they are far more insightful and funny than their human counterparts. It's true 15 years after her lunch, modern printed matter products are sold at hundreds of shops across the US and Canada.
Sarah Schwartz:And yes, cocktails with both Chandra and Anna were so much fun, but so was talking with Pamela Davis, the owner and founder of Daisy Dee and friends, which she runs with key support from Coco. Her Pitbull mix rescue puppy. Together, they represent stationary artists artists specializing in unique, earth friendly handcrafted originally designed cards, stationery journals and other fun and whimsical accessories, splitting their time. In both the daisy D headquarters in New York City and Rockport, Massachusetts. They travel up and down the Northeast making frequent stops in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. In addition to New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Prior to Daisy and friends Pam owned a successful artisan gift shop for seven years which specialized in functional, handcrafted American art. However, in 2004, Pamela and her then beloved dog, Daisy decided it was time for a change and harness her experiences with American artisans marketing buying shop ownership, and the trade show world to found azd and friends. Having been raised in Rhode Island she thought traveling from New York to New England with her Mini Cooper with Daisy by her side was the right fit. And as they say the rest is history. Pamela is a longtime New York now exhibitor and we are so thrilled to have her with us today.
Amy Loewenberg:Yeah, that's some lineup Sarah. It's great. But before we bring on our guests, I just really wanted to ask if you've discovered any good card lines at the market yet.
Sarah Schwartz:So many, I really have been lucky enough to have familiarized myself with the New York now digital market these past several months. Not that it's that hard to traverse. And one brand that I quickly find head over heels for is go cargo. Catherine car uses her handmade paper cuts as the basis of her range and it is simply enchanting. I ran several of her Mother's Day cards in the winter issue of stationery trends and they are just irresistible. Earlier this week I received two of the children's books she illustrated and I can't wait to dig in. lady's magical finger puppets looks especially amazing. It's got a great review in the New York Times and it tells the story of Lottie hopefully I don't Mangle this last name and aligning her. She made the first feature length animated movie a decade before Snow White. I can't. I can't wait to dig in. Yeah. And I also have to say a quick word about all the talent in the gcca village. To me there's just a great mix of brands that I'm more familiar with, like designer greetings and up with paper. And they're blended with newer faces like Asher and Arden and charm cat creative. There is a lot to discover. So definitely check it out. Amy, how
Chandra Greer:about you?
Amy Loewenberg:Yeah, you said it perfectly. There really is a lot to discover. And we're really happy to have the GCA village with us. You know, I have to admit, go cargo beautiful. So that's a really nice call out. I've been really intrigued with a designer that you also feature in your trends bulletin that aired earlier this week. I hope that I am pronouncing the last name correctly, Lulu Cutolo, which is a very soulful line of hand drawn illustrations, quirky hand lettering pattern and lots of bold color and design. This line of stationery and art prints are for people who are seeking fresh, eclectic pieces that basically make them smile and provide inspiration for maybe their next adventure. But most of all, just encouraging them to shine in their own uniqueness. And I think that's an amazing message they they celebrate diversity, drawing inspiration from nature as well as cultures and crafts from around the world. And in particular their beloved home continent of Africa. I am super drawn to their floral images, but I really am so taken with their majestic vintage lady series.
Sarah Schwartz:It's fabulous. I mean like I am smitten with it. And also I want to apologize to Lulu because I might have mispronounced your last name and my transparency. All apologies, but we're just smitten with your work and cannot wait to see what you come up with next completely.
Amy Loewenberg:And and you know, with all that I think it's time to get to these cocktails. What do you think?
Sarah Schwartz:Absolutely. First rounds of drinks is is being queued right now.
Amy Loewenberg:Hi, shaundra. Welcome.
Chandra Greer:Hello. Nice to be with you.
Amy Loewenberg:Oh, we're so glad that you're here. I'm gonna just jump right on in. Okay. All right. All right. So we know that you founded Greer Chicago, because you wanted to create a place whose purpose was solely, always 100%, steadfastly positive, a place devoted to good feelings, intelligent thought, and the celebration of beauty. Fantastic. And in your recent NPR interview, recorded during the holidays, you touched on speaking to the moment we find ourselves in three greeting cards. And I really, really loved that topic. and wanted to not only share this with our audience, but expand on it. So I'm curious, where do you see this moment of messaging leading to as we find ourselves in some of the same challenges entering 2021? You know, what kind of items do you see resonating with your customers? And have there been welcome surprises that have come out of this challenging year? So I could just give you a loaded question.
Chandra Greer:Okay, well, I think I can answer it. You know, greeting cards have always been a way to reach out to others, and to make others feel that or, either because it's a sign that you're thinking of someone, or you're encouraging, you're supporting, you're empathizing, I feel they've always been that. But now we're in an environment where it's that times 11, you know, it's become such a critical way for people to express their feelings for others, and to show support during these challenging times. And I think the other little thing about greeting cars is, I think we think about them so often as being for the recipient, I feel that they're equally for the sender. Because you're sort of, I think, you revive your soul, when you lay out your feelings of care and concern for somebody else. So you're filling them up, and you're filling yourself up simultaneously. And I think that that's what's going on. So we've definitely seen a big increase in people buying greeting cards, that seemed to have a little bit more import than maybe previously. And also a lot of work from home items that are beautiful, thoughtful, quality construction. And again, it's about care. It's about showing care for yourself through the items that you're using throughout the day. So I would say the theme has been about caring for oneself, here for others. I honestly don't know how long this will be with us. I honestly don't know, if our environment changes drastically, it may be of less importance to people. But then again, there may be so many benefits from it, that people will want to continue that feeling for themselves and for others. So I'm interested to see where it ends up. I'm just going to try to do the best I can to support our customers, not only from a purchase standpoint, but emotionally, spiritually in whatever way and see what happens.
Sarah Schwartz:I love the idea that you say a greeting cards are a way of you know, they they are their way of exercising something from the sender as well as you know, doing a good deed for the recipient. You I made me think of Lincoln's burn ladders when Abraham Lincoln was mad at someone who would write them a letter and then just burn it. Just to kind of like get that emotion out by what you're seeing is a totally modern transformation of that of that concept. They will also be wonderful physical artifacts of this time someday.
Anna Cote:It's interesting you say that, Sarah, because every card that we've carried that's been mostly COVID specific, I've kept a copy of and someday I'm going to frame them all together and it's going to be a reminder of this time, but more importantly, a reminder that we got through it. Though I do think that these things will be saved for over time and will be Sort of a marker of when we were at a low point where we elevated it by really caring about each other, there are two sides to this coin.
Amy Loewenberg:Very definitely. Wow. I mean, I know for me walking into a shop walking in an online shop, I'm immediately taken with a wall of these many images and many messages. And yes, we have them broken down by occasion, and you can step in front of whatever section you want to. But it's always been the ones that are blank that have that I've always been drawn to because those those cover messages are, it's just like, it's not even silent messaging anymore. It's in your face. And I think you're 100% spot on. It's, it is it is a record of the time that we're in. And it's important to remember. But yes, I get pleasure out of getting and choosing and writing and sharing the funny statement or the serious or the sarcastic with someone and then putting that stamp, and then waiting for them to arrive and getting that oh my god, I just got something in the mail. Because when was the last time you just caught a random note from somebody? Yeah. So you are definitely part of getting this real lovely self and not just self care, but for care for other people. You're definitely an advocate of that. And it's very seen. So
Chandra Greer:I thank you so much for saying that. Yeah. Yeah,
Sarah Schwartz:I mean, think of all the, think of all the relationships you've facilitated or guided through or helped, you know, through a rough patch, or, you know, reconnected or.
Anna Cote:Yeah, I think about that sometimes, you know, all of the 1000s of cards we've sold over the years, I think about the totality of them, and what they conveyed and what they did and what they expressed and how they, they soothed and made people laugh. And it's almost overwhelming to be a conduit for that much expression is, you know, I really think about it's kind of wild. But it's what we do.
Sarah Schwartz:That's a really good segway into my question for you, I, you know, I always thought of grew Chicago as very much a neighborhood shop with a neighborhood five, and you sort of happen to have an online presence to something that has become an online stationary resource only, you couldn't keep your doors open, just because your space is just too small for social distancing. So how have you been able? Or how do you transmit that neighborhood vibe onto a cold, lifeless screen?
Chandra Greer:Well, you know,
Anna Cote:so I have a shop, and we'll always have a shop, because I think it's important for for a business, or at least my business, to be grounded in the physical space. But I don't really think of our place as just that physical shop. I think of that place, as our community of customers, our philosophy, the designers, we work with the products we sell state of mind. So when you think of place in a bigger picture way, then it doesn't matter so much where that place is. I mean, as long as we are presenting products online, beautifully, which I think we we try to do through our photography. Thank you, as long as we take the Care to explain through the copy why something is great, or how you could use it. As long as we engage with people on social media in a real way, and not a perfunctory way. As long as we through social media express our values, then I feel that that physical place is just disseminated or just like exploded out to, you know, the whole country. And I'm not saying that in, you know, from a sense of hubris, it's just reality. When you have a website, it goes to everybody. So I'm just really careful to make sure that everything that we do online, reflects who we are. And it's interesting because I'll have people say to us on Social media, oh my goodness, I love your shop, but they don't live in Chicago, and they never even been in the physical shop. in their mind, the shop is all of it. So I just think if you're going to do if you if you're a retailer, and you're concerned about that, just make sure your digital presence reflects your physical presence as much as possible, whether it's whimsical, whether it's, you know, minimalist, chic, whether, you know, you are more political in your presence, whatever it is, as long as they're consistent. I think that's how you make the trip that I think that's how you make the switch, or how you transfer to another medium.
Sarah Schwartz:I love it. So in other words, you've gone from sort of place to space,
Anna Cote:you know, what a great way to add. Love it. Absolutely love it. And actually, I'm fine with that, because I think we have a good message. And the more people we reach with it, the better.
Sarah Schwartz:Right? And it just elevates, you know, when you are able to reopen your doors, it just elevates the flagship presence. Absolutely.
Chandra Greer:Yeah.
Sarah Schwartz:So and really makes it more of a destination. Yeah, you can visit it online. But have you been there?
Anna Cote:Exactly. And that was that was happening before we closed our doors, we would have people come in from all over the place. Even Japan, we were this weird destination for Japanese tourists. Or we're about we were at a Japanese magazine. So Wow. how that happened? But you know, we loved it. So yeah,
Amy Loewenberg:there was definitely a mutual appreciation of paper between the culture. So very big compliment. Definitely,
Chandra Greer:yes, I was very, very honored by that.
Sarah Schwartz:That's awesome. Well, they, you know, the Japanese really understand, you know, sort of breaking down design like their toilets. I'm obsessed with those. Oh, no, they really elevate things. So I'm not surprised that they focus on your story is a destination?
Anna Cote:Well, what we used to really make us laugh is they nine times out of 10, they would buy the Japanese products in our shop.
Chandra Greer:Oh my gosh, okay, well, you can actually get that. Thank you.
Sarah Schwartz:pallium leather station, you know, the pencils, or you know what, but that's fine, too. So, the last question we have for you is how has COVID changed, or has COVID changed how you see stationary?
Chandra Greer:Well, I mean, I think when you're socially distanced, it becomes a lot more important. Your your, your avenues for actually touching people are severely restricted. And I think sending a card is a way to touch somebody, without physically doing so let's see, because you know what, we cannot physically be together. But I can hold this card, I can fill it out, I can mail it, you get a card that I touched. And it's sort of like physical by proxy. So I think that that's pretty important right now. And like, we've seen a lot of people buying gifts and sending them all over the place. There's just a lot about the transfer of physical property at this time, that I think is really important.
Sarah Schwartz:That's a really, really interesting concept. Like I picked this out for you. And, you know, even though I didn't touch it, I just facilitated the transaction. And, you know, I'm thinking of you. I mean, I guess that explains why so many makers are doing the care packages, and it's very, it's a great, it's a very, very resonant concept right now.
Anna Cote:Absolutely. Absolutely. So, you know, we'll see what happens in the future. I, I sort of, hopefully, hang on to this. It's been absolutely beautiful. For me, it's been a privilege and beautiful to witness. So I'd like to keep doing it because I want to tell you one thing, as difficult as time has been for all of us. I feel it's been a little less difficult for me, because I've had the preoccupation of helping other people and that has taken me out of myself and My own thoughts and my own concerns, and made me feel like I'm doing something positive for others. So that's been my experience of this time. And I'm really grateful for
Sarah Schwartz:That's beautiful. I love it. And I agree, when you it is when you sort of start focusing on the other, for me at least that, you know, use I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I stopped dwelling on my problems, I stopped dwelling on, you know, just these little things that just get under my skin and I sort of can sort of put that aside for a while and, and it's incredibly uplifting.
Anna Cote:Yes. Yeah. Same for me. One of my favorite quotes is action is the antidote antidote to disappear. And that's definitely been true for me right now.
Amy Loewenberg:Literally writing that down as
Chandra Greer:far as literally nothing.
Amy Loewenberg:I have taken so many shaundra isms and written them down on my on my notepad right next to me. Um, yeah, so much of what you say just resonates really deeply with me and, and I so appreciate you taking this this time with us. I I feel like the greeting cards are gifts, you know, like you said, it is it is a gift to receive something that someone else took the time to pick out for you. And I think we should just all make a commitment that we're not going to let it stop, well, we'll keep this mission going. There's no reason why it has to, you know, just because time may change, and our focus may change if we can continue to stick in still, how simple it is to like a stamp. I mean, there. There's no reason why we should stop this really beautiful act of sending a gift through the mail.
Anna Cote:Absolutely. We will do our part in our part. Yes.
Amy Loewenberg:Love it. It's been such a pleasure talking with you today. Thank you so much for taking this time with us and sharing your wisdom. With our new york now audience and I really, we really look forward to seeing you in the aisles again, and celebrating in person.
Anna Cote:I can't wait to be there. And it's been a pleasure to talk stationary with both of you.
Sarah Schwartz:It's always such a treat shondra to talk with you and to get to see you today was has really been amazing. And hopefully it will be in person this year as well.
Chandra Greer:Yes. Thank you.
Amy Loewenberg:So to that we say cheers. Cheers. Cheers. Well, that was super fun.
Sarah Schwartz:It sure was shaundra is always a riveting conversation. Ready for a refill.
Amy Loewenberg:Oh, I'm always ready for a refill. It's time for Anna.
Sarah Schwartz:Welcome. Cheers. Cheers. Cheers, ladies. Anna, to me, your work is distinguished by several very strong factors. devout love for the animal world, a tongue in cheek anthro morph ism, and a really really dark sense of humor that I personally love. With all of your imagery presented in a very, very hyper realistic way. The effect is hysterical. For example, your recent release that depicts a dragon standing on high legs, claws outstretched and shooting fire from its mouth with a message reading homeschooling is going great. That one really speaks to me right now. So I'm curious to get a glimpse into your creative process. How do you bring your cards to life?
Anna Cote:Well, I would love to tell you that I'm organized. But that's not the case. It's a pretty haphazard process. ideas come to me at random times. So I could just be driving my car or laying in bed at night or talking to somebody and an idea comes to my head. And because they're pretty fleeting thoughts and they disappear. I have to jot down something immediately or I'll forget what I was thinking. So fast forward months later I have to click to post it notes and pieces of paper that I've written things on and try to figure out what I was thinking. I have this one card that's two donkeys and one has pants on and the other one says I like you better without pants which is body Valentine but done in a goofy way. And I had when I went to design that card. I had one little post it note and all it said was don't pants and I had written about like three. I was like, What the heck was I thinking? So I had to remember that. And that ended up being one of my best selling Valentine. So. So then up from there, once I have kind of a set number of ideas, I'll sometimes hand sketch out, like what kind of a real rough draft of what I think it should look like. But all of my jobs are done in Illustrator digital, digitally. So that's, that's it just little pieces of paper in my purse.
Amy Loewenberg:Sounds like my brain Anna.
Sarah Schwartz:I'd love it. And because I often find that when I'm trying to solve a creative problem, which is a little different than, than designing a card, but when I'm sort of struggling with something, IT solutions come to me when I'm not thinking about it. Yes.
Amy Loewenberg:Taking advantage of those opportunities is key. You always have to have something to sketch record somewhere that you can not lose that. Be it real life post it note or a digital one somewhere. Yeah.
Anna Cote:Now I'm always gonna think of that fleeting ideas. Donkey pants. Yeah.
Amy Loewenberg:I love it. I love it. Sounds like maybe a new line of post it notes somewhere coming out of nuts, your donkey pants post it notes. You know what I find so appealing. So many different components of your cards is? Yes, you're very bold, graphic designs. And I love that you humanize animals. Your mission to keep the tradition of handwritten correspondence alive, of course, but also how connected you are to minimizing the impact of your business on the environment. Your cards and calendars are printed on 100% pc w recycled paper. They're paired with 100% recycled Kraft envelopes. They're packaged in biodegradable and compostable clear sleeves that are made from plant material. And as animals in nature are your inspiration you give back by partnering with the Center for Biological Diversity, to help protect endangered species. So my question for you is, as we saw a surge in people adopting plants, animals in 2020, are you finding that your company ethos of being environmentally conscious and supportive of endangered species is is more than just fulfilling to you personally, but that your quirky cards and paper goods are being sought out? Because of your connection to the environment? So I'm asking Have you experienced the same surge of the of our 4d realm impacting your 2d card sales?
Anna Cote:That's a really great connection to make. It is a hard one to answer because, you know, coming from the wholesale, wholesale side of things, I don't speak to customers coming into a store. So I don't see what their drive is when they're going to purchase a card. I don't see them flipping it over to see if it's eco friendly or you know, the short answer is I don't know why people buy my cards. But the what I can attribute my rise in sales in 2022 was keeping consistent with my brand but pivoting over to endemic specific cards. So I designed the line in May, I think I think business tanked pretty hard in March. And typically in March, I would be putting out Mother's Day Father's Day cards. I'm always two steps behind on the design deadlines. But I decided to scrap that and not do any traditional cards and just put out a line of quarantine confessions of animals confessing things that they did during quarantine. And those that was that was what really launched my sales in 2020. Could some of that be attributed to people having a greater connection to nature animals? Sure, but I don't I don't know for sure why they buy them? probably not the best answer to your question, but it's my answer. No, no,
Amy Loewenberg:not necessarily. It makes perfect sense. You're not in the store, you're you're dealing with the retailer. So you know, there's information there on orders being placed. You know, so you can obviously see the surge in your pandemic cards clearly as we're in a pandemic, that makes perfect sense. But I would also say that just consumer awareness is growing so much. Now Anyway, you know, giving back to the environment and being you know, and creating a smaller carbon footprint is not new for us, but a lot of people are embracing it now. So I'm going to say get ready and embrace crazy sales because I do believe people are seeking out lines that make you feel good that you're purchasing. And you know, I feel good when I'm purchasing your cards. So share that with
Anna Cote:you. I mean, I definitely have had a few customers that have emailed that haven't read my website. So they will say, I would really appreciate it, if you'd stop packaging your cards and plastic. You know, I would love to buy your cards, but you know, your packaging and plastic and so then I, you know, have to explain the products that I use. And, and honestly, a lot of retailers won't even sell the cards without the seller sleeve on them. People pick them up, and you're going to get fingerprints and whatnot all over them. And I will say eco friendly packaging is almost twice the cost of like the regular, but I can't consciously do it any other way. So yeah.
Sarah Schwartz:That's very interesting. And I'm sure a lot of your customers find you in different ways. And you just don't know how they stumble across you like Instagram hashtags, you know, like, there might be a certain you know, he got one with an ego element that people follow, and then they find your card, and then you know, you have a new customer. So our last question for you today is, has COVID-19 changed how you see stationery? And if so how?
Anna Cote:Well, I don't think it's changed how I feel about it. I mean, I got into this business because I believe in in handwritten correspondence. But it's been exciting to see a change and other people during this time. I mean, I think we've gone back in time a little bit, where people can't just quickly go and visit a friend anymore, just like it used to be. I mean, letters are the original, social distancing form of communication. So I think people have kind of, there's been a resurgence of people going back to that. I feel like, as card companies, we've had to constantly defend ourselves against the mindset that the digital revolution is going to make our businesses obsolete. And that's just not the case. And I think we're seeing that the most right now. Because people can't physically see the people that mean the most to them. They've realized that texting and email and Facebook isn't enough. Like, they want to do more they want to mail a card and a gift to somebody that they can't see. Um, so it hasn't changed for me, but I think it has changed for a lot other people.
Chandra Greer:Well, that's good news.
Anna Cote:I mean, I have to assume just because I have occasionally had people review on Etsy who have said, You know, I haven't sent cards in years, and now I'm still sending dozens of them. So, and, you know, my sales have gone crazy this year. And it just, there's more people sending cards, and that's why So,
Amy Loewenberg:good thing is a very good thing. I have come out of a very tough time, but absolutely, absolutely. What a pleasure. And where can we find you?
Anna Cote:Just modern printed matter.com You know, I'm on Instagram and Facebook. I don't I haven't really done I don't do Twitter.
Amy Loewenberg:Twitter either.
Anna Cote:I'm pretty tapped for time these days. So I try to only manage two social media accounts.
Amy Loewenberg:Right and and you're also found with Daisy Dee and friends. Yes. Who will be at the New York now digital market so people can seek you out through that channel as well. Yep,
Anna Cote:she's a great run. Yes,
Amy Loewenberg:we're gonna be talking to her as well.
Sarah Schwartz:Thank you so much. It was a treat to get to see you. Hopefully our paths will cross in physicality at some point.
Anna Cote:Yes, I think after hibernating for this long, I will definitely do some in person trade shows whenever there they start happening again.
Sarah Schwartz:Sounds like a plan. So we will we will walk the aisles again and we will visit you in booth and we will laugh hysterically over your cards. And I guess give me some post it notes of ideas that there and I might be collecting along the way.
Chandra Greer:How about that?
Anna Cote:Good.
Amy Loewenberg:All right. Well, cheers to the donkey pants and we will talk again soon.
Anna Cote:Cheers.
Sarah Schwartz:Cheers. I just love that. Well, let's finish this cocktail hour up with Pamela of daisyd and friends. Welcome Pamela We're so happy you're here. Cheers.
Chandra Greer:Cheers.
Pamela Davis:Cheers. Thank you for having me.
Sarah Schwartz:So you mentioned to me that while all of the lines that you represent are doing very well with Corona cards, but many of them are taking sort of different approaches to the situation. Can you share a few of the more popular ones from your different races
Pamela Davis:Oh, sure I'd be happy to write, there came to be a common theme. And the common theme that all the designers had is that we are in this together. I think everybody's really feeling isolated and on their own. So the themes of we are in this together really were the best selling cards. I don't know if you guys have noticed, but I feel in the beginning of the pandemic, my best selling cards were the really sweeter beautiful, heartfelt ones, like by Amy Heitmann, or clap clap or Elizabeth gruba, where they were beautiful bouquets of flowers, and they said things like we're all in this together, or just clean, I miss you. And I also think ones like night owl did really well and sold the best their best seller hugs from the heart. And they have stickers. So I think the first half of the pandemic, our best sellers, were the sweet, really heartfelt ones. I do think that changed in the second half of the pan, I think people are like, Okay, a little bit over that and needed to be able to laugh again. And so, the best selling cards, I think that what happened was is that since everyone's isolating on their own, I kind of got the feeling that you needed to feel like you were part of the world again, and your culture, your society, your friends, your family. And I think the way that everybody's feeling that way is kind of with pop culture, because I feel like we're all just sitting home binge watching the TV. We're not streaming the news. So the best sellers in the back half were ones like modern printed matter where she took comic pandemic issues that I think everybody had, and we're stressing people out and really put a humor to them. She even numbered her pandemic cars, which is my favorite part because she just picked random crazy numbers. So you know, oh my god, there's 100 problems. So her best selling one was on the quarantine card with the llama and the bangs were cut off. Because let's face it, everyone had to cut their hair is their husband's hairs, their significant others. Her other best seller was the fire breathing dragon Mama. And that card was where it said no homeschooling is going great. I think people just really needed to feel like I'm having these stress issues. And knowing I'm not alone. Personally, my favorite one was modern printed matters quarantine number 58. And it was the otter holding the coffee mug because I'm a coffee a Holic, but it actually said there's always wine in here. So I also so for instance, the found everybody knows the found and they love pop culture, their most popular card for the whole quarantine was the one with the woman from fleabag, which everyone knows. And I don't know if I can say this on your podcast, but it was the one where it said tits up.
Amy Loewenberg:Well, you just set it out.
Pamela Davis:So I do think that it definitely has changed. I also think there was a shift when December came. Because then boom, the best selling card we had was modern printed matter, her really cute dumpster fire card. I mean, everyone wants out of this. Also, the best selling one was power in light her happy Solstice card that went viral on the winter solstice. And that card said happy Solstice the shortest day of the longest year of our lives. So I think everyone has, you know, it's morphed into how you're feeling about it.
Sarah Schwartz:Right? It's like as our anxiety evolved, so did the cards that were selling
Pamela Davis:completely because I do think that, you know, in the beginning we were all petrified because no one knew what it was. And I do think as time is going on, it's like, Okay, you got to find something to laugh about again. And then you have to go into like, Okay, I'm over this we need our lives back. As of right now, we've moved into Valentine's Day. So right now my favorite and best selling card everyone is buying it is from Mick Peterson A picture of a man in a complete hazmat suit. And he's holding roses. And it says I brought protection. I think that's just people's way of saying, okay, I want to see somebody again.
Chandra Greer:Absolutely. No
Pamela Davis:conclusion, I think that in the end all the best selling cards really are humor. I think people need humor to get through everything
Amy Loewenberg:completely can relate to that if we don't start laughing, we're just gonna keep crying, and we are tired of that. Well, that's a really interesting segue to talk about more about you and your rep group. So in a time of a pandemic, share with us how you, as a rep group have had to make modifications in how you work with your paper customers? And how will this potentially reshape the way rep groups specifically paper are helping retailers going forward? What are some of the advantages of working with with a rep group?
Pamela Davis:Well, the advantages at Well, the problem with the pandemic is, is that a reps main job, let's face it is we're the boots on the ground. We are the ones who are going into the stores, we see the stores, we know what people want, we know on a dime, what is selling what's not how the designer should change their approach to the cards for the next season. We're the one who are building and maintaining the relationship. Because let's face it, we all know, if you stop seeing someone, the relationship kind of goes by the wayside, people need to see you and talk to you to trust you. To build that trust. We've been around for 17 years. So people, you know, come into our booth are like, oh, Daisy, Dee and friends picked up this card company, they're gonna grow and be around, and they're more apt to take on a small company in their store, because they have the trust of the bigger rep group behind them. Also, by having a rep company, the designers get to do what they do best. I mean, let's face it, they design the Create new product, they start the trends at our level. And that's what we need, we always need new and innovative and fun. And if they're bogged down every day, I mean, let's be honest, the sales reps are doing the business side. And the sales side. I'm not saying that artists aren't good at that. But I think you should always stay at your strong suit. And I do find that rep groups. You know, we're salespeople we sell more, we have higher percentages per order, we have more returning, people reorder more when a rep is coming to you four times a year, or if you have to trade shows on top of that a year. Or if we call them and say hey, I didn't hear from you, how's it going? What's going on? Um, so I do think in the long run, it is beneficial. Even in today's online, b2b, b2b marketplace, you know, where you can buy things faster, quicker, cheaper. I think the personal relationship is missing. And let's be honest, we are we sell to brick and mortars, which is very personal, it's people connecting with people. And especially in the stationery industry. I mean, come on, we are about as snail mail, you know, hold a date book do a checklist is you can get. So I think that wraps and face to face are really important in our industry, especially because how can you go all digital when we are not a digital industry? I mean, are in love is paper and pen and writing?
Amy Loewenberg:Well, I would also interject you're 100%. Right? You know, stick with what you what you excel at. And, you know, reps are a treasure trove of information about what's going out, you know, got what what's going on outside and who's buying what and why. But you know, not just for mom and pops, but for the larger companies as well, because buyers are behind a desk, often not remotely all the time, can't get out can't have the conversations that you need and you are a vital source of information as to what's really going to benefit them in the long run sales.
Pamela Davis:Yes, I can I completely agree. Yeah. Exactly.
Sarah Schwartz:I say would seem that like a lot of your clients who you see at shows like you have seen their stores evolve and you have insights into their business and their approach and what they bought in the past and what works and what doesn't, that you are not going to get in you know from another screen. If you still can't replicate?
Pamela Davis:Well, I agree because that is exactly what I think about when I pick up a new designer. I don't just randomly pick someone, I systematically go through my stories in my head and say, Wow, that designer is going to go great there, oh, they're gonna love this, it is going to be such a great addition to their store, it's going to be a favorite for them. Um, we're when they're online, they're just guessing, where I will come in. And I'll be like, I picked up this line, and I think you're gonna love it. And after 17 years, like, the store owners to me now and the buyers, they're friends, they're not a number on a website. They're friends, I, you know, I know their kids have grown up and their birthdays and their anniversaries. And, you know, that's, I know how their store evolved. And when they've changed it around what their thought process was. I do think that's really important.
Amy Loewenberg:Yeah, true community. Yeah. Mm hmm.
Sarah Schwartz:It's so important. And it makes you, you know, an invaluable partner in their businesses. So, which isn't, which is an interesting segue to our last question for you today. Has COVID changed how you see stationery and greeting cards? And if so, how?
Pamela Davis:No, COVID hasn't changed mine. I love cards clearly, because that's what I do every day. I think a greeting card brings a little happy from a Christmas card, a birthday, an anniversary, or just because I think COVID has made everyone aware and realize how special a greeting card can be and how it can make you feel or connect you. At this point, I just hope that that that continues, and greeting cards just continue to stay on people's minds instead of shooting an email or something, you know, saying hey, you know what, I remember how I felt when I got that card.
Amy Loewenberg:2021 sounds
Pamela Davis:a dog in the background.
Sarah Schwartz:2020 Yeah.
Pamela Davis:So have you guys have your opinions changed on greeting cards? How do you feel?
Amy Loewenberg:Ooh, Sarah, I love it.
Sarah Schwartz:Oh, I get a question of stationery, really, it hasn't changed for me so much as it's been exciting to see, it's the elevation for everyone else. It's been exciting to see so many makers, you know, at the top of their game, doing now, you know, using all this, you know, Bs going on to as fodder to create, you know, great product and help connect people and facilitate relationships and conversations during a time when we really need them really needed.
Amy Loewenberg:Yeah, and I would echo that, too, is. You know, I was never foreign to looking at stamping or peeling a stamp and putting it on an envelope. And I love how it's been amplified and how there's a resurgence. So I think the only thing that I see differently is the is the artwork coming out. And again, to echo what everybody's been saying, you know, using the sign of the times of what's going on to help move us and yes, into a place of humor. So just just really observing that but for me, yeah, you know, paper has always been a really important medium. And I have so much fun standing in front of that card wall and, and reading and laughing and watching what other people pick up. So that has still stayed the same for me.
Sarah Schwartz:It just makes me really exciting. Excited to return to your booth eventually and get to get to see all these lines and see the product in front of me. In the meantime, I know that I'm going to be checking all your ranges at Digital market.
Pamela Davis:We also just are we're building a b2b platform right now. Also, I just think COVID has really propelled that. But I do think that is for reorders. I think people are pining to get back to the face to face and back to the trade shows where they can touch and see it again. I mean, I think the b2b platforms are great for quick reorders in between rep seeing you and the trade shows. But I mean, a virtual trade show is what we have now but it I'm having customers every day call me and email me and being like I missed the booth and sitting and going through everything. I'm like, I know me too. Well.
Amy Loewenberg:We missed the booth too. We're just we're grateful for the online platform for obvious reasons. But yeah, we really miss in real life and and definitely looking forward to seeing you in August for sure face to face.
Pamela Davis:I am so looking forward to that. Also.
Sarah Schwartz:But in the mean time it was amazing to get to see you and hear what's been selling well, and what's going on and what you're hearing and, and just checking in with you.
Pamela Davis:You guys, thank you, because I really do appreciate it, it really is helpful. Again, because I'm just you know, sitting at my desk like you guys and I'm just hoping I'm doing the right thing for the designers in the stores and you know, the online and you know, just pushing and selling greeting cards because I love them so much. So it's nice to be back part of the community, even for a little bit. Well,
Amy Loewenberg:you never left We never left we just had a really big weirdness in the middle. So let's just, let's let's just move forward and and with that, we say thank you so much for taking some time with us today and and and talking on our very new and enjoyable podcast, the paper plane cocktail hour, and we will cheers soon, I guess. Yes, well
Sarah Schwartz:cheers until we can drink in person.
Amy Loewenberg:Exactly. Cheers.
Pamela Davis:Thank you.
Amy Loewenberg:Bye. Well, that was amazing. And I gotta say three cocktails in I am done. You want to thank everybody again. shaundra, Anna and Pamela for coming by. And you listeners, our witnesses. shaundra is coming back to help us celebrate our in real life market coming this August. We are so excited for. But before we go, Sarah, why don't you share some information about your trend bulletin report that aired earlier this week. And by the way is available to be seen in the my agenda section of the digital market.
Sarah Schwartz:Well, as you know, Amy, I love podcasting. But I also love doing a deep visual dive into trends. So please check out my trends bulletin, I really started off with the idea of house plans. This is a huge trend, both in terms of iconography and in their actual cultivation. I had so much fun for shopping this trend in the virtual aisles of New York now digital market, and then putting it into a presentation, I was really surprised at the depth and breadth of product as well as all the other categories it overlaps into.
Amy Loewenberg:I know I was really taken with so many of the people that you featured these designers, some of which I wasn't even familiar with. You did a really, really lovely job of presenting them. And so I want to thank you for doing that. And everybody really needs to take a moment to to take a look at your trend bulletin. It's really just so wonderfully done. Meanwhile, we will be dropping our monthly episodes throughout 2021 back on our second Thursday of every month. And so after this one February. Our next one will be airing on March 11.
Sarah Schwartz:Thank you for your kind words. Amy, why don't you tell our listeners where they can find you. In the meantime,
Amy Loewenberg:you can always connect with me on instagram LinkedIn or just email me at work. I really always want to connect and highlight people on my New York now spotlight podcast and look for stories to feature on Instagram and I'm always available to help connect you to new and needed resources and answer any of your New York now market questions.
Sarah Schwartz:And probably the best way to track me down is at the paper nerd calm you can see more fabulous stationery coverage check out my podcast the paper folds, and access stationery trends the industry's award winning design driven trade quarterly as well. As I mentioned, I've been covering the stationery gift markets for over 20 years. And it's always a pleasure to learn about makers and spotlight their work whether it is in a publication, a blog or a podcast. If you want to connect, I'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to post Instagram pics of your paper playing using the hashtags, the paper playing podcast and paper playing cocktail hour.
Amy Loewenberg:Absolutely. And please don't hesitate to reach out to either of us with comments, questions, feedback, suggestions for guests or really just to say hi and introduce yourself. our eyes and our ears are always open. Cheers.
Chandra Greer:Cheers.