NY NOW Podcast

That girl w/ her knife

• NY NOW • Season 1 • Episode 81

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To you, it’s just a knife, but to Elicia Castaldi, it’s the driving force behind her feminine, authentic and unapologetic Girl w/Knife range of stationery and gifts. She believes in a life lived glamorously, with reckless abandon, in six-inch stilettos — and although Elicia didn’t know it when she sat down to chat with Amy and Sarah, this cutting-edge maker just won three Noted@*Noted Awards as well as the hyper-coveted Artist of the Year Louie Award. Elicia dishes on her creative and artistic vision — as well as the next steps she is currently carving out for herself!    

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https://www.instagram.com/girlwknife/   

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Website: nynow.com
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Amy Loewenberg:

Hi everyone and welcome to the paper plane cocktail hour. I am one of your hosts Amy Lowenberg, senior relations manager for New York now, community spotlight podcast or an all around retailer advocate. My focus is to bring you important information, conversations and perspectives from both sides of the aisle.

Sarah Schwartz:

And I'm your host Sarah, you may know me as the founding editor and editor in chief of stationary trends magazine, my site the paper nerd or possibly my other podcast, the paper fault. I've been covering the stationery and gift industry since 1997. But Never did I imagined that I'd one day be covering the markets here in the virtual space.

Amy Loewenberg:

So corral 2022 Sarah and I will be raising our glasses alongside our pencils. As we share stories, compare notes, and celebrate three of our all time favorite topics stationary connection and cocktails.

Sarah Schwartz:

Cheers. So hyperplanes listeners will know that we have divided 2022 into phases. In January through April we examined members of our community in their initial phase of their careers. So in May we are morphing into the next phase which can be hard. Here you have spent all this time making your brand take off. Then how do you continue that trajectory once that happens? It reminds me of that truism. You hear about rock stars you have your whole life to write your first album and a month to write your second. Lucky for her our guest star today is making it look easy, though of course we all know it only appears that way from the outside. Amy, why don't you spill who we're having for cocktails on this lovely may evening?

Amy Loewenberg:

Absolutely. Alicia Castaldi is the force of nature and creative artistic vision behind girl with knife, your new BFF in paper goods and home decor. These products are feminine, authentic, unapologetic, and just might break your most stoic RBF. And if you don't know what that is, people look it up. Alicia, Alicia believes in a life lived glamorously with reckless abandon. And in six inch stilettos to boot. The brand launched in 2018. And even a pandemic couldn't stop it. From nearly its inception grow with knife has exploded and is now carried in 1000s of retail stores across the US and around the world. It's been featured in print publications such as what women create Palm Springs Life, New York Magazine, reserved magazine, la Business Journal oh my gosh, stationary trends. No. Whoo. and online publications including HDTV, Buzzfeed, la magazine and more. Alicia was named one of the 10 designers to watch in 2020 by stationary trends. And if that's not a double edged sword, I don't know what is.

Sarah Schwartz:

And for any listeners who got an eyeful of girl with knife and think Alicia just decided to start a brand on a whim, you would be quite mistaken. Graduate of Rhode Island School of Design aka RISD. Alicia began her career in New York City as a fashion art director and illustrator. As a collage artist paper has always been Alicia's first love. Her illustrations are a mix of painted cut paper and digital elements with the with the creative process ever supervised by her fierce white cat Princess vest spa. And quite quite literally, there's always an exacto knife within arm's reach. Thus girl with knife girl with knife combines Alicia's paper lust with her love of fashion travel, a good laugh and anything the color of Rosae it's seems like just yesterday I rounded a corner at New York now in 2019 and discovered this Dynamo of sleek design and modern sentiment. Since I was fortunate enough to meet Alicia early on I am very invested in her work and watching her star rise and wondering what she's going to do next has just been amazing to witness so far.

Amy Loewenberg:

Yeah, it really has this year 2022 Alicia introduced pillows, candles and art friends and kicking it off exhibiting at the Daniel Richard show room. I'm in Atlanta and Dallas. Meanwhile, we recorded this episode just before the very first SF now co located with noted. It occurred this past April 27 and 28th and the gorgeous Fort Mason center for the arts and culture in Fisherman's Wharf, and it was quite a success. So Now up until then, Alicia had already won four noted noted awards, as well as her prestigious first Louis award and 2021. But this year she was nominated for for Louise, including both writer of the year and artist of the year, and she was also a finalist for for noted it noted awards.

Sarah Schwartz:

Nothing like a little suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat salutely. So when all was said and done with the Louise and the noted and noted Awards, the girl with the knife didn't disappoint. Alicia, one of Louie for Artists of the Year, which is really perfect for her as her work is both visually striking and verbally compelling. And she really is an artist and every sense of the word. Absolutely.

Amy Loewenberg:

Congratulation.

Sarah Schwartz:

Yay. And she won three noted noted awards for best color combo, snarkiness card and best no occasion just because let's hope that she has plenty of room on her mantel, and her posh Palm Springs digs, because she's gonna need it,

Amy Loewenberg:

she's totally gonna need it, she may need to make another mantel or two if you want to think about it. But of course, none of us knew that when we recorded this. So this was quite an adventure for us as well. So let's chill those drinks and bring on the girl of the hour.

Sarah Schwartz:

Hey, Alicia, I'm We're so happy you're with us today.

Elicia Castaldi:

Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited to talk to you. And I am been craving this human interaction. Welcome.

Sarah Schwartz:

You're in good company. So I know I have told you this a million times. But it it was such a treat first discovering you back in the before times of 2019. And then, you know, in the ensuing years, kind of seeing you ascend into this very distinctive position. In the stationery and gift marketplace. I think one of the things that inspired me the most about curl with knife is not just the fact that you have a really, really distinctive vision, but that you forged your path pretty solo. By that I mean, I don't see you in some of the industry groups and associations most new makers tend to gravitate to so I wanted to ask you about having the bravery in your perspective and path to just do it your own way. Girl with knife is not just a stationary brand, it's well on its way to being a lifestyle home brand, much in the path of Rifle Paper. So was that your plan all along?

Unknown:

Yes, definitely. Definitely. Um, it's funny when when you said that there's like a certain way that people come into this industry. I had no preconceived notions of what that would that trajectory would look like. And so I just sort of entered it very organically and did what I felt to be the right thing, which was to just like, go big, and make a splash. And this way, I would know right away, like I wouldn't have to wait for the trickle trickle trickle of like, is this going to be a thing? Or is this not it was like, sink or swim, I had a 30 foot booth at the NSS. And I knew within an hour that this brand was going to be a brand. And you know, it was really cool. And I'm so glad that I did it that way because I think coming from children's books and having like a bit of success with you know, I had four books that I did. One of which I was the author, which was a you know, lifelong dream. But I also felt like after being in the industry for let's say, 10 years, it was probably longer than that, that I wanted to be way ahead of where I was. So like if I could speed up that process, and just go for it as hard as I could and just see what happens. Then it was just like getting to the ending faster. No ending being the beginning, really. Um, but yeah, I mean, when So living in New York, really exposed me to Jonathan Adler and one of my best friends work for Jonathan Adler. And I was like this young, broke girl who had this obsession with Jonathan Adler. So it was a hard thing to do because I could probably afford a salt shaker You're not just but but being exposed to somebody who really took their brand and created a world, like the way that Kate Spade did that and you walk into a Kate Spade store and you're in her world, there's nothing that doesn't belong,

Sarah Schwartz:

right? It's, it's like a vision, and it's A to

Unknown:

Z, like, there's no in between. So I wanted my own world right now, I was so inspired by that. And so now I have this opportunity to be the creator, but also like the person that green lights everything. And so it's really, it's amazing. And so I'm like, you know, of course, I want to make pillows and candles and art prints, because these are all the things that I want to buy. And so it's like, Well, why would I buy it if I can make it? So I'm just satisfying all my consumer needs

Sarah Schwartz:

at a time, right? And I know that, you know, you, you have said that, you know, I loved and I love your children's book and your children's book illustrations, and I'm a big fan of like, 50s, iconography, you know, children's books, and that sort of thing. So I can see why that was your initial path. As you began as you started your career, but you've said like, your humor was like a little off for children's books, like it was never quite like quite at that point. But that when you started playing around with greeting cards, this like, simple, ageless form, that that was the visual format that just like made sense to you that you understood that you could run with. So what what is it about the greeting card that makes it the ideal medium for you? And really, as you as your brand expands, it does seem to be, you know, the centerpiece from which everything flows?

Unknown:

Right? Well, first of all, I mean, I think you're absolutely right. I mean, especially you being a prolific writer that you are, yes, word words means so much to me, right? And so like a specific word. And so when that word gets edited, I'm like, No, I love like, the cadence of that word, and how that word plays off another word, but child words are, you know, they're simpler. It's just like, they don't have that sophistication yet. And you know, double negatives, like, you can't throw in a double negative and you could, you know, the mom will get it marry or the dad but I found that who I am, in my humor and my like, off the cuff kind of stuff. It wasn't really resonating as well with kids books. And so when I got to the adult world, I just felt like, Oh, I could just say, whatever the heck I want. This is awesome. And use the words that I want to use and no one there's no one changing it. For me. It's just me. So hopefully, they're all spelled right. I really am the last stop on the train.

Sarah Schwartz:

And they haven't started banning greeting cards. Yes, right. Exactly. We

Elicia Castaldi:

know of no.

Unknown:

I'm happy to say that I've won two awards for profanity, so it's like it's just I feel like I'm in the right lane.

Amy Loewenberg:

You definitely found your work your your right lane. How, how about your coastal experience? You know, you grew up in Rhode Island and you went to RISD, you moved to New York and you worked as the fashion art director and experienced life as you said, you then got engaged and you moved to LA and now you're in Palm Springs, so you you've bounced around a little bit here. How do you think your Eastern western and southern experience has shaped your unapologetic and fierce brand identity?

Unknown:

Um, okay, so Rhode Island is at least where I come from in Rhode Island. It's very, very colorful place in terms of everyone's a character. Everyone's like this larger than life like Italian American character, and certainly in my family. I mean, like the comedy coming out of my family. I'm like, the least funny person in my family. I promise you. My grandmother lived downstairs and she was a battle ax. I mean, she Yeah, so my card that says you're on my shit list that was her famous saying, and so when you were on her shitless your picture came off the fridge and that was it.

Amy Loewenberg:

No, it came off the fridge

Elicia Castaldi:

was on the drawer, your skirt.

Sarah Schwartz:

That's such an eye. My stepfather used to say that about people and like, it was impossible, you'd be so mad. And it was impossible not to kind of laugh

Unknown:

so, you know, so I certainly got my humor from just being around so many comedy acts throughout, you know, in my life, and then getting to New York. I mean, I think I was born with like, champagne taste for sure. Finally, like, where I'm from, I was definitely I was born into the wrong family, I think. But when I got to New York, it was like, Okay, these are my people, you know, and I would, you know, I worked in retail. So I will be shopping on my lunch break and looking around, and then I would go to Barney's for the infamous sample sales. Oh, yeah. Oh, multiparty sample. Then I moved closer to the Barney's sample sale. I moved to 21st Street just because of that, but it was definitely had its advantages.

Amy Loewenberg:

It really helped with the real estate.

Unknown:

I mean, I was there every day. But, you know, just just being exposed to all the glitz and glamour and then meeting David. You know, he, he was in the music industry. And it definitely allowed me to see different people's fancy apartments and things like that. And I was like, I'm into the home decor stuff. So I've just, it just always, I think just being exposed to different environments, always shaped what I was interested in. And then of course, moving to California, I came kicking and screaming, I love New York. But what I found was that I really found nature like I never appreciated nature. I grew up in sort of a city like environment than moving to New York, it was also a city. So now I'm, I have a little garden. I grow like dill and basil and different things. And I have hummingbirds and all kinds of birds, laying eggs on my property. And so California just got me really more in touch with nature and which I started painting flowers. And I can't stop now I understand Anna bond because we start to paint flowers. It's it's very spiritual. Yeah, yeah. So I wouldn't have done I think if I had stayed in New York, I wouldn't be painting flowers. I'm totally relate. I totally relate. I painted bugs always. But

Amy Loewenberg:

was that the New York thing? I was actually yeah. My heels on? Yeah, of course. Of course. We were wearing high heels. If they were your bugs, I can't. Well, I can completely relate. I mean, I have that East Coast West Coast thing, too. And I will say that, yep, born and raised in the city. And I lived in San Francisco for a good 10 years. And I will say the minute I landed there. Yeah, it was a very different experience with nature and appreciation of, of just quality of life. And I love New York. I'm back in New York now, obviously. But I understand i think i Five were there a little longer. And I was a little older, I would have started painting flowers, too. I have no doubt.

Unknown:

It's true. And you know, I'm a lot nicer. How are you? How's your day going? Like? Who are you right now?

Amy Loewenberg:

You talk to everybody now, right?

Unknown:

When I go to New York, David and I have a code that we do not talk to people. Like don't be that person don't like talk to somebody. Part of it. I

Sarah Schwartz:

mean, I've heard la described a stat heaven and New York City as happy how and it's like so ever since I heard it, it's all true, right? Like, and I it's interesting that you have both of those like, elements really, that are so so lively in your work that the flora and fauna and that kind of gritty

Unknown:

edge, right? Yeah, it's not too sweet. I can't do overlays. I just can't It's not me.

Amy Loewenberg:

I mean, we should I did talk about the Louis awards and your nominations and in a second here but thinking about some of your images with your really pretty little pink Posies and then it's like, snake.

Unknown:

Yeah, exactly. Like I just have to throw in something that gives a little shakes it up a little bit, not the edge.

Amy Loewenberg:

Yeah. All right. So let's let's just pay homage where homage is dear you have been nominated for for Louis awards this year. For the 33rd renowned event that honors the best greeting card of the year, you are a finalist for birthday smart from a small company. Thank you for over $5 and the prestigious dynamic duo of Louis awards. writer of the year and artist of the year, I mean, congratulations. Yeah, Sarah and I.

Sarah Schwartz:

And not only is she the sole holder of the profanity, noted and noted, as she's mentioned, as far as I know, Alicia, you're the first double nominee for both of those awards as well, which is super prestigious,

Amy Loewenberg:

double mom, but wait, wait listeners out there, it does not stop there. You are also a finalist for for noted, noted awards as well. And by the time this episode actually airs, we're going to know who won what. But in the meantime, just tell us what all this means to you.

Unknown:

It's crazy, when you guys are saying this, I'm actually like in disbelief. You know, I have to say that I have to just be quite honest and candid. I mean, when I was in kids books, and I would go every year in October, they had the Society of Illustrators would do the original art show for all the picture books that came out that year. And I would go and I was really just felt very much a spectator, you know, and I was like, oh, someday, maybe I can have some kind of recognition. And, you know, fast forward to now, but I must say that in between that moment, and this moment, there was a moment, like five years ago that I came dangerously close to quitting my entire career. And so, I think, Sarah, you might have read that in my what women creates, yes, well, I mean, great article, but I just have to say that for people listening, they might not see me as an underdog. But I really have to share that. It felt like that a lot of times in my career. So this is so exciting. I didn't end up quitting. I, you know, my husband is my rock. And he's been my biggest cheerleader, and he just would never let me do that. So I just decided to just instead of painting, for it to be anything, I just decided to paint every day with sort of like a reckless abandon. And I did that for a year. And then in that year, I totally rebuilt my confidence. So, you know, then I named this brand, something like really just off the wall kind of right. I was like, no one's gonna call my career cute anymore. Coming guns blazing. And I'm going to do this. And I really felt like I already won. It didn't even matter what happened after that. I just felt like I like slayed the dragon. And then I got to the NSS and it just like everything just clicked. Yeah. And that moment felt like, Okay, I made it. And so now every moment after that, like, you know, getting the designers to watch in 2020 from stationary trends and things like that and having a noted award, especially for profanity. I mean, that's so funny. Like that makes me so happy. And snarkiness like I'm so proud especially born and raised in Providence to get a snarkiness Award and a profanity award like I'm killing it. I'm proud I'm so to get the be nominated for both writer of the year and, you know, Artists of the Year. It just feels like I'm coming full circle in my entire career and it's just I've already I feel like I've already won. And honestly, like, among the competition, whoever wins both of these categories, like, I will be so happy because it's just there's so much talent. It's amazing.

Amy Loewenberg:

Wow. Well, I mean, I have to say how it was an incredible story to hear your path and, and where you are now for us to, to feel so empowered and what we do. And it's it is, it's kind of like candy on the side to be recognized, to be doing what you love doing. So you know, congratulations. And the fact that you had this incredible path that ping pong done on in different areas of the of the country and you're you're moving around with product and you you re identified your brand and you you've persevered. This is a great story. And you deserve all the accolades that come your way.

Unknown:

Thanks so much, that means so much, it really is so deeply meaningful to me to be doing what I love, and you know, to be recognized for it, it's even better, it's just fun.

Sarah Schwartz:

Absolutely. And I think you put up a really, really important point. Which is, you know, like everyone, when we see the outside of someone's booth or someone's range, like it looks so polished and perfect. But like everyone's fighting their own little battles, while this is going on, and even the most successful person in the world, like, you know, they have, they have their Achilles heel. And, you know, I just think it's a really important thing to mention, during award season, when so many awards are going out, it's, you know, like, if you are looking if you do, you know, not win, and you're looking at that other one that did like, you know, it isn't honor for them, but you know, it things on the other side might not be quite how you're perceiving them, I guess that would be

Unknown:

right. And that that might be it's their moment. And they you know, that's amazing for that person. And I, I want them now there moment, just as much as I want to have mine. So it's like, it's all good. It's just, it's an honor, just to even have my name said, you know,

Amy Loewenberg:

this is about this is you paper people. This is like the best community ever. There's so much love, I love it and love it.

Unknown:

It's true. It's true. Because I think at the end of the day, we're really sensitive people or else, we wouldn't be interested in greeting cards to begin with.

Amy Loewenberg:

I mean, just the ability to actually evoke an emotion with a few short words, you know, means you tap in, and it is a talent. And it is one that not everybody possesses. So you're right.

Sarah Schwartz:

Absolutely, absolutely. I mean, look, we're like some of the most sensitive people out there. So. So, which added which brings? Which brings us to our last question. And it sort of plays off of what we were talking about, which is like, how have the events of the past few years changed how you use the stationery, and how do you think the category will continue to evolve in consumer perception? I mean, you create these amazing cards, like what is going in them? I mean, you must when you hear from your customers, like how are they using them? And how do you feel like they you know, how do you feel like they take this and run with it? And maybe is that different than how it was in the before times?

Unknown:

Right? Well, it's funny, my husband always reminds me I mean, I think you probably get the sense that I'm definitely an overachiever. So whenever I get down in the dumps, like I'm not we're, you know, not at my crazy goal that I set for me, he's like, Alicia, you do realize that you built your entire business pretty much in a pandemic, like, like, give yourself a break. So but, you know, we're in such unprecedented times where when else in history has the world just completely stopped on a dime and you know, come to a screeching halt. And you know, there's all this uncertainty and everyone's dealing with all these crazy family issues and things like that. And so I think we really did cling to our people are people who get us through like the regular stressful stuff like suddenly became very much more important to us and connection connecting with everybody. And I guess part of that became like cards and sending little care packages. And if you send a care package, you want to send a card with it. And so, you know, people have just really been buying cards a lot, which is awesome. And for me, it's inspired me like everything that I do is really auto back biographical, but also fueled by what I want to give to my friends. So, you know, the partners and mischief card, like I made that specifically for my one of my best friends. So but there's so many of my cards that I make specifically, like based on something that happened, whether it was a death or, you know, a congratulations of some sort, or something like that. So I think as we move towards the metaverse, and like this virtual reality, I think there's going to be a whole crop of us that just kind of run in the opposite direction. And we want tactile you know, we want candles and pillows and greeting cards and stationery. And we're sort of like, rooted in that analog life for whatever reason, like we love that. And I think that there's always going to be be people who love the tactile world, it gives us comfort it, you know, makes us feel a certain way. And I'm so I'm expanding my brand to encompass things that I love. And so it's candles and pillows and our prints, things like that. And I really do think that cards are here to stay and definitely becoming more popular. As things get more virtual. I agree.

Sarah Schwartz:

I agree. I agree. I mean, this year I started I always send cards, but this year I'm I decided to be a little more thoughtful about it. And really sending cards like if someone does me a good turn, like I'm sending a card and just thanking them and taking a moment. And it is amazing. Not only how it makes me feel, but then I mail and I forget about it, and then you hear it from the party, and then the person reaches out to you. And it's like, oh, my gosh, I got that. Thank you so much. And I've almost forgotten about it. But it deepens it deepens my experience of life that deepens their experience in life. And is it something that like the digital age might sort of forget. So I just think it's so it's such an important way to communicate with people and I'm embarrassed to say, I can't pretend to strike before 50 You know, for a long time before I even really experienced it for myself.

Unknown:

I understand. It's, well, we're busy. You know, we're always so busy. And so you do have to really, like take time to send a card. And that's part of the gift. The gift is you're complaining that you sat there and wrote out your thoughts. And one of the cool things that happened, aside from receiving my own cards from my friends, I mean, we're at the point where they wouldn't dare give me like someone else's cards. I just flip it over and I'm like, All right, who's who's doing this like what I'm like in my stream. They give me my cards back to me with of course with all these sweet sentiments inside it so that's really cool. But some of my friends actually put the cards that I give them on their like altar with their crystals and their candles and all that so it becomes part of like that partners in mischief card could become part of someone's daily ritual like they're not my art during their ritual I just gets it goes beyond the surface. Yeah, like someone who can't put a text at their altar.

Sarah Schwartz:

And what it is and if you filled it out, it's your writing and that's your you know, sort of power and your vibe and it's right there. I agree. I mean, I feel like what I write in a card is so much more thoughtful than what I would either saying conversation or shoot back in a text or an email. And that's that's what that's part of what makes the medium so special.

Amy Loewenberg:

Yeah, I love I have a mirror that I put all of my cards into that I that I receive and then when the mirror fills up I like remove the cards and then I fill it up again it turns into this like mirror race during the holidays but I thinking back to my my days being a greeting card buyer anytime while I still do it. We all do it. We get something in the mail and we flip it over to that card flip. I think it stays with us for the rest of our life.

Unknown:

I just have to say that Amy, I did not realize that I am a super fan of yours being that you are. Fire. Avery. Wow. I mean, I feel like I'm just in awe because that store was everything to me.

Amy Loewenberg:

Yeah, yeah, it was really, it was lovely. And all the stores were just a magnet for people, you know, visiting the city, they would always come in during market time and do their local shopping. And, you know, you always knew you always knew when market was in town. It's happening because you have this little flow of people with their little notepads. You know, because they weren't taking pictures then they were writing notes of like

Unknown:

I had a very surreal moment yesterday in LA was what happened really fun. My friend was visiting. And so I'm, I'm back and forth to La quite a bit right now. And we went to the Westfield Mall, and I was walking around with her. And I was like, we came across a Paper Source. And I was like, oh, let's pop in. I want to see like, what what my cards are doing. And if I need to flush them or anything. Thanks. So we went in and I saw my card in paper sores. And then we went into anthropology and I was like, Oh, let me see. You know, I wanted to go and visit my card and anthropology and it was just like, who am I right now.

Sarah Schwartz:

It's like your child at college.

Elicia Castaldi:

It's true. I had to go visit my babies.

Amy Loewenberg:

But Ivy League's no less.

Unknown:

It was really cool. And of course, my friend has been friends with me from when this idea was just like this tiny little seed and so to see her experience it like now it's kind of cool to know, it doesn't get old.

Amy Loewenberg:

Now. Well, listen, this has been an incredible conversation. And Sarah and I could talk to you for the rest of the day. But you've got a couple of exciting things coming up. Why don't you share where people can see you find you. Once you've had your hands into what's coming next. Come on, give us a little nugget of of what is to come from grow with knife.

Unknown:

Okay, so I will definitely be at the nodige show in San Francisco. Right on this month in like 15 days, not that I'm freaking out or anything. Um, yeah, so we'll be there and then summer market will be in Atlanta and Dallas again at the Daniel Richards showroom. I am going to be launching some more candles and pillows, nice summertime, and art prints. I'm really excited about that. And of course more cards. And in terms of where I'm going I'm definitely exploring other fun housewares giftie items like soy sauce and other good smelling things.

Sarah Schwartz:

So you would you would do man cream

Unknown:

is on the agenda i i have manufacture in Provence that I'm very excited about. So we're we're we're in building mode I'm I'm definitely learning this new language like the language of scent and how that applies to my brand. It's really cool to dive into new uncharted territory for myself.

Sarah Schwartz:

Yeah, I really thought your stance were really good like to have what an eternally fair, eternally fierce should be the scent of midnight rose, like, had a really nose for that. And that's a totally new domain for you. So, like, I can't wait to see what you do next.

Amy Loewenberg:

Yeah, this is gonna be such a pleasure to watch you continue on your path.

Unknown:

It's exciting. I just love that I can do all this. You know, I just love that I'm in the driver's seat. And thankfully, I have a very supportive husband who like follows me down all these winding paths and he's just as excited as I am. And he is my stock boy. He carries all my heavy boxes to the post office.

Sarah Schwartz:

Only with a knife.

Unknown:

Yes, yes. I think that's what his email says right? I think that's a knife.

Amy Loewenberg:

Knife. We love it. I love it. All right, well, how can our listeners reach you?

Unknown:

They can go to my website girl with knife.com That's w i t h for the with. And also on Instagram girl W knife is my handle on Instagram and they can call me if they would like to chat

Sarah Schwartz:

So you might think it's your mom,

Unknown:

your mom calls me now. So I accept any other phone calls. So I

Amy Loewenberg:

guess that is really an invitation for everybody to just

Sarah Schwartz:

pick up for weeks.

Amy Loewenberg:

Well listen with that we say thank you so much for spending your time with us today. And thank you for playing cocktail hours has been so enjoyable talking with you.

Unknown:

It's such a huge, huge honor. So thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

Amy Loewenberg:

Well, that was fun. I can see why you wanted to bring Alicia on.

Sarah Schwartz:

Isn't she such a dynamo lately. I just can't wait to see what she does next. It was so great to get to visit in real life with Alicia and her team in San Francisco to say nothing of celebrating her many victories. But until the next actual physical show, we can only catch up with each other in the virtual space. Where can our listeners find you until then, Amy?

Amy Loewenberg:

You guys can always connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or email me or half of you have my phone number already. So just text me. I always want to highlight our amazing community on my New York now spotlight podcast and feature on my Instagram store tours. I'm available to help connect you to new and needed resources and answer any of your new york now market questions or digital market questions. And where can we connect with

Sarah Schwartz:

you Sarah? Probably the best place to connect with me is at the paper nerd.com You can see more fabulous stationery coverage, check out my podcast, the paper fold and to access stationary trends, the industry's award winning design driven trade quarterly as well. It's always a pleasure to learn more about makers and spotlight their work, whether it's in publication blog, or podcast form. If you want to connect, I'd love to hear from you. I second

Amy Loewenberg:

that and if we don't meet up, please don't hesitate to reach out to either of us with comments, questions, feedback, suggestions for guests, whatever you have. Thank you so much. We will talk with you

Sarah Schwartz:

soon. Cheers.