Interview with: Good Thoughts Paper Co.

Meet the Mom Behind Good Thoughts Paper Co.!

Who is Good Thoughts Paper Co. and where are you located?
Good Thoughts Paper Co. is a notably different stationery company. Behind the scene is myself, Tori Tait and my sister-in-law Courtney Tait. Together we have created a unique and personalized stationery line that is really taking off. We have fun combining hip paper colors with trendy ribbon patterns. Our items are most loved by women, but with having three daughters between us, it is only natural that we are just a bit girly!


How did you come up with your business name?
We really thought long and hard about what to name our business. We had so many brainstorming sessions, I am sure we considered hundreds of names. We finally decided to shift our focus on what we wanted to represent rather than be called. We both agreed the feeling of Gratitude best described how we felt. Good Thoughts Paper Co. was then the next breath and it stuck. Not only do we believe in really focusing on the 'Good Thoughts' in our lives, we feel good thoughts are what people can write down on our stationery and send to others. Essentially, we hope to spread Good Thoughts around the world!


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
Well, we were planning a baby shower and needed to come up with an idea for favors. We decided to make small personalized note pads and tie them with a ribbon giving one to each guest. They were just so adorable and thought, 'Hey we should sell these.' Having just had my second daughter and becoming a stay at home mom, I thought why not? Within a month our Web Site was up and running and we have been getting paper cuts ever since.


How did you get started?
Once we knew what we wanted to do, we just hit the pavement running. If we didn't know a certain step, we asked someone. We just kept looking until we found what we needed. We have found a lot of resources from online communities made of other mothers who are also working from home and/or have started their own businesses; the shared knowledge of women we have met is priceless.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
You know, our business is still fun! We hope to keep it that way too. I enjoy waking up and getting to that part of my day where I get to focus on the company. It is like having another baby, you keep watching it grow and are so proud! And the best part of all is that we are doing it together, so work really feels like a treat, to be in one another's company.


Do you have a particular product that's a best seller on your site?
Our bestseller product is our Bow Pad. This is the product we launched with and are currently best known for. It is a trendy and hip personalized note pad tied with an adorable oversized bow! Each personalized sheet is perforated for easy tear off! Pick and choose your favorite paper colors and ribbon patters to make your unique Bow Pad.


How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
The most effective method for promoting our business thus far is word of mouth. We truly feel that if you back your quality products with kindness and exemplar customer service, people will advertise for you. We do everything we can to make each customer feel like they are getting personalized attention. We really pride ourselves in making each customer beyond satisfied. We want everyone to love Good Thoughts Paper Co. as much as we do!
How do you juggle family and work at home?
Any WAHM knows that is not easy to put in the time needed to your business and be dedicated to your children, home, etc. I try to schedule in work time during naps and other times throughout the day. I can also easily get some time in after the kids have gone to bed in the evening.


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
I highly recommend finding a group you can network with and seek support in. For me personally, it has been wonderful to share ups and downs of working from home and launching a business with other women who can relate.


Visit Good Thoughts Paper Co. at: www.goodthoughtspaperco.com


Current promotions/specials at Good Thoughts Paper Co.:
From now until July 31, 2008 we are offering 10% off your online order using promotional code 'NEW.'