April 01, 2024
From Paisley With Love - Andrea Williams
Andrea Williams
What do you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out?
I wish someone would have told me 2 things.
1. Spend time learning the business side.
2. Get consistent with your processes.
Favorite diversion:
Watching documentaries... on literally anything.
Most treasured item:
My MBP (MacBook Pro)
Something people would be stunned to learn about you?
Probably that I have anxiety.
Single most pivotal point in your career?
So far, it was the season after George Floyd where lots of folks were supporting Black Small Business. I made more sales than ever before.
Time of day you are the most productive/creative?
Whatever time the deadline is.
Hardest thing for you:
Asking for help and being consistent with social media.
Unnatural fear of:
Bugs
Favorite person in your field:
Too many to name! But if I had to pick another Black Woman stationery designer, I would say Tiffany Grimes from Posterity Paper
What the world needs more of:
Empathy
Strongest inspiration comes from:
Designers who are technically sound and also very clever.
Were there any fears you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
What do you want people to know about you or your business?
If you are a lover of color and unfussy stationery, then we are a perfect match!
What are you working on now?
I am working on posting on social media every day so hopefully I can sell some/most of my inventory.
How can we find you (Social media or website)?
Instagram: @paisleypaperco
photos: Hakim Walker
I'm a designer, so freelance came naturally to me. Starting Paisley was completely unexpected. I started with calligraphy for fun and ended up doing hand lettering and design for paper goods.
Who were you inspired by starting out?
I knew nothing about designing paper products, so I looked to a super famous designer/brand, Rifle Paper Co.
I knew nothing about designing paper products, so I looked to a super famous designer/brand, Rifle Paper Co.
What do you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out?
I wish someone would have told me 2 things.
1. Spend time learning the business side.
2. Get consistent with your processes.
Favorite diversion:
Watching documentaries... on literally anything.
Most treasured item:
My MBP (MacBook Pro)
Something people would be stunned to learn about you?
Probably that I have anxiety.
Single most pivotal point in your career?
So far, it was the season after George Floyd where lots of folks were supporting Black Small Business. I made more sales than ever before.
Time of day you are the most productive/creative?
Whatever time the deadline is.
Hardest thing for you:
Asking for help and being consistent with social media.
Unnatural fear of:
Bugs
Favorite person in your field:
Too many to name! But if I had to pick another Black Woman stationery designer, I would say Tiffany Grimes from Posterity Paper
What the world needs more of:
Empathy
Strongest inspiration comes from:
Designers who are technically sound and also very clever.
Were there any fears you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
My stutter. I'm not "over it" per se, but I'm more comfortable with just letting it be.
What do you want people to know about you or your business?
If you are a lover of color and unfussy stationery, then we are a perfect match!
What are you working on now?
I am working on posting on social media every day so hopefully I can sell some/most of my inventory.
How can we find you (Social media or website)?
Instagram: @paisleypaperco
