Q: How did the three of you meet? Paper Tulip: Stacey and Allison have been longtime friends, and through our church and mutual friends, we knew Candy. It was the perfect fit!

Q: Why did you want to start a business? Paper Tulip: We saw an opportunity to bring a unique type of store to our community. Each of us had already owned a small business before The Paper Tulip and decided to expand the existing small retail store.

Q: What do you like about owning a stationery business? Paper Tulip: We love the opportunity to be a part of the milestones in our customers’ lives! We are able to take life’s journey with many of them from their wedding invitations to baby showers and birth announcements and then birthday parties. It brings us so much joy!

Q: What advice do you have for other women who want to follow their passion and open their own business? Paper Tulip: Before opening, be very prayerful and mindful of the number of hours that it actually takes to run a successful business. Seek the advice of those who have the wisdom of experience. Be willing to let your business evolve, and know that change is inevitable.

Q: What obstacles have you faced? Paper Tulip: The online options have changed the paper industry tremendously in the past 20 years. It challenged us to expand our offerings. We evolved from a paper store to one that offers wedding accessories and gifts as well as clothing.

Q: What do you like about working with each other? Paper Tulip: We balance one another very well. Each of us has a unique contribution to the store from our past experiences. Allison is our creative backbone. She has a keen eye for fashion and is always ahead of the curve. She keeps us up to date on new lines and keeps our store fresh. Stacey is the paper queen. She knows everything from printing processes, etiquette, to graphic art. She is meticulous and a perfectionist! Candy is our people person. She loves building relationships with our customers and keeps the store running. She is always on top of everything and keeps us organized. With that being said, it takes a village! We couldn’t do it without each other, and in the end we are great friends.

Q: What does the Paper Tulip offer Shreveport-Bossier City residents? Paper Tulip: We offer traditional invitations and stationery unique to each customer. Additionally, we are the only store in the area to carry two clothing lines: Lilly Pulitzer and Sail to Sable, along with so many fabulous gift lines.

Q: What makes your store different? Paper Tulip: We pride ourselves on excellent one-on-one customer service and providing a unique shopping experience. We are always searching for new products and lines that will keep our customers returning.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of your business? Paper Tulip: Currently, we are working on our online presence for our jewelry and other accessories. We are the top seller for Lilly Pulitzer in our region. We hope to continue to grow and expand our offerings.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job? Paper Tulip: Seeing the satisfaction on a customer’s face when she looks at her invitations for the first time or finds the perfect outfit for a special day.