Ashleigh Schouwerwou began her design career in the art department at Style at Home magazine, where she spent 5 years as an associate art director and was nominated for two National Magazine Awards for her work. She continued her career with freelance work, including the rebranding of luxe Yorkville boutique Teatro Verde, and now also does graphic design work for a global travel brand. She launched Paper Society Co. this year as her first independent business venture
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Paper Society Co. is a stylish and witty paper goods brand that adds a touch of whimsy to life’s occasions. It’s simple, yet bold, with a heavy emphasis on typography.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I’ve had a career as a designer for some time now, but I wanted to express my creativity in a way that was entirely my own. At heart, I’m a designer, an illustrator, a wannabe writer and a good-people lover who finds joy in the unexpected, and this line was created as a means to embrace all of those attributes. We live in such a detached, digital world now and I think there’s just something so special about a handwritten note.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
I get to be creative every day and get paid to do something that I consider a hobby. Working with talented people fuels my passion, and finding inspiration in them (as well as perhaps inspiring them with my own work) is incredibly fulfilling for me.
The most challenging part?
The most challenging part is editing my ideas – I have so many, which I believe is the albatross of many creative minds. There also never seems to be enough time. I’m all for inventing another day of the week – who’s with me?
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I’m open to new opportunities as they present themselves, but I’d love to expand the line to include more products. I hope to keep doing this for as long as I find enjoyment in it.
What does success look like to you?
I’ve always said that if I can have a career that I love and that allows me to live comfortably while also maintaining a healthy personal life, I’m doing pretty damn good (that’s not too much to ask for, is it?)
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The launch of this new endeavour is big for me because it’s very personal and something that I’ve talked about doing for a long time. I’ve received an overwhelming amount of support from incredible people in my life, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I speak from experience when I say: less talking, more doing. It’s easy to talk about doing something, but it’s another thing to actually do it. Make a decision, commit to it and start taking the necessary steps to achieve it. Ask a lot of questions and absorb as much as you can – you never know where a great idea will take you, especially in the creative industry. Take risks, but be smart, because when you do finally get there, it’ll taste that much sweeter.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Every holiday season I make a donation to Indigo’s Love of Reading Foundation. They match every donation dollar-to-dollar and the money goes to supplying underprivileged schools with fully stocked libraries. Bullying amongst children is also an epidemic that I’m passionate about making obsolete, and am currently researching charities that I could donate my design services to.
What is Notable to you?
Acknowledging your accomplishments and stopping for a moment to take pride in them.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Apple nerd forever.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
When you spend as much time sitting at a computer as I do, yoga and running really help to refocus and keep me in shape, both mentally and physically. I also surround myself with inspiration to keep the right side of my brain happy.