Features

If there’s one thing that stays consistent in an ever-changing industry, it is a never-ending sense of novelty. In fact, the very first thing I was taught to ask while walking my very first gift show was “What’s new?” While fresh interpretations of trends keep consumers buying, they also keep things interesting.

That was the thinking behind my recent modification of my Editorial Advisory Board, that impressive list of retailers and one rep group you see on the masthead to the right. With our fifth birthday under our belt, I resolved to refresh the bunch — and also utilize their know-how more in our pages in coming issues. But before I introduce our new faces, I owe a great debt of thanks to my departing — and may I add emeritus to imply wisdom but not age? — and fabulous board members.

Gayle O’Donnell, owner of Paper Passionista; Pat Lowenberg, founder and “the paper queen” of JPS Signature Collection; Richard May, owner/operator of Thérèse St. Clair; Lisa Traylor, president/owner of Traylor Papers; and Barbara Wicker, owner of The Station House — it was truly an honor to get to know each of them over the past several years and be their sounding board (or use them as mine) as needed. Chandra Greer of GREER, who came on board a little later, is still on duty as you can see. Regardless of what you see in print, I hope all these relationships continue to thrive!

At this past National Stationery Show (NSS), I was really wowed by the panel I moderated, Blogging and Social Media Secrets of Success. So, I asked them to formally be a part of these pages. Please join me in welcoming four very accomplished retailers: Lisa Mattison Roberts, co-owner, Rock Paper Scissors; Holly Bretschneider, president and chief style officer, Salutations; Grace Kang, founder and chief buyer, Pink Olive; and Audrey Woollen, owner and creative director, Urbanic Paper Boutique. Rounding out the impressive group is Daniel Collier of the Daniel Richards.

Finally, regardless of the role you play in the industry, my virtual door is always open. Some of my favorite stories have come from seemingly random emails and phone calls. So please, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Your feedback and insights are invaluable.