News

In celebration of its 70 years serving the industry, the National Stationery Show (NSS) has introduced “Stationery Stories.” These inspirational narratives as told by stationery storeowners, buyers, designers, and exhibitors highlight how the stationery business has influenced and inspired them. “Stationery Stories” gives the reader a history and context of their journey and experiences.

“These powerful stories put a face to dozens of wonderful people we may know, but whose stories deepen our understanding of how being part of this stationery industry has shaped their lives,” said Patti Stracher, vice president and show director for the NSS. “Stationery Stories celebrates, honors, and applauds our industry community, fitting for a show that at its core is about human connections.”

The Stories Behind Stationery Stories

Grace Kang, owner of Pink Olive locations in New York and the monthly subscription service, OliveBox, founded her store, “Because life is too short to not enjoy the special moments.”

She combines items from her brick-and-mortar shops with ongoing Instagram campaigns to encourage others to celebrate the little things. “Stationery is a particularly powerful way to encourage heartfelt human connections,” said Kang. “Sometimes, a sweet card with a carefully handwritten note can even be a gift on its own.”

On their honeymoon 26 years ago, Jennifer and Ron Rich, immersed themselves in doing what they love: blending sea pods and grasses to make their own rough, earthy handmade paper, which they sold at the Eugene Saturday market. Their quest for paper led them to hand-paper mills in Europe and Asia. In 1998, the Rich’s opened Oblation Papers & Press in Portland, Oregon, where the hand-papermaking studio and letterpress print shops are on view to customers. The shop also showcases a collection of refurbished typewriters, a colorful spinning wheel of ribbons, gift-wrap toppings bar and the finest papers from around the world.

“The stationery life has been a good one so far,” said Ron Rich. “With an incredible staff of 20, and now our two teenage daughters helping with production and shows, we are blessed to be surrounded by a community that deeply cares, and a new generation of paper lovers who appreciates the process of making by hand.”

Tara Riceberg, owner of Tweak, The Original Giftery in Los Angeles, CA, said, “Every gift that goes out of my store, at minimum, makes two people happy. The giver and the receiver.” However, when the recipients are families, co-workers or wedding guests, Riceberg is thrilled by the prospect that these gifts have an even greater effect, resulting in thousands of smiles from her store.