Master Wedding Vendor - Gayle O’Donnell, MWV™
Paper Passionista
www.PaperPassionista.com, Seattle
Employees: 1 full-timeRevenue Breakdown: 100% invitations and stationeryContact: 206.909.9567, info@PaperPassionista.com,
Twitter (@paprpassionista.com),
Facebook (facebook.com/paperpassionista),
Pinterest (paperpassionista), LinkedInFamily: Married 24 years to Jim O’Donnell. I have one adult son, Andy, 32.Education: Bachelor of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, and a post-graduate certificate in Human Services Management, University of Washington, Seattle.On Being an MWV™: It took three years to reach MWV™ level (achieved in 2011). It’s good to have goals to keep us continually striving to be on top of our game.On the Business: Paper Passionista is Seattle’s first mobile invitation and stationery concierge service. Rather than a customer having to come to a store during store hours, we go to a convenient location for the client at a time that works best for the client’s schedule.On the ABC: I joined in March 1994 to gain professional training and networking opportunities. I continue to belong as a vendor member. It’s important to belong to organizations that promote professionalism in the industry. I have made so many wonderful friends over the years through my association membership that I would never consider leaving “the family”!Mentors: I consider Lois Pearce someone who has always had excellent sound advice. Now, we’re more on the level of “comrades” as we’ve weathered changes in our businesses over the years. When I opened my first invitations and stationery store, I looked to Elaine Barker of Paper Potpourri for tips and advice, and even visited her awesome store in Haverhill, Mass. Today, we’re still in touch to discuss major changes in the industry.Inspiration: The National Stationery Show in New York, which I’ve attended every year for the past 16 years, is by far the place I get the most inspiration. Wedding and event blogs by Preston Bailey and Colin Cowie are always packed full of valuable design ideas as well. Pantone’s website gives me guidance on color trends.Marketing Strategy: I rely most on word-of-mouth referrals from wedding consultants and former clients, but I also participate in several smaller wedding shows and events. Now that I am targeting a more discerning clientele, I don’t participate in the mass market bridal shows in our area which tend to draw the bargain shopper bride. I get great return on my time investment from participation in Pinterest boards and my business’ Facebook page.Staying Fresh: In addition to the National Stationery Show, I also receive great value each time I attend The Business of Brides, the ABC’s annual conference. I’ve attended Wedding MBA several times as well, and have found it helpful, particularly in the area of social media.Ideal Client: Anyone who wants great style and quality in their invitations, combined with superior service and knowledge from their stationer, and who also understands that you don’t get that from a website discounter.Favorite Move: The Sound of Music. I’ll never forget that wonderful wedding processional. I tried to find the music from it when I was planning my own wedding music!In Her Free Time: I attend wedding networking events; go to movies, musicals, and live theater performances with my husband; and watch college and professional sports. I’d love to be doing more traveling, too!In the Media: I’ve been featured on Northwest Afternoon, Seattle in 2001 and 2008, and New Day Northwest, Seattle in 2010. I was also co-host for a radio program, Nearlywed Radio, in Seattle, in 2009.Words of Wisdom: Get involved with local networking/professional organizations, and participate as much as possible. Having a strong group of others who are “in the trenches” with you is the best way to gain professional inspiration, and moral support when times get tough. You should always look at other planners in your community as your comrades, not your competition.On Giving Back: I frequently donate paper goods for professional and charitable organizations locally. I’ve participated on two different charity boards over the years. I also like to help mentor those starting up new businesses in wedding planning or stationery and invitations. I also serve on the Editorial Advisory Board for Stationery Trends, a nationally distributed trade magazine.[nggallery id=23]