Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Kellman and Isabel Bonenfant.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Our journey as Of Note Stationers began first as @IsabelandKate:
“Two friends. Paper lovers. Budding stationery designers. Sending more mail, making people smile, and seeing what happens.”
Yep, that was our @IsabelandKate Instagram bio. We started this account as a hobby, a creative outlet, and a way to brighten people’s days. We both have a long history of note giving and sending, and wanted to make our commitment to doing so official.
This project encouraged us to not only reach out to friends we normally kept in touch with via text message or email, but also to friends that we had lost touch with due to moving away from home or graduating from college. With every note we sent out and received in return, we could feel each of our communities reviving and our relationships within these communities deepening. We experienced first hand the power of the handwritten word and wanted to be a part of sharing that with the world.
Leading up to the launch of our business in May of 2014 were many months of figuring out how we wanted to contribute to the stationery world. In that time we established that it was the “just because” niche of the greeting card industry that captivated us. Within that niche, it was the small yet significant moments of reaching out to loved ones that we hoped to encourage. The moment of inspiration, the moment of writing a note, the moment of receiving a note, each was special in and of itself and worth celebrating.
And so Of Note was born.
In the four years since, we have deepened our understanding of what letter writing provides for individuals, both the writers and the recipients, and we’ve come to recognize that letter writing is a tool for well-being; it is a meditative practice that connects you more deeply with your thoughts and binds you more deeply to your community.
With community in mind, we feel so grateful to our Boston community for the honor of being named Best of Boston in Stationery by Boston Magazine and The Improper Bostonian. We could not have earned that recognition without your support!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a relatively smooth road, however not without sacrifice. I think our biggest struggle has been managing the desire to both work on this business full time with the reality that we need to generate a lot more revenue for that to be possible. With that in mind, I’d say to women just starting their journey that it is okay to have a side-hustle, just because it is on the side doesn’t make it any less real.
So let’s switch gears a bit and talk about what’s new and exciting for Of Note.
At this moment, we are leaning more fully into the practice of letter writing and offering invitations to help you get writing. We know putting pen to paper can sometimes feel daunting so our invitations are created to ease you gently into the practice. You can find our #currentinvitation on our website homepage and get started with a special discount code. Use BOSTONVOYAGER for 15% off your first order.* We’ve also just released the first volume of our quarterly care package, Sincerely, designed for the wondering, vulnerable, and wholehearted. The first edition focuses entirely on gratitude and is available through November.
*available through December 31st, 2018
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Kate:
Gosh, there are so many women who have inspired me.
My mom – for teaching me to celebrate.
Sarah Heidt – An English teacher at Kenyon College who delivered the most brilliant baccalaureate address which, without me realizing it at the time, laid the foundation for what Isabel and I do.
Brene Brown – for the affirmation that I am enough, imperfections and all, and for the permission/encouragement to lean into vulnerability.
Jess Levitz the founder of Freelance Wisdom and Katie Hunt the founder of Tradeshow Bootcamp – for their shared belief in the power of finding your tribe and supporting each other through the ups and downs of creative entrepreneurialism.
Isabel Bonenfant, my best friend and Of Note co-founder – for her patience, will, dedication, know-how, and care, I learn from her every single day.
All my close girlfriends, you know who you are, for continuing to impress me with your brilliance, humor, and strength.
I could go on…
Isabel:
This one’s tough because I feel lucky enough to be surrounded by inspiring females at home, at work, and in my social life.
First, my mom – for her determination and assertiveness.
Secondly, my college besties Mariel and JR – for their devotion to their passions and creative careers, for their commitment to cultivating deep friendships despite long distances, and for their sense of humor.
My other half, Kate, whom I have ventured into the Of Note world with – for her commitment to friendship and community above all. She has this ability to stay kind and considerate, despite how challenging a task might be.
My current and former day job colleagues in Boston – who have taught me how to stand up for what I believe in and search for the good in every situation.
Finally, my sister – a woman who juggles a career and motherhood like it’s no big deal.
Contact Info:
- Address: 220 N. Pleasant Street STE 10
Amherst, MA 01002 - Website: www.ofnotestationers.com
- Email: ofnotestationers@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofnotestationers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfNoteStationers
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/OfNoteStationer/
Image Credit:
Paul Rutherford Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
