Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Gomez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been a very creative person and I chose to work corporate once I graduated college anyway. I quickly realized that I needed to create a job for myself where I would wake up everyday excited to work! I started by making personalized ornaments last Christmas and from there I knew I could keep growing! I started Press N Paper out of the love I have for calligraphy and for crafting in general. I started small and was no longer working corporate so I started with Instagram and sharing on my personal social media accounts.
The following has grown little by little. It’s tough! I listen to podcasts, read blogs about businesses, follow by example of so many talented calligraphers and bloggers. Now I just recently got to work for Channel 11’s Deborah Duncan and we’ve just been accepted as a vendor at HTX Boss Babes Fest! I’ve got huge plans to expand this coming year!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been plenty of bumps in the road. I’ve almost quit a couple of time because at the beginning you have to be your own motivation. I don’t think any entrepreneur would ever say it’s easy really. I’ve had to figure out what to post, how to take better photos of products, there are products that literally didn’t sell at all and just overall lack of motivation.
A lot of people will think you’re crazy until they start to see success. Sometimes I would get nervous because I would miss getting my old paychecks but that goes away in due time when you start to see growth and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
There’s no way I would be where I am without my family and my incredibly supportive boyfriend.
Press N Paper – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Press N Paper began as just a calligraphy business where I would sell personalized cups and mugs on Etsy.
Eventually, I began to expand and now I design personalized Vinyl decals for companies, we make party favors for baptisms, birthdays and all kinds of celebrations! We make mugs and cups sets for bachelorette parties and my new favorite item is personalized designs for huge balloon bouquets with tassels! On @pressnpaper I also show step by step what I personally create for my boyfriend every monthiversary and people message me to tell me how cute the ideas are so that keeps me going!
I’m proud of how much we’ve grown over these last 6 months especially the bouquets I created for channel 11 and making so many female boss friends! I truly believe making our customers happy is our first priority so I always try my hardest to have a very short delivery time.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
That’s a tough one because even the smallest sales feel like huge accomplishments right now haha. There was one particular moment when someone messaged me on Instagram to ask how I juggle work, a personal life and also a small business and that really touched me.
It got me thinking that maybe I need to expand my blog @alwaysaleg and talk about finding time to do everything you want! It was a moment where I felt like someone was watching me and looked to me for answers which was an increíbly humbling feeling.
Contact Info:
- Email: pressnpapershop@gmail.com
- Instagram: pressnpaper
- Other: alwaysaleg
Processed with VSCO with c2 preset
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
