Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisol Graham.
Marisol, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I truly started my journey with Baxter Graham Design ten years ago. Having my own design company, working with clients developing their logo designs, marketing materials and websites, gave me the skills to further my art. It was an easy transition to begin designing for textile material. Designing for and with my son makes The Paper Carousel a passion.
When my son was born, it was a challenge to find fun toys or dolls for him. The majority of items out there were mostly sports related. Our household is not a sports household. I am an artist, my husband is a musician and neither of us follow sports. I wanted more art and whimsy in my sons life to help fuel his imagination. So I began to design toys for him. I was encouraged by friends to begin selling these items.
As my son as grown, he has contributed to most of the stuffed dolls. Sitting in my lap while I am on the computer, letting me know what colors he likes. Drawing out his ideas and showing them to me. This collaboration with him has been my biggest inspiration.
Has it been a smooth road?
Having your own company is never a smooth road. If you are a sole proprietor it is very challenging because of the many hats you have to wear. When you are just starting out, you are sales, marketing, accounting, manufacturing, management, customer service, and shipping. I have been lucky having the experience from Baxter Graham Design to be able to create my own advertisements, logo design, website, social media marketing and all the rest.
I am also very grateful finding people to learn from and who have given me opportunities to grow here in Houston. I learned to sew (manufacture) my dolls from Sew Houston and my very first store to stock my merchandise was Space Montrose. I had a booth at a large scale retail market about 3-4 years ago. All the wholesalers were complaining about the lack of attendance and that those who were there were not buying. I was experiencing this as well. I had a few people at the booth asking questions and walking away. Just before the show ended I met Leila. She had to go but told me when I get back to Houston to go to her store. I did and she placed her order with me. Thank you so much. This opened the door for other stockists for my company.
Anyone who is reading this, running your own business is never easy. But have courage and be open to opportunity around you. There will be ups and downs. Don’t give up and allow your business to grow and change. I started The Paper Carousel designing toys for my son and others. I am now transitioning the business to home decor and textile design. This is an opportunity to grow my company into a new direction and I am excited for the change. Always be excited and though it may not be easy, it will be fun.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Paper Carousel story. Tell us more about the business.
My company is focused on textile design and many aspects of that. The textile designs can be purchased as a fabric for curtains, wallpaper for the walls. We are currently developing a line of purses. We manufacture children decor and home decor.
What sets us apart and is what I am most proud of is that we try to go outside of the box in our design. We have pillows that are different shapes from the normal round or square pillows. We also try to go larger than life with some of the pillow designs. We have a 4 foot mermaid and developing a 4 foot dragon floor pillow. We love being unique.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see my company moving further towards textile design. Developing backpacks, handbags and more home decor. I am looking forward to seeing everything come to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepapercarousel.com
- Email: info@baxtergraham.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepapercarousel
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepapercarousel
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/handmade/The-Paper-Carousel
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