The Paper Trail: The Story Behind Cloth & Paper
From Hoarder to Curator
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a paper enthusiast, a dedicated pen hoarder, and a chronic notebook collector. To me, a blank page wasn’t just paper; it was a world of possibility. However, my collection eventually reached a tipping point. When my now-husband and I got engaged, he gently suggested—for the sake of our shared square footage—that I “liquidate” some of my stash before moving in together. It had, admittedly, gotten a bit out of hand.
Seven years later, the irony isn’t lost on us. He had no idea that by suggesting I clear out my desk, he was actually clearing the path for a business that would redefine our lives. Today, his world revolves around the very things he once asked me to downsize: planners, pens, premium paper, and the shimmer of gold foil.
The Spark of Desperation
Cloth & Paper wasn’t born out of a business plan; it was born out of sheer desperation. In 2015, after nine years in the corporate world, I decided to step away from my career to soul-search and envision my next professional chapter. Naturally, my first instinct was to buy a new planner to organize this transition.
I searched everywhere for a system that mirrored my aesthetic: something minimalist, sophisticated, and functional. I wanted luxury without the clutter. When I couldn’t find it, I realized that if the “perfect” planner didn’t exist, I would have to build it myself. That realization was the first step onto what I call the “paper trail.”
Building an Empire from Scratch
I spent countless days and nights teaching myself the intricacies of graphic design, obsessing over every line and margin to create my own custom planner inserts. What started as a personal project quickly caught fire. Before I knew it, a thriving stationery company had emerged.
The collection soon outgrew inserts, expanding into:
- Architectural Leather Planners that feel as good as they look.
- High-End Writing Instruments sourced for the true pen connoisseur.
- Timeless Accessories designed for the modern professional.
For the first 18 months, I tested my mettle as a solo founder, running every facet of Cloth & Paper on my own. It was grueling, exhilarating, and deeply personal. Today, while the team has grown, I am still based in Richmond, Virginia, leading the creative charge as Chief Designer. I’m still the “brains behind the operation,” ensuring that every gold-foiled edge and minimalist layout stays true to the vision that started it all.
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