She had been representing stationery lines for years and never dreamed the she would have her own line. Daphne Mitchell’s friend had pulled her into the paper business when her kids were babies, but it was another friend that sent her down a different path. 
Tori Samuel is an illustrator who created drawings around letters. She made baby gifts spelling out the name of the new born with her innovative letter drawings. When Daphne saw Tori’s creations she had an idea. “Tori’s work was so unique and well received, I felt there was an opportunity to create our own line of stationery.”
Because Daphne had been retailing lines, she knew what was needed when launching her own. They decided to partner as the demand for Tori’s designs gained steam. Tori’s husband scanned the hand drawn images and Daphne created a book to showcase the letters from A to Z as well as the other icons she has created over the years, so customers would choose their own.
Developing ready-made note cards with the drawings, Daphne learned the software application needed to print her own cards. They dubbed their new line Whale Island Press, as a nod to Nantucket where they met and vacationed as children. Getting orders from several stores in the area, Daphne was ready to scale. So not only do they offer ready -made cards, the stores showcased their book of letters so shoppers can place custom orders.
With the advent of on-line invites, Daphne has seen the stationery business change. Companies adapted by adding other products or they closed. She has adapted by offering Whale Island Press custom designs and on-line designs.
When asked what she likes about her venture, Daphne says, “Helping someone create the perfect card or gift and being involved from beginning to end is very satisfying. ” Believing in the hand written note, she says, “It’s the heartfelt hand written card that people keep, you find it in a box years later because it was so meaningful.” Daphne is teaching her own children, 11 and 13 years old, how to write a thoughtful letter whether its thanks, congratulations or condolences.
And with her one of-a-kind creations, she is providing the stationery for letter writers to keep the tradition alive in a beautiful way.
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VentureMom Tip
When an industry changes, change with it.
