SHOP: www.etsy.com/shop/
TWITTER: @ThePaperPlume
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ThePaperPlume
EMAIL: thepaperplume@gmail.com
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/
Hi! My name is Jessica Balsom, by trade I am a commercial interior designer, more recently turned graphic designer/WAHM. I married to one of the most wonderful men/best fathers that I know (who also does all of my photography!)
I began The Paper Plume as a creative outlet/hobby when I decided to put my career on hold and stay at home with my 16-month old son, Grady. Little did I know I would be starting a whole new career.
The passion I have for it and how much I LOVE hearing from customers and receiving feedback. My husband swears it is the sole reason I do it!
3. What is the best decision you’ve made concerning the business/blog?
Really diving in and becoming an active member of Teams and Groups through Etsy and Facebook. I’m currently an active member of The Artisan Group (www.theartisangroup.org). More than the opportunities we’re given to gift celebrities and display our products at gift lounges; the resources, advice, and support I’ve received have proved invaluable.
I’m constantly selling myself short. My Uncle recently told me that one of the reasons Apple has had such success is that Steve Jobs priced all their products. He knew what they were worth. Steve Wasniak, his partner, says that because of the price points Jobs set (ones that he never would have) Apple is what it is today. I’m constantly giving discounts without being asked and I’ve been told my prices are too low. I just have a difficult time charging more!
i’m seriously in LOVE with this “she’s ready to pop” baby shower theme! the whole kit is only $35!
5. What are your tips for finding balance with work/home responsibilities?
I really, really struggle with this. The Paper Plume has grown so in the past few months. I’m considering taking on an intern or having someone help with cleaning and taking care of my son. It is just so hard to balance family, faith, friendship, health, and business. One tip would be to be easy on yourself. No one can do everything! As much as I might want to post 3 or 4 times a week, be active with groups and create new designs, it is just more than I can do right now. That can be hard to accept.
6. Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
EVERYWHERE. Architecture, textiles, wallcoverings, art, nature, fashion, photography, you name it!
Giveaway: $50 Credit to The Paper Plume Shop
HOW TO ENTER: do the mandatory option in the rafflecopter widget below (click continue reading)
EXTRA ENTRIES: do any or all of the additional options
while you are out liking and following, would you please say hello to Jessica and tell her how beautiful her work is!?
thanks and good luck!
hope YOU win!
What a fun give away Andi!!!
If I won – I’d like to maybe use it for a gender reveal or maybe for Lucas’ 2nd birthday!
Talk about some amazing talent – love her designs!
I would spend the $50 on The books and bees baby shower goodies!
Awesome giveaway!
Love her designs! I’ve had my eye on birth announcements for our little one due in July
I would spend it on birth announcements
How fun!! Love party printables, and hers are pretty darn cute!
Oh my goodness, the “She’s ready to pop” set up was amazing. What beautiful work.
Awesome giveaway! Thanks!
I would spend the money on the pirate decorations and printables for my sons birthday! So cute!
These are so cute!!
Great giveaway!
I would definitely want the Pirate Party Decorations and Invitation Printable Birthday – so cute!
Wow! Never heard of them until now…love it!
Thanks for hosting
I’m not sure what I would spend it on, I have a baby shower, gender reveal, and wedding things for friends coming up!
Yay!!! What a great giveaway!! Thanks!!!
Beautiful designs! I could use a $50 credit towards items for my upcoming Wedding, or my sister’s baby shower, or my OTHER sister’s baby shower, or even birthdays come fall! Such great products! Thank you for sharing them with us!
So much to choose from… I would start with Birthday Party invites
what beautiful paper products!
What beautiful work she does! Thanks for spreading the word about her – I will be adding her to my favorites list on etsy.
I don’t know what I would choose – honestly, I would probably pass this on to my sister-in-law and tell her to use it to purchase invitations for the party she wants to have after their house remodeling is finished – or tell her to use it towards something for my nephew’s birthday party. Thank you again for this awesome giveaway.
i love all of these designs! she’s so talented!
OH! What a splendid prize! Exciting!!
If I won… first off I’d FREAK OUT!!! I would love to get the pirate or Dino B-day packs, & the matching invitations! They are such cool designs! LOVE all her pretties!
Wow! I love her stuff!! My sons birthday is in June and I’ll definitely be checking out her shop for it!!
What a fun giveaway! Thanks for the chance!!!
I would definitely choose some Baby Shower invitations! My bestie is going to have a baby soon so that would be PERFECT!
The birth announcements are too cute!!
That would be soooo easy to spend!! Love the giveaway!
I would spend it on the Baby Boy announcement!
What a great giveaway, The Paper Plume’s stuff is awesome!
I would love the birthday party invitations, there’s such a great selection!
how fun! i wish i would’ve known about her shop for my nephew’s party.