We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria Venturi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My father passed away in 2013 after a fast 60 day battle with Leukemia. All of the sympathy cards I received were terrible. Nothing unique to me or my father or the grief I was feeling. I longed for a card that would put into words what I was experiencing in an authentic way. That was the catalyst for starting a card brand that has now become what many call “the voice of today”.

What should our readers know about your business?
Paper Epiphanies® is a global card, art, and gift brand committed to celebrating the wild rebellion of women and their powerful presence in the world. We create, curate, and ideate products and experiences that tell real stories. We encourage bold, authentic conversations.

I am most proud of our mission to shine a light on topics and card categories that don’t exist. We try to tell all stories, even the hard ones.

Growing this business from my one bedroom rental in Santa Monica into a global brand now sold in over 2,000 stores was the hardest and easiest thing I’ve ever done. Easy because the passion was there. Hard for all the other reasons.

I’ve learned that smart businesses grow slow. I’ve tried to grow steadily but with a pace that I could also maintain the other things I enjoy and that matter to me. There are seasons of fast growth and those of very slow growth. Years when I had a baby and my business went into the “warming drawer” so to speak. I am excited because 2023 will be our best year yet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our company is now based in Portland, Oregon but LA will always have a special place in my heart. There’s nothing quite like that drive down PCH. I would take them to Zuma Beach for a drink at the Sunset Restaurant. Cocktails and an unforgettable sunset is so LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout out goes to Los Angeles printing legend, Mable Lee. Mable shared her time and knowledge with me when I was first starting out. Her insights and encouragement were integral in getting my business off the ground. Women supporting women! Strong women have helped me thousands of times over the years.

Website: www.paperepiphanies.com

Instagram: instagram.com/paperepiphanies

Twitter: @paperepiphanies

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